The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig - OPTIONAL

 

The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig, 512 pages. Delacorte Press (Random), 2024. $16

Language: PG-13 (14 swears, 0 “f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (fondling); Violence: PG-13 (bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

19yo Hazel is the thirteenth child in her family and treated like she’s not wanted by anyone except her brother Bertie who is one year older. When Hazel is twelve, her godfather takes her so she can train to become a great healer while Bertie is sold to a temple to pay off their father’s debts. Hazel learns that her duties as a healer also include helping people pass onto their deaths as gently as possible. She feels that this is a curse and not a blessing. When she’s nineteen, Hazel has become the healer of the royal family after she saved the king’s life from a plague; she was supposed to move him onto death but didn’t want his children to be orphans. Now that the king feels well, he is becoming an unpredictable, angry tyrant and Hazel knows she made the wrong choice by healing him. Will she be able to make this right before he destroys the kingdom?

I loved every bit of this story! Amazing character development and wonderful world building. Hazel is strong and kindhearted.

Hazel and her family are white. Merrick, Hazel’s godfather is obsidian skinned, Hazel’s friend Kieron has chestnut skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle by Dan Gutman - OPTIONAL

The (Mostly) True Story of Cleopatra’s Needle by Dan Gutman, 181 pages. Holiday House, 2024. $19

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

The journey of Cleopatra’s Needle from Egypt to Central Park, New York, is a journey of inches, but also of thousands of years and miles. The boy knows his mom wants to tell him the Needle’s history, but until she speaks with the stories of kids he can relate to, the history is just not that interesting. Once he sees how kids’ lives were affected and involved, the history feels more alive and he becomes invested in the story.

In his back story, Gutman reveals that every kid in his story is made up, which didn’t endear the book to me anymore - I was only mildly invested in the reading. Gutman tries really hard to bring this historical story to life. Only a few kids will become personally invested in it. 

Cindy, MS Library Teacher

eMortal by Steve Schafer - ADVISABLE

eMortal by Steve Schafer, 314 pages. Koehler Books, 2024. $30

Language: PG-13 (34 swears, 0 ’f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

17yo Liv enters a competition to create an AI character that can solve a riddle. Liv’s character Breck seems fairly intelligent and when she writes a code that will allow him to sleep (rest and reboot) the competition leader takes notice. Along with the stress of wanting to win the AI competition and internship, Liv tries to help her mother revive the family toy store that belonged to her grandfather. This becomes more difficult than creating a character and writing code. She and her mother struggle to see each other’s point of view and this just causes arguments and frustration. With perseverance, will Liv win and be able to help her mom or will it all be too much?

I normally struggle with enjoying science fiction but this is a fun read! I love the lead into the ending and the ending itself. I enjoyed the humor and the realistic characters. I admired the perseverance of the characters.

Ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements - ESSENTIAL

The Frindle Files by Andrew Clements, 198 pages. Random House, 2024. $18.

Content: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

Josh’s ELA teacher is such a dinosaur!  Not only are no computers allowed in the class, but also homework has to be written out by hand! Rummaging through the family junk drawer, he finds a pen, but it is labeled “Frindle”.  What? With some quick online research, Josh begins to wonder – is his throwback ELA teacher this same kid who tried to shake up the world with the Frindle? Josh is sure he can use this to his advantage.

Sure, I read the original Frindle when it came out in 1996.  Amusing, but it never stuck in my head.  Frindle Files, however, is an absolute winner for me. A definite reread! Mr. N. as Josh’s antagonist is sneakier and bolder than Nick’s teacher ever was.  Maybe, as an adult now, that’s what I like about it.

Cindy, MS Library Teacher

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza - OPTIONAL

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky by Josh Galarza, 320 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan Children's), 2024. $18

Language: R (214 swears, 72 f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (underage drinking, mention of self-pleasure, mention of drug use); Violence: PG (fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

16yo Brett lives in Tucson with his best friend, Reed, since his adoptive mother became terminally ill. He’s trying to hide the fact that he has an eating disorder and that he has begun to purge after eating. Despite Brett’s best efforts, Reed figures out what he’s doing and tries to intervene. Somehow Brett’s secret gets posted on social media and he’s horribly embarrassed. Many classmates approach him to let him know they’re dealing with issues too and he might be able to handle it better knowing he’s not alone.

Intelligent and inspiring quotes given from side characters. The adults in Brett’s life gave him great advice/therapy. Too much swearing detracts from the story. The book is overly focused on being progressive and “woke” and it became tiresome because it also takes away from the story. Wonderfully helpful resources at the end of the book for people dealing with food and/or body issues.

Brett is Mexican American. Most of the characters are white but some have brown skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

How it Happened: Skateboards – the cool stories and facts behind every trick by Paige Towler - ADVISABLE

How it Happened: Skateboards – the cool stories and facts behind every trick by Paige Towler. Union Square, 2024. $19. 9781454945024

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

Towler takes us in a fact-filled, but simple, look at the history of skateboarding – from the early days of surfing (2000 BCE) onto the present day.  Towler even-handedly looks at early innovators – both male and female – and works hard to give credit to the right people in each instance. I love that Patti McGee, the skateboard handstander, is even included!  With four books in the series, this set is ripe for a mini display of its own.

Cindy, MS Library Teacher

Masquerade of the Heart by Katy Rose Pool - OPTIONAL

Masquerade of the Heart by Katy Rose Pool, 364 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2024. $17

Language: R (39 swears, 8 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

18yo Marlow Marlow watches as 18yo Adrius announces his engagement and her heart breaks. She knows that Adrius has to marry someone from a rich and powerful family to appease his own family but it hurts all the same. Marlow wants to stop the person who cursed Adrius because that person is wanting to control everyone and everything in Caraza, just as Adrius was controlled by the curse. Marlow gets help from Adrius and a few of their most trusted and clever acquaintances. Together they work together to hopefully put a stop to the tyrant before he takes over.

I enjoyed the intensity of the conflict between good and evil. The curse and the story behind it are so interesting. I love the ending!

The ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

The Queen of Ocean Parkway by Sarvenaz Tash - OPTIONAL

The Queen of Ocean Parkway by Sarvenaz Tash, 232 pages. Random House, 2024. $18

Language: G (0 swears, 0 "F"); Mature Content: G; Violence:  G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

11yo Roya has a secret podcast that centers around the people of her Brooklyn apartment building (names are changed to protect the innocent), where her mother is the superintendent. One day she hears a couple in the laundry room talking about a curse and the next day one of them is missing. Roya, along with Amin, whose family just moved in. decide to investigate.  Little do they know that they will be led to Coney Island and back through time – and only the two kids can solve the mystery.

While a perfectly serviceable mystery, it doesn’t hold the reader’s attention in a tight grip. The apartment family is an international cast of characters.  The missing woman and her wife Stephanie bring in a mild LGBT touch. Wanted to love it, but just couldn’t.

Cindy, MS Library Teacher

Eyes on the Ice by Anna Rosner - OPTIONAL

Eyes on the Ice by Anna Rosner, 180 pages, Groundwood Books, 2024. $15.

Language: G (0 swear, 0 "F"); Mature Content: G; Violence:  PG (gun brandished, threats)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

In 1963 Czechoslavakia, 10yo Lukas and 12yo Denys are hockey mad. Though they don’t have the best equipment, their talent shines through.  They are offered places on a prestigious team – but in their Communist-controlled country, everything comes with a price. Then their father is arrested and they know that somehow, if their father returns to them they must escape.

Rosner takes some known historical facts of actual escapes to weave together her story. If you have a student who loves hockey and is also willing to read historical fiction, add this to your library.

Cindy, MS Library Teacher

Lie Until It's True by Jessie Weaver - OPTIONAL

Lie Until It's True by Jessie Weaver, 320 pages. Disney, 2024. $10

Language:  R (98 swears,  0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kiss); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS -  OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

Two separate murder suspects are on 16yo Amanda’s mind, her exonerated sister Cora and her art teacher from kid camp. Cora was a suspect in the murder of a social media influencer. The art teacher is the suspect in the murder of a very rich man at the Summit hotel. Amanda visits her friends in Summit. She wants to be a better sister to Cora and spend more time with her best friends, Cole, Mallory, and Vince. Cole and Mal are dating and Vince is dealing with the fact that his mother, the art teacher, has been arrested as a suspect in the murder of an art dealer. Cole shows his true colors by manipulating his friends to go ahead with approving the haunted or homicide show for the hotel that will televise the investigation and publicize everything about their lives, which turns the situation into a disaster.

I liked the double mystery storyline that grew into a possible haunting. The dynamic characters were interesting. The buildup and unraveling of the mysteries were fun to read.

Vince has brown skin. Amanda, Cole and Mallory fall to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham - ADVISABLE

Casters and Crowns by Elizabeth Lowham, 384 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $21.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

In attempting to prove to her father that she, as the crown princess, is ready for more responsibility, Aria (18yo) goes to discuss peace with the Dowager Countess Morton without telling anyone. Their meeting goes well—until the dowager countess reveals that it was all a lie. Aria does all she can to hide the curse placed on her, but how is she supposed to defeat magic when all she knows is to fear it?

Filled with beautiful world-building, life-or-death stakes, magical abilities, and the constant flinging of creative insults between brothers, every page was a delight. Perfectionism haunts several of the characters, highlighting different avenues of dealing with mistakes and consequences. The conclusion is fitting, though I would have loved a promise of another book with these characters I have adored.

The majority of characters are implied White. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mild innuendo, and kissing. The violence rating is for assault, fantasy violence, and mentions of murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang - OPTIONAL

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang, 336 pages. St. Martin’s Press, 2024. $32.

Language: PG (5 swears, 0 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: R

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

From a poor family in a kingdom ravaged by war with the Wu, Xishi (20yo) washes raw silk and wishes that she could hold the Wu accountable for their wrongs—especially for the wrongful death of her younger sister. Fanli (22yo), the Yue king’s minister, asks Xishi to be a tribute to the Wu king and a spy for the Yue. In this new battle, Xishi’s overwhelming beauty will be her sword.

Based on Chinese legend, Xishi’s story is hauntingly beautiful. While Xishi is sent to the Wu king as a concubine, there are no vulgar scenes, and it’s even implied that sex is never involved in their relationship. The pressure of Xishi’s situation hangs over readers with little levity to offer contrast, making it hard to put down through to the last page.

The characters are implied Chinese. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mentions of trafficking, partial nudity, kissing, and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, blood and gore, mentions of child abuse, corpses, battle scenes, suicide, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks - OPTIONAL

Across the Star-Kissed Sea by Arlem Hawks, 288 pages. Shadow Mountain Publishing, 2024. $18.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Her father’s criminal acts tainted the family, forcing May (19yo) and her mother to join the workforce to provide for themselves. When May’s employer dies, her options are to become a scullery maid in the home her mother works in or else take the future into her own hands. May applies for the position of lady’s maid to a naval captain’s wife, which leads to more discoveries about herself and her heart than about the sea and the world.

A little adventure, a little swashbuckling action, and a lot of romance hindered by misunderstandings and secrets are in store for readers here. May’s story is ultimately about trust—forgiveness of others and self, navigating hurt and vulnerability, and the courage to choose trust anyway. Sometimes we ourselves are our biggest obstacles to overcome, and happiness awaits our efforts to try again.

The majority of characters are English, though there are a handful of French and Spanish characters mentioned. The mature content rating is for alcohol use, mentions of harlots, partial nudity, kissing, and innuendo. The violence rating is for assault, mild blood and gore, and naval battle scenes.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz by Yuzuru Kuki - OPTIONAL

Manga Biographies: Charles M. Schulz by Yuzuru Kuki, 168 pages. BIOGRAPHY, GRAPHIC NOVEL. Udon Entertainment, 2024. $14.

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

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

APPEALS TO: SOME

Charles “Sparky” Schulz developed a love for the funnies in the newspaper as he read them with his parents as a kid. As he grew older, his dream to become a cartoonist never faded—even while battling self-doubt and facing rejection letters.

The biography of Schulz tells the story of a dedicated man who had insecurities and didn’t let those insecurities keep him from fighting to live his dream. He seems to be one of those genuinely good people you root for and sometimes doubt exists in nonfiction. Visually, the book is occasionally confusing because the story’s panels are supposed to be followed in the traditional manga right-to-left format but the Peanuts cartoons added are still in their original left-to-right format, forcing readers to switch back and forth as they read.

The majority of depicted characters are White. The mature content rating is for alcohol use.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen 

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard - OPTIONAL

The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco by Michelle Chouinard, 336 pages. Minotaur Books (St. Martin’s Press), 2024. $18.

Language: R (59 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG13; Violence: PG13

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL, ADULTS - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: SEVERAL

Being the granddaughter of a serial killer has always colored Capri’s life—especially since she believes he was innocent. Researching her grandfather’s case led to other serial killers and murder cases, which eventually inspired Capri (49yo) to start a tour company that focused on murder spots around San Francisco. But she wasn’t the only one to be inspired. A copycat killer has started murdering more women, placing a glaring spotlight on Capri and her family once more.

Capri digs into both the open serial killer case and her grandfather’s closed case, tangling everything together and keeping readers on edge for two big reveals. Riding the line between helping protect herself and her daughter without impeding the police investigation makes for some amusing antics, and Chouinard kept me engaged the entire time. Plus, there are enough truths mixed in with the story that I’m on my way to being convinced I need to visit San Francisco—but only during daylight hours.

The majority of characters are implied White, though Chinese, Indian, and Latino characters are mentioned as well as a couple of LGBT characters. The mature content rating is for alcohol use; illegal activity; mentions of drugs, prostitutes, sexual harassment, rape, and sex; groping;  nudity; and innuendo. The violence rating is for blood and gore, assault, mentions of corpses and suicide, gun use, and murder.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Darkness Within Us by Tricia Levenseller - OPTIONAL

The Darkness Within Us (companion to The Shadows Between Us) by Tricia Levenseller, 336 pages. Feiwel (Macmillan), 2024. $19

Language: R (62 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG-13 (kissing and off-page sex); Violence: R (bloody deaths)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

19yo Chrysantha is a beast. She and her sister Alessandra are in constant competition and their father expects both of them to keep him out of bankruptcy by marrying someone rich. While Alessandra married the Shadow King, Chrysantha married an elderly Duke but she ends him within two months after their marriage. Since the Duke has no heirs, she inherits everything and thoroughly enjoys redecorating the manor and revamping her wardrobe. She also gives the servants raises and shows them appreciation for their hard work. Eryx arrives, claiming he’s the Duke’s grandson and turns life in the manor upside down. Eryx has a secret and Chrysantha isn’t going to let him get away with ruining her plans without finding out what he’s hiding.

The contradictions of Chrysantha’s character and actions are entertaining. Eryx is an interesting character and I enjoyed the unknown that went along with his secret. I liked Chrysantha’s feistiness. Pale ivory, peach, dark beige, ebony skinned, deep obsidian skin tone, golden skin are all mentioned.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace - MANY

Wisteria by Adalyn Grace, 432 pages. Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, 2024. $15

Language: PG-13 (23 swears, 0 ‘f'); Mature Content: R (on page sex); Violence: PG (fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MANY

21yo Blythe is marrying Aris, Fate, because he saved her father from being falsely accused of murder. Neither are happy about the marriage but their wedding rings force them to be together whenever they venture apart. To show Blythe’s father that they’re happily married, Aris creates a beautiful palace and village to convince him of the comfort and love the two of them share. The couple starts to enjoy each other’s company when Chaos, Solanine, arrives to wreak havoc. Chaos causes plagues and tragedies. Aris and Blythe must work together to stop disaster from happening. The prose is gorgeous! I enjoy reading what Blythe’s imagination creates. Humorous banter and fun world building make this book even better. Beautiful descriptions of scenery. Ethnicity falls to white.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah

Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool - OPTIONAL

Garden of the Cursed by Katy Rose Pool, 352 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2023. $12

Language: R (54 swears, 5 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kiss); Violence: PG-13 (bloody death)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

18yo Marlow is a curse breaker who is helping her past crush, Adrius. Adrius has been given a curse that forces him to obey any orders given to him. He only trusts Marlow when he doesn’t even trust his own family. Adrius comes from a rich, powerful family who values money and power above all. When Marlow discovers who placed the curse on Adrius, she also reveals a secret that will change her life forever.

The mystery behind the curse is fun to watch unravel. Marlow’s perseverance is admirable. The secrets revealed are intriguing and make me excited for the sequel, Masquerade of the Heart Ethnicity is predominantly white. Adrius has warm brown skin. Corrine has dark skin.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui - OPTIONAL

Portrait of a Shadow by Meriam Metoui, 256 pages. Henry Holt (Macmillan), 2024. $18

Language: R (11 swears, 2 ‘f'); Mature Content: PG (kissing); Violence: PG (fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SEVERAL

18yo Mae is desperate to find her missing sister Inez. Her parents want to move on from the pain and accept that Inez will never come home, but Mae sees how their marriage is crumbling and how they’ve changed since Inez went missing. She goes to New York under the guise of cleaning out Inez’ apartment in search of any possible clues to her whereabouts. She meets Dev, a neighbor of Inez’, and he seems just as interested in finding Inez as Mae is. So they venture out together in search of a mysterious white painting that Inez has many notes of research on. What Mae discovers changes both of their lives forever!

The alternating timelines build suspense. I like how dedicated Mae is to her sister. I’m fascinated with Dev and his background. Dev is from India and Mae from Africa.

LynnDell Watson, DHS Librarian, Delta, Utah 

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone by Michelle Cusolito - OPTIONAL

A Window into the Ocean Twilight Zone by Michelle Cusolito, 140 pages. NON-FICTION. Charlesbridge Publishing, 2024. $19. 9781623543020

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: SOME

An account of a 24 day research trip to study the deepest part of the ocean known as the ocean's twilight zone. The author details the day to day life on the ship, how they weathered the storms, the scientific equipment used, the experiments done, and the discoveries made. 

Cusolito writes a book is full of great photographs of their research trip. The writing style is approachable and interesting. I liked that the human side of the trip was detailed along with the scientific parts. Students who love the ocean will find this book very interesting.

Reviewer: A. Snow, Librarian