The Summer of Lost Letters by Hannah Reynolds - ADVISABLE

 The Summer of Lost Letters by Hannah Reynolds 374 pages. Razorbill (Penguin Random House), 2021. $19

Language: PG-13 (97 swears 1 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (making out, parties involving alcohol); Violence: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

17yo Abby Schoenberg has found some love letters in her recently passed grandmother's belongings. What? Grandmother had never talked about this "lost love" and apparently there's a necklace involved, that he wouldn't return! Abby puts some clues together, and after a google search determines that her grandmother's relationship can be traced to a wealthy family in Nantucket, and Edward - the man from the letters, is still alive and living in the same house. So, she finds a summer job in a bookstore, rents a room for the summer and heads to the Island to investigate, and learn more about her grandmother - a refugee from the holocaust, sent to New York at the age of 4 to live with a foster family. Edward's handsome grandson Noah intercepts Abby's prying, his family's business is none of hers. 

This would be a great summer read! The perfect amount of mystery, nostalgia and romance with wealthy teenager beach parties, sailing excursions and lots of ice cream. I was intrigued by the story and was not disappointed. The romance is so sweet, and the resolution satisfying.  There is a lot of teen drinking and talk of "hooking up" - definitely YA relevant.

Lisa Librarian

Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian - OPTIONAL

Castles in Their Bones by Laura Sebastian, 528 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2022. $19.

Language: PG (8 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Beatriz, Daphne, and Sophronia are triplet princesses who have been prepared for their arranged marriages since birth. After their sixteenth birthday, the sisters are dispatched to the surrounding countries to not only marry but also ignite wars that will allow their mother to take over the entire continent. However, the deeper they get into their assignments, the fewer things go according to plan and the more doubts arise.

For most of the book, there was so much deception that it was hard to see if any of the protagonists were heroes worth cheering on – instead, I became anxious about those being taken advantage of. I continued reading, despite seeing no possible happy endings, and found that Sebastian skillfully arranged the trials for each sister so that they had to stretch rather than rely on their strengths. And then, nearly at the end, I realized that I had become enraptured by the development and entanglement of the plans being carried out. Instead of being relieved to finish the book, I find myself wondering when the sequel will be available. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, innuendo, sexual harassment, and discussions of consummating marriage. The violence rating is for gun use, executions, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Life on Repeat by Amy Larson Marble - NO

Life on Repeat by Amy Larson Marble, 194 pages. Hildebrand Books (W. Brand Publishing), 2020. $17.

Language: PG (4 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - NO

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

After Sarah experiences “the moment,” she realizes that she’s been Sarah before – several times, actually. Each Sarah has a different last name, a different high school, and a different decade, but every Sarah she remembers being has never lived longer than age 23. How is Sarah supposed to live if she knows how her story is going to end?

The concept is interesting, but I felt misled by the narrator because her life doesn’t really repeat as much as she professes. This confusing introduction, inconsistencies throughout the story, and lack of action in the author’s style of writing quickly convinced me to not worry about the cliffhanger ending. The mature content rating is for mentions of drug and alcohol use.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders - ADVISABLE

Shielded by KayLynn Flanders, 424 pages. Delacorte Press (Random House), 2020. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

In the space of two days, Princess Jennesara (17yo) learns that there is a traitor in the castle, the warring on the northern border is worse than they thought, and her father knows about her secret magic. Denied her insistence that she can help in the fighting, she can do nothing but marry a prince she’s never met for a needed alliance. Jennesara reluctantly heads toward her new life, not understanding the depth of evil working against her family.

Flanders ensnared me with this story as thoroughly as the luring Wild that captivates Jennesara on her journey. I loved the magic, the battles, the betrayals, the complicated plan of the antagonists, the emotions, the personalities – everything except a couple of plot points that were hard for me to believe. My fingers are crossed in hopes that the sequel will be at least as good. The violence rating is for persistent battle and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé - HIGH

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, 470 pages. Usborne, 2021. $19.

Language: R (86 swears 80 'f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (sexual situations); Violence: PG-13 (targeting, bullying). 

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Niveus Private Academy has only 2 students of color, Chiamaka and Devon. This is their senior year and they have great plans for college. But soon after the school year starts, someone starts sending pictures to the rest of the students - pictures of Chiamaka or Devon that reveal secrets each would rather everyone not know. Who is targeting these students, and ruining their lives? 

A highly suspenseful thriller that kept me on the very edge of my seat. Well written from both Devon and Chiamaka's perspectives, this debut novel has so many twists and turns. Racism, high school dating drama, coming out (or not), family issues - lots of topics skillfully woven together. 

Lisa Librarian

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera - ESSENTIAL

The Last Cuentista by Donna Barba Higuera 336 pages. Levine Querido, 2021. $18. 

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

12yo Petra's abuelita is a story teller, and that is exactly what she wants to be when she grows up - but the world is ending, and her parents are scientists escaping the planet with their family (and others) to travel through space (and time) to begin again on another planet. Placed in stasis as the journey takes hundreds of years, Petra is brought back to find that things are not as she expected. The Collective has taken over the ship, and any of the children who awaken with memories are purged. Petra is a step ahead of them - she carries not only memories, but all the stories, too. But can she keep that from the Collective? 

I thought The Last Cuentista would be about a story teller, but it's oh so much more! Yes, there's some Mexican Folklore, and references to many other books and stories, but this beautiful Dystopian/Space Travel middle grade novel is a remarkable statement of the importance of our cultures, and the necessity of sharing our stories. I hope it gets a lot of attention from the kids - the cover is beautiful, but not the kind that usually appeals to middle grade readers. I expect, like Lowry's "The Giver" "The Last Cuentista" will soon appear as a classroom novel. Science fiction is so fun to teach. 

Lisa Librarian

Starfish by Lisa Fipps - ADVISABLE

Starfish by Lisa Fipps, 256 pages. Nancy Paulsen (Penguin Random House), 2021. $18.

Language: G. (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Bullying). 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

When Ellie was 5, she jumped into the family pool making a big splash - her sister called her "Splash" and the name stuck. she has been teased and bullied about her weight ever since. Even her mother is constantly criticizing her weight. Now 12yo Ellie is starting a new school year without her best friend Viv who moved over the summer, but the bullies are still there - especially Marissa and Kortnee who openly call her names, tease and sabotage her. As the bullying at school intensifies, Ellie's father, a psychiatrist, wisely gets Ellie into a good therapist, but can Ellie be completely honest about everything that is going on? After so many years, it's hard to know who to trust. 

Wow - such a great debut novel. Written in verse, it reads quickly, and as the author's note explained based on her own experiences. I couldn't wait to talk about it and have been thinking about it all day. I love stories that stick around in my head. I didn't love that the school couldn't seem to stop the blatant bullying and name calling, even the attacks (pranks?) they happened in the hallway, the classrooms, everywhere. And her mother was particularly awful. I hesitate to recommend this to a student with a similar struggle as Ellie, as I'm sure a lot of the experiences may be triggers, but it will certainly build empathy.   

Lisa Librarian

Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds and Raul the Third - ADVISABLE

Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds and Raul the Third, 272 pages. Caitlyn Dlouhy Books/Atheneum (Simon and Schuster), 2021. $14. 

Content: G. 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL  MS- ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

10yo Portico Reeves lives in an apartment, but he calls it a castle. His best friend Zola lives there, and so does his enemy Herbert Singletary "The Worst". Portico's parents have decided to take 2 apartments in the building, one upstairs and one downstairs and are in the process of splitting everything up. This causes a great deal of anxiety (the frets) for Portico who often comes into a room where they are fighting over something. So, Portico decides he will become a superhero - one who can protect other super heroes and calls himself "Stuntboy". He has invented all sorts of crazy moves to diffuse any situation - but will they help him face his own problems, which seem out of control? 

Like Dee's "Fighting Words," "Stuntboy in the Meantime" is about a young kid going through a hard time without all the tools to cope. He doesn't understand his parents are getting divorced. Adults and children with that background knowledge will pick up on it right away while others will figure it out along the way like Portico does. I loved Raul the Third's illustrations, playing on the popular style of Wimpy Kid, Raul the Third has given the illustrations more depth, adding color and sometimes backgrounds. Although Portico is young for my middle school readers, I still plan to buy copies as Jason Reynolds books are very popular. 

Lisa Librarian

The City (Scary Stories for Young Foxes #2) by Christian McKay Heidicker - ESSENTIAL

The City (Scary Stories for Young Foxes #2) by Christian McKay Heidicker, illustrated by Junyi Wu, 400 pages. Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2021 $18.00 Language: G (0 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (gore, peril, terror) 

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

For the young foxes in the barn, the stories told by the grown foxes were scary, exciting, sometimes comforting, but as they were in their wire dens, all the adventure they were likely to experience. Until 3 of them manage to escape. Then they learn what's really going on and need to run for their lives. In another part of town, another young fox is also facing an unknown danger, there's a monster hiding in the shadows. When Cozy and the foxes from the farm find each other, they will have to rely on each other's strengths - and the stories they have heard - to stay alive in the city 

So creepy, so intense. Could not put it down, although sometimes I wanted to because the cringe factor is pretty high. I loved how the stories from the first book were incorporated. "The City," which I think is more of a companion than a sequel, can easily stand on its own. Definitely horror though, you'll have some pretty shocked readers if you put this in "animal stories." 

Lisa Librarian 

The Greatest Song of All by Megan Hoyt and Katie Hickey - ADVISABLE

 The Greatest Song of All: how Isaac Stern united the worlds to save Carnegie Hall by Megan Hoyt, illustrated by Katie Hickey. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Quill Tree (Harper), June 2022. $19. 9780063045279

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE; MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Carnegie Hall was opened in 1891, when Isaac Stern was only 9 years old. By 1960, Stern had performed there more than 50 times. Then word comes that the Powers That Be are looking to modernize NYC’s downtown and Carnegie Hall is in the way. Isaac Stern will have to work swiftly to save his beloved Hall. He need help from people of all walk of life to raise the $5 million in such a short time.

A curiosity book about NYC history, but also great side stories that can be explored – urban planning, gentrification, displacing minorities in the name of “progress”. If a secondary class covers those types of issues, it could be a valuable addition.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle and Jo Rioux - HIGH

 The Secret Starling by Judith Eagle, illustrated by Jo Rioux, 249 pages. Walker Books (Candlewick), 2021. $17

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

12yo Clara Starling is an orphan and lives with her uncle in Braithwaite Manor in Yorkshire. Her uncle does not like children and is very cold and unfriendly with Clara. She does not attend school, but is educated by various governesses who barely lasts a month because of her uncle and all his harsh rules. One day her uncle leaves her in the village with a lot of money in her pocket. Once Clara returns to the manor house, she finds herself alone and a "For Sale" sign outside. Along with a boy Peter, she find an old ballet slipper under a floorboard and they decide to investigate. What secrets will they uncover while investigating? Who is after them, and can they stay ahead of those that want to hurt them?

I loved the story. It is well written and the characters are well developed and strong and spunky. They are good kids caught up in a situation they don't understand. They do their best to unravel the mystery of how all that happens to them is somehow connected. The villains in the book are vile and dangerous. I think that students would really love this book if introduced to it in a book talk. Despite the dull cover, I highly recommend this one.  You'll just have to hand sell it.

Ellen-Anita, LMS 

The Way of the Hive: a honeybee’s story by Jay Hosler - ESSENTIAL

The Way of the Hive: a honeybee’s story by Jay Hosler, 160 pages. NON-FICTION GRAPHIC NOVEL. HarperAlley, 2021. $13.

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Nyuki is a bee larvae who isn’t convinced she’s ready to metamorphosize, but Divorah, an older bee talks her through her anxiety. Through Nyuki’s eyes, and her sarcastic wit, we see the life cycle of a bee, a hive, and a bit of the world around them.

Hosler’s work is miles above in quality and readability of the Science Comics books. I don’t know how many other topics he could expound upon, but I would look forward to any he can give us.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Me (Moth) by Amber Mcbride - OPTIONAL

Me (Moth) by Amber Mcbride, 243 pages. Feiwel and Friends, 2021. $16

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG-13 (car accident, death, grief); Violence: PG-13(abuse, slavery mentioned)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

In this free prose poetry novel, Moth, a 17yo high schooler who's family died in a tragic accident, struggles with survivors guilt and just trying make it through life. Ever since her mom, dad and brother passed away in the accident her past passions for dancing were snuffed out and her demons she battles everyday grow stronger. Until one day she meets Sani, a Navajo born young man who has struggles of his own. His parents got a divorce, and his current step father is extremely abusive. Seeking refuge and clarity this unlikely pair take a road trip across America to find answers to their past.

I can appreciate McBride's writing style and she uses a lot of metaphors that I can admire. But all in all as a novel- this didn't really cut it for me. The free verse didn't make a whole lot of sense- and everything the characters said was questionable dialogue that made me confused. Sometimes the lines were just cheesy and didn't have any meaning to them. This also took me a while to fully get into and feel compelled to continue the story.

Kenzie Hoehne, Reviewer 

When the Schools Shut Down by Yolanda Gladden, Dr. Tamara Pizzoli and Keisha Morris - ADVISABLE

 When the Schools Shut Down: A Young Girl's Story of Virginia's "Lost Generation" and the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka Decision written by Yolanda Gladden as told to Dr. Tamara Pizzoli, illustrated by Keisha Morris. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Harper, 2022. $19. 9780063011168

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Five years after the Brown vs the Board of Education verdict, Yolanda was old enough to start school. But instead of integrating the classrooms, the school board of their county decided to shut them all instead. It took 5 years, and a Supreme Court ruling, for them to reopen.

The beginning of the picture book was a bit confusing for me, because the girl, Yolanda, doesn’t feel like a 5yo from the illustrations – she seems more like an eight year old. Regardless, Yolanda’s personal story is important – it took ten years from the original Brown decision for schools in her county to desegregate. Until now, little has been said about this “lost generation. A useful book to round out any history-based picture book collection.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

Dreams of Gold by Traci Hunter Abramson - ADVISABLE

Dreams of Gold (Dream’s Edge #2) by Traci Hunter Abramson, 312 pages. Covenant Communications, 2022. $17.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Having qualified for nationals, Amaliya and Tyler are thrilled to skate closer to Olympic gold medals. With audience-capturing routines and an encouraging coach, the path to achieve that goal is smooth at first glance. But when adjustments are necessary both on and off the ice, will Amaliya and Tyler also have to adjust their dreams?

Readers jump back into the story as Abramson continues right where the prequel left off. Amaliya and Tyler’s story covers a long period of time, which made for some choppy transitions. I felt that some of the conflicts were built up and then quickly flattened and pushed aside like they never happened. However, I appreciated the inner conflicts throughout the book because Abramson shows readers that they can overcome mental struggles and live their dreams. The conclusion was satisfying, but I worry about a possible sequel because I don’t want any future conflicts – or victories – to feel more forced than they were in this part of the story.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Strangest Thing in the Sea and Other Curious Creatures of the Deep by Rachel Poloquin and Byron Eggenschwiller - ESSENTIAL

The Strangest Thing in the Sea and Other Curious Creatures of the Deep: a strangely interactive book by Rachel Poloquin, illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiller. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Kids Can Press, 2021. $18. 9781771389181

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Life in the ocean is more odd and mysterious than any of us can even imagine.

Poloquin introduces us to 13 exotic ocean creatures. First you see an imaginative illustrations, which opens to a beautiful drawing of the actual creature and just the right amount of information about each. Like Jess Keating’s books, kids will pull this out and share it with each other.

Cindy, Library Teacher, MLS 

This is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey - AVERAGE

This is Not the Jess Show by Anna Carey, 304 pages. Quirk Books, 2022. $11.

Language: R (32 swears, 6 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jess (17yo) has just realized that she is in love with her best friend, Tyler, but her other friends are being all weird about it – not to mention it feels like they’re keeping secrets. And why is Jess’s sister also acting weird? Even the dog is suspicious. As the little things pile up, Jess has to fight to see what’s really going on and if there’s anyone left who hasn’t lied to her.

Carey has taken The Truman Show and pulled back even more of the curtain, taking readers with Jess as she flees the set of her life and realizes she doesn’t know what to do without the lies. This reimagining of the classic story had me riveted the whole time – while Jess is on set in the ‘90s and when she leaves to find a future she never could have imagined. Having turned the last page, I am struggling to wait for the sequel to find out what happens next. The mature content rating is for underage drinking, partial nudity, innuendo, and mention of sex.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Prepped by Bethany Mangle - OPTIONAL

Prepped by Bethany Mangle, 320 pages. Margret K. McEldery Books (Simon), 2021. $13

Language: PG (2 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13 (some graphic violence)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Meet 17y Becca Aldanine, a girl who has been taught all her life to prepare for the worst. This has been her mantra but also what has influenced her family as well. Although on the surface they seem like wise words, the Aldanine family takes it a step further and starts micromanaging Becca. Suddenly preparing for the worst doesn't seem all that great, especially when her family arranges her to marry someone who they approve of. Will Becca be able to rise above the heavy influence her family has on her and become someone new?

 I thought the premise was clever enough- the idea of planning for the worst is something I can relate too. And I did like the idea of a family, struggling to decide what's best for them. But I found the characters were so flat. The mom was mean and demanding, Becca was your typical 'I am not like other girls' trope and everyone just seemed so bland.

Kenzie Hoehne Reviewer 

Stealing Home by J. Torres - HIGH

Stealing Home by J. Torres, 112 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Kids Can Press, 2021. $18.

Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG (internment camps); Violence: G.

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

The story follows the family of Sandy Saito, a young Japanese-Canadian boy who is obsessed with baseball, as they lose everything in the aftermath of the attack on Pearl Harbor. Within the course of a year, the Saito family and 21,000 other citizens were rounded up and shipped inland to hastily constructed camps. Throughout their experience, the Saito family clings to fragments of normalcy, like playing baseball.

This graphic novel serves as a great introduction to the very difficult topic of Japanese internment. It focuses on a family who lived in British Columbia, but the same experience happened to thousands of families along the western coast, in the US and Canada. I feel like Japanese-American internment isn’t something that is addressed very often when discussing WWII history, which tends to focus more on the European theater. I would definitely recommend this for middle school and high school libraries.

BookswithBeddes 

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis - ADVISABLE

Nicky & Vera: A Quiet Hero of the Holocaust and the Children He Rescued by Peter Sis PICTURE BOOK 2021 $20 9781324015741 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL, EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

In 1938, Nicholas Winton, fearing for the children of Czechoslovakia, rented a room in Prague and carefully collected names and prepared for the evacuation of hundreds of children. He wanted to find them foster families in England and get them out of harm's was. Vera was one of those children. 

Beautifully and richly told, in Peter Sis' creative style. The author's note at the end adds richness to the story of both Nicky and Vera. (and tells about others who were rescued and what they have grown up to become) Although a picture book, I find it more appropriate for a middle school or upper elementary student, and in the classroom I would pair this with Bradley's "The War that Saved by Life"

Lisa Librarian