The Creeping by Alexandra Sirowy-OPTIONAL

Sirowy, Alexandra, The Creeping. Pgs. 287. Simon and Schuster, 2016. $9.99. Language: PG-13 (there's swearing, but not a ton. It's more the way they talk),  Mature Content: R (lot of sexual references, drinking, etc)., Violence: PG-13 to R (depends on where you'd rate serial killers back for revenge)

11 years ago, Stella and Jainie disappeared, but only Stella came back. She doesn't remember what happened to her, but when someone shows up murdered, it triggers her to figure out what really happened. With a town full of ancient evil and secrets, discovering her and the town's past will either save her or kill her. With a murderer on the lose, will Stella survive to figure out what happened to her and Jainie?

This is your classic "I Know What You Did Last Summer" horror feel of a book. The book is intense and suspenseful, but parts of the story seemed to clash with the main story line. The characters leave something to be desired. They are fairly stereotypical popular kids except for Stella. Still, older fans of horror will enjoy reading this book. HS. OPTIONAL.

From Seed to Sunflower by Mari Schuh -ADVISABLE

Schuh, Mari From Seed to Sunflower 24 pgs. Lerner, 2017. $24.99  NON-FICTION

This book details the steps a sunflower goes through from seed to seedling to flowering plant. It provides quite a bit of information about the size of the plant, how it obtains its energy, and pollination. Big bright photographs accompany each stage in the process.

This series is impressive, with appealing covers and it is sized just right for student’s hands. The photographs are often close-ups and could be easily shared with a group. For reading on their own, this text would work best for a second grader and up. I already have a book similar to this but its geared for more of a Pre-k reading level, so this will be a welcome addition to the collection.

EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

From Egg to Honeybee by Lisa Owings -ADVISABLE

Owings, Lisa From Egg to Honeybee 24 pgs. Lerner, 2017. $24.99  NON-FICTION

This book details out each step as a new bee grows from egg, to larvae, to bee. It features lots of extra and fascinating information about the roles of the adult bee’s and the food the bees are fed at each stage. Big bright photographs accompany each stage in the process.

This series is impressive, with appealing covers and it is sized just right for student’s hands. The photographs are often close-ups and could be easily shared with a group. For reading on their own, this text would work best for a second grader and up.

EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE Reviewer: Stephanie Elementary School Librarian & Author.

Queen Dog by Bridget Heos-ADVISABLE

Heos, Bridget, ill. by. Alejandro OKeeffe. Queen Dog. Disney Hyperion, 2017. $16.99. PICTURE BOOK.

Queen Dog is used to be pampered by her human servants. Everything is great until a newcomer distracts her servants Will Queen Dog figure out a way to share her throne? The story is cute and simple. The illustrations are bright, colorful, and detailed. Fans of dogs and young children will love having this book read aloud to them. PreK, EL (K-3). ADVISABLE. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.

The Irish Potato Famine by Jill Sherman-ESSENTIAL

Sherman, Jill, The Irish Potato Famine. Pgs. 40. Lerner Publishing Company, 2017. $30.65. INFORMATION.

In the mid-1840s, Ireland had a blight that impoverished many farmers. Many families went hungry. As a result, this famine had a cause and effect chain reaction. The information in this book are presented in a common core-friendly format. The illustration, photos, and diagrams present a logical pattern to the readers and bring the Irish Potato Famine to life. This is a great addition to any non-fiction collection. Included are cause and effect charts, a glossary, sources for further information, and an index to help with common core standards.  MS, HS. ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: Kira M, Youth Services Librarian, WHI Public Library.