The Dragonling: A Dragon in the Family by Jackie French Koller - OPTIONAL

The Dragonling: A Dragon in the Family (Dragonling, #2) by Jackie French Koller, 71 pages.  CHAPTER BOOK Aladdin, 1993.  $17.  9781534400658  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW  

The village Darek lives in is having a hard time adjusting to Darek’s dragon, Zantor.  Although Darek is trying to show the village that dragons don’t mean them harm, the village council isn’t on board and the kids Darek’s age have started to tease him and Zantor.  When some of the boys make an untrue claim about Zantor attacking them, Darek’s father is brought before the council and has to answer for his son and Zantor.  

Again, the cover doesn’t properly represent the book because the cover looks cartoon-ish and the book is more serious.  As much as I think kids will pick these books up for their covers, I don’t think they will keep reading once they see the bland inside illustrations.  This story was good, but the ending was abrupt and not satisfying.  After reading the first book with my son, he wasn’t interested in reading any more about Darek and Zantor.  

C. Peterson   

The Dragonling by Jackie French Koller - OPTIONAL

The Dragonling (Dragonling, #1) by Jackie French Koller, 70 pages.  CHAPTER BOOK  Aladdin, 1990.  $17  9781534400627  

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW 

Darek lives in a community that raises their boys to hunt dragons and the ultimate honor is to kill a dragon.  When Darek’s brother, Clep, comes home with a dead dragon, Darek can’t wait until it’s his turn.  Until Darek finds the dragon’s baby dragonling.  Darek’s heart goes out to the little dragonling, whom he names Zantor.  Darek goes on a secret quest to return Zantor to a group of dragons and finds the truth about dragons’ role in his world.  

This book feels like the ultimate bait and switch because the cover is cartoon-ish and young looking, but the inside illustrations are older and the story has an older feel.  My 8yo son was disappointed immediately, but we persevered and the story was actually quite enjoyable.  The ending was a bit disappointing, because Darek’s mom saves the day and up until the end she hadn’t really played a part in the story.  

C. Peterson

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies by Joyce Sidman - ESSENTIAL

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian’s Art Changed Science by Joyce Sidman. NONFICTION PICTURE BOOK. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. $18. 9780544717138.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL.

An historical masterpiece recording the life and works of Maria Merian.  Maria grew up learning art in the home and studying the life of butterflies.  Not only did she paint exact renditions of the butterflies, she helps discover the various stages of metamorphosis.  Her renditions were so exact that scientists used her paintings in research.

This beautifully illustrated book should be in every library.  Not only is it a story about butterflies, but a wonderful story about a strong, talented woman who was admired in an era only for men.

MOMMAC

Words to Love By by Rick Warren - ADVISABLE

Words to Love By by Rick Warren, illustrated by Ag Jatkowsky.  PICTURE BOOK.  Zonderkidz, 2018.  $18. 9780310752820

BUYING ADVISORY:  Pre-K, EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Warren’s writing and Jatkowska’s illustrations are an exuberant look at the power of words to love, to share, to hurt, and to heal.  While there is a mention of God wanting us to have kind hearts, the message is universal – perfect for any classroom to promote kindness.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Cloud Chaser by Anne-Fleur Drillon - ADVISABLE

Cloud Chaser by Anne-Fleur Drillon, illustrated by Eric Puybaret.  PICTURE BOOK.  Barefoot Books, 2018.  9781782854111

BUYING ADVISORY:  EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The young boy’s inventorly ways were misunderstood, but when the old man moved in next door, his imaginings began to take flight.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading a picture about a apprenticeship-like relationship that is a tender generational friendship.  The illustrations are really the star here – Puybaret draws as dreamily as the story.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne - ADVISABLE

Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne, 391 pages. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. $17.99

Language: PG13 (13 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The earth is no longer habitable because of another ice age; people have survived by living in spaceships that orbit the earth as they wait for the day they can safely return. But the ships are starting to break down, and Stella is determined not to go down with the failing ship she is living on. When Stella requests to transfer ships, she did not expect for her simple life to lead her through so many difficult decisions that determine the outcome for hundreds of lives.

I found myself intrigued by Stella’s story from page one – from the lives that people live among the stars to the intrigue that Stella finds as she tries to change the course of her life. The way that Stella lives by doing what she believes to be right and overcoming her fears to try new things is a lesson that we should all take to heart. Those who enjoy the stories of Jane Eyre and Beauty and the Beast will also enjoy Brightly Burning.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher - ESSENTIAL

Now You Know How It Works by Valorie Fisher.  PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION.  Orchard (Scholastic), 2018.  $18. 9781338215458

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3), EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Genius!  Fisher has taken many common objects that kids are familiar with and add explanations and illustrations to explain what the item is made of (many of them) and how they work.  A great book about mechanics and physics and will fan many curious minds.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Pocket Bios by Al Berenger Set #2 - ADVISABLE

Pocket Bios by Al Berenger. NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE.  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Each book is divided into about ten sections. Each section has a guiding topic at the top, two or three paragraphs, and a date or date range. These are each paired with a cartoonish illustration. Following the text is a timeline, map key, people to know page, and fun facts. 

I love the way the text is divided up into sections that make the biographies accessible. There is a lot of detail in these biographies without being hard to read. The illustrations are cartoonish which makes it less aesthetically pleasing but less intimating for young readers. These books do a good job covering the whole span of a life - not just the moments they are famous for. I am disappointed that there are only four women covered in the collection so far. 

Nelson Mandela  9781250166135  

I learned that Nelson Mandela used the World Cup to bring his country together. 

Abraham Lincoln 9781250166111  

I learned the Abe grew a beard after a young girl wrote him a letter saying it would be good luck. 

Neil Armstrong 9781250166197  

I learned that young Neil got his pilots license before he got his drivers license. 

Albert Einstein 9781250166098  

I learned that Albert was asked to be president of the newly formed Israel but declined.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Good Morning, Neighbor by Davide Cali - ADVISABLE

Good Morning, Neighbor by Davide Cali, illustrated by Maria Dek. PICTURE BOOK. Princeton Architectural Press, 2017. $18. 9781616896997

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A mouse has a plan to make an omelet but needs an egg. When she goes to ask her neighbor the blackbird, the blackbird tells mouse that she doesn’t have an egg but she has flour and maybe they could make a cake. And so they go to the next neighbor to see if they have an egg but they have butter. And so the story goes until they are able to make the cake and have to decide how to divide and share it. 

I thought this book was darling from start to end. The art is a bit Scandinavian in style and completely charming and the text is fun to read aloud. On top of that, there is a great message about sharing and being careful not to leave someone out. I didn’t make it “essential” because I don’t think this is a book kids will pick up over and over again, but it is a very good one-read book. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers - ESSENTIAL

What Can a Citizen Do? by Dave Eggers, illustrated by Shawn Harris. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2018. $18. 9781452173139

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This book asks a series of questions about a citizen’s role in a community and attempts to answer them with ideas about small and large things young and old citizens alike can do. The answers include things like planting a tree and simply just caring. The book also explore what it looks like to be a part of a community - the good and the bad.

I really enjoyed this poetic call to arms for kids to get involved in their communities. I felt motivated after reading this to look around and do something. The art is very creative, done with cut paper and the illustrations represent many walks of life - children of color, boys wearing skirts, bears in pink pants. There is a lot in here to talk about and discuss with a class, making this an excellent addition to any classroom lesson on community or government or citizenship.  

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

FYI:  The author and editor have created a video showing their creation and collaboration process.  Check it out here.

Pocket Bios by Al Berenger - ADVISABLE

Pocket Bios by Al Berenger. PICTURE BOOK. Roaring Brook Press, 2015. $15.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE.  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Each book is divided into about ten sections. Each section has a guiding topic at the top, two or three paragraphs, and a date or date range. These are each paired with a cartoonish illustration. Following the text is a timeline, map key, people to know page, and fun facts. 

I love the way the text is divided up into sections that make the biographies accessible. There is a lot of detail in these biographies without being hard to read. The illustrations are cartoonish which makes it less aesthetically pleasing but less intimating for young readers. These books do a good job covering the whole span of a life - not just the moments they are famous for. I am disappointed that there are only four women covered in the collection so far. 

Blackbeard   9781250166050  

This book was unlike the others in that it was about a historical figure not to be looked up to. I learned that Blackbeard was so fierce that he wove cannon fuses into his beard.

Isaac Newton   9781250168795  

I learned that in his tinkering, Isaac once built a tiny mill powered by a mouse. 

Muhammad Ali   9781250168740  

I learned that Muhammad lost his world title because he opposed the Vietnam war.

Charlie Chaplin  9781250166234  

I learned that many of Charlie’s movies were not only funny, but also a commentary on plights of different populations. This text is very circular, starting with his poor beginnings and ending with his generous donations to the poor. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Food Hide and Sneak by Bastien Contraire - ESSENTIAL

Food Hide and Sneak by Bastien Contraire. BOARD BOOK. Phaidon, 2018. $10. 9780714877235

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Each page is simply illustrated in pink and green shades and contains two rows of images, one of which is not like the others.  The catch is that the odd item out looks like the others. 

This book is very fun to look at. My favorite page is full of cans and jars of food plus a lighthouse, which really does blend in. There are no words after the first page and this will appeal to very young readers.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Orphan Monster Spy by Matt Killeen - ADVISABLE

Orphan Monster Spyby Matt Killeen, 432 pgs. Viking Books for Young Readers, 2018. $19.

Language: PG (9 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: R (alcohol use by minors, inferred incest, and attempted rape of a minor); Violence: R (multiple depictions of violent confrontation)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS—OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL—HIGH  

Germany, 1939. Sarah is 15-years-old, Jewish, and on the run from the Nazis who have just executed her mother at a checkpoint. While fleeing for her life, Sarah comes into contact with a mysterious man who will provide her with the means to leave Germany, but asks for her to stay and help instead. He tasks her with the mission of infiltrating a private school for elite German girls to make contact with, and befriend, the daughter of a top Nazi official. In order to avenge her mother and create some type of future for herself, Sarah must risk everything to get close to the enemy and do her part to end the evil that has taken over her country.

World War II will always be a subject of interest and numerous books have been written on the subject. In this historical fiction outing, an exciting plot develops around a young Jewish girl fleeing for her life and the British spy she joins forces with. The book moves quickly and will engage the reader; however, there are parts that strain credibility and become a bit fantastical in order to move the plot on the course the author desires. The addition of a subplot involving pedophilia and rape of a child are disturbing and leave the reader questioning the need for this plot device and whether or not the conclusion could have been achieved in a different, less stomach churning, way. Overall, readers who enjoy WWII fiction and spy adventure will be pleased, but will do better with a forewarning to some of the more distasteful elements.

AEB

The Queen of the Frogs by Davide Cali - OPTIONAL

The Queen of the Frogsby Davide Cali, illustrated by Marco Soma. PICTURE BOOK Eerdmans Books for Young Readers, 2017. $16. 9780802854810

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)—OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

The frogs of the pond spend their days swimming, catching flies, and singing. One day, a crown falls into the pond and when a little frog places it on her head, she is proclaimed the queen. The queen now rules over all the frogs, but her subjects soon begin to object. Now she must prove herself if she wishes to continue to wear the crown.

Beautiful illustrations in muted tones far surpass the quality of the story. Young readers will have little interest in a book that acts as a metaphor for oppressive governments and the ability and desire of the people to revolt to secure their individual freedoms. The ending also hits the wrong tone feeling as though it was added as an afterthought.

AEB

Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden - ESSENTIAL

Yellow Kayak by Nina Laden, illustrated by Melissa Castrillon. PICTURE BOOK Simon and Schuster, 2018. $18. 9781534401945

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3)—ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A young boy and his giraffe set out in a boat to travel the seas. As they ride the waves together they experience the thrill of adventure on the open water finding both courage and joy. When the winds quiet and the rain stops, they make their way back to the comfort of home.  

Simple, yet effective, verse tells the story of a boy and his giraffe. The adventure they embark on will excite young readers as they will experience the diverse creatures and changing moods of the sea. The gorgeous jewel tone illustrations perfectly compliment the story giving an overall surrealist feel.

AEB

The Lifters by Dave Eggers - OPTIONAL

The Lifters by Dave Eggers, 340 pages.  Alfred A. Knopf, 2018.  $18.  

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG.  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – OPTIONAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Gran moves to a new town with his sister and parents.  Gran’s dad has trouble finding work and is usually traveling and Gran’s family seems a little stressed.  One day while Gran’s at school, he meets a girl named Catalina Catalan and he feels like they should be friends.  Catalina’s not the nicest, but Gran follows her one day after school and sees her disappear into a hillside.  Gran soon finds himself mixed up in Catalina’s secret about their town and because Gran is looking for a break from the stress at home, he likes feeling needed in Catalina’s cause.  

The cover of this book sucked me in and I really wanted to like the story because something about Gran was endearing, but I just couldn’t get behind the weirdness.  Catalina is a bully (she has no back story), so I’m never sure why Gran likes her and I wouldn’t follow her around the corner, let alone into a disappearing door, so I didn’t get the appeal.  The task the kids were given, to prop up the town with junk, seemed hopeless and unrealistic and the illustrations were blurry and unattractive.  

C. Peterson   

Why the Face? by Jean Jullien - ESSENTIAL

Why the Face? by Jean Jullien. BOARD BOOK. Phaidon, 2018. $15. 9780714877198

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K – ESSENTIAL.  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

One page asks, “Why the face?” and the opposing page has an illustration with someone making a dramatic face. When you lift the flap with the face on it you see what caused the face. 

This book is so much fun. It’s fun to guess what the face is for and it’s funny when you learn whats behind the flap. My favorite is a dazed face with technology behind the flap.

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson - OPTIONAL

A is for Astronaut: Blasting Through the Alphabet by Clayton Anderson, illustrated by Scott Brundage.  NON-FICTION/PICTURE BOOK Sleeping Bear Press, 2018. $17.  9781585363964  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3-), EL – OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  

Each letter of the alphabet explains a different element of space travel.  Some of the letters explain parts of the space shuttles or the outfits and other letters explain terms used (such as Zulu).  There is a 4-6 line poem that includes the space term as well as a hefty 3-4 paragraph informational side bar for every letter.  

I tried to read this book with my 8 year old and he asked me to stop reading after the second letter.  The illustrations are amazing and grab your attention, but the amount of informational text is overwhelming and the vocabulary to hard for younger readers to understand.  I thought I would just read the poems to my son, but he even got bored with that.  Maybe a real space lover could enjoy this book, but your average reader is going to be turned off by the amount of text and an older reader is going to feel like the picture book is too babyish.  That said the informational text was super interesting and I, as an adult, enjoyed it.

C. Peterson

The Dress and the Girl by Camille Andros - ESSENTIAL

The Dress and the Girl by Camille Andros, illustrated by Julie Morstad. PICTURE BOOK. Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018. $18. 9781419731617

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ESSENTIAL  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

A girl loves wearing the dress her mom made to do all the simple things that make up her life, and yet her and her dress long for something extraordinary. Then one day they leave their home to move to America and the dress is lost in a trunk. The trunk with the dress travels the world and the girl grows up and has a girl of her own. One day they meet again through the window of a second hand shop. 

The illustrations in this book are gorgeous and behind the story of the dress is the story of leaving one’s country for another and finding the things that matter. This is a thoughtful and well composed book that reads a bit like poetry. 

Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab - ESSENTIAL

City of Ghosts by Victoria Schwab, 285 pages.  Scholastic Press, 2018.  $18.  

Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL; HS – ADVISABLE  

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  

Cass almost died when she was run off the road on her bike and crashed through the ice of the river.  A ghost named Jacob helps to save her, but ever since that incident Cass can feel the pull from the other side of the veil and when she opens the veil she can relive ghost’s experiences that caused their death.  It just so happens that Cass’s parents write about haunted places and they have a new television program that they are going to Scotland to shoot.  When Cass gets to Scotland she learns more about why she feels the tug towards the veil and has a run in with an especially disturbed ghost.  

I couldn’t put this book down.  I loved Cass and the spooky ghost stories in Scotland.  I loved the minor characters and the way that the author described the world of spirits, making it believable.  There is not any gruesome violence but there are intense situations where people die, so I put the violence as PG, but this a good clean ghost story that is easy to recommend.  I loved it and I hope that there is more to come.  

C. Peterson