Great

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2014

Review

Closely paralleling F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby", this modern-day retelling focuses on narrator Naomi Rye's summer in East Hampton. Though Naomi lives with her dad in Chicago for most of the year, summers are spent with her mother, a Food Network star with the cutting ambition to rise to the top. Though Naomi typically hates socializing with New York's young elite, this summer is made different by the appearance of Jacinta Trimalchio, an up and coming fashion blogger who moves in next door and throws lavish parties. Jacinta hopes to connect with Delilah Fairweather, one of Naomi's acquaintances, through her new friendship with Naomi. "Great" falls flat by adhering to Fitzgerald's novel too closely, where the original story elements could have stood well enough on their own. Lies, gossip, indulgence, and intrigue all feature in the plot, but the lack of originality make "The Great Gatsby" the better choice of the two novels.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Benincasa, Sara

Publisher: HarperCollins/HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062222718

Price: 17.99

A Piece of Cake

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 24, 2014

Review

Mouse, who is very kind, has baked a cake for Little Bird's birthday. On his way to deliver the cake, Mouse can't refuse trading slices to the friends he meets for seemingly worthless objects. Mouse is sad when he arrives at his friend's house without any cake, but Little Bird assures Mouse that they'll find a use for the objects he brought instead. It turns out each animal who traded something for a piece of cake needs something that another animal traded. Little Bird and Mouse's clever solutions to their friends' problems will delight readers, as will the sweet finish at the end. The charming cartoon-like quality of the illustrations lend strong picture support to the narrative; making this an excellent title for identifying plot development, character development, and problem-solution narratives.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pham, LeUyen

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061992643

Price: 16.99

Abuelo

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2014

Review

Together on their horseback rides across the plains, a grandfather teaches his grandson meaningful lessons that will help the boy adjust to a new life in the city. This story expresses the lasting impact that an adult family member can have on a child, and shows how a relationship can transcend distances. Raul Colon's watercolor and pencil illustrations bring to life the expansive landscape of the plains, and the expressions of the characters. The English texts weaves in Spanish words and phrases followed by immediate literal translations, making this an accessible title for those who are unfamiliar with the Spanish language. Dorros' story will resonate with many audiences, as it is both specific and universal in its theme of family relationships.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dorros, Arthur

Illustrator: Colon, Raul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Harper/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780061686276

Price: 17.99

Hungry

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 29, 2014

Review

This fast-paced and compelling dystopian novel is set in a future where there is not food, only a synthetic nutritional substance called Synthamil that quells the need to eat and feelings of hunger. It isn't until Thalia Apple, whose mother invented Synthamil, begins to feel hungry that she questions the corporation that supplies nutrition for the world and starts an underground movement that demands the right to food. Fans of science fiction, such as Scott Westerfield's "Uglies" series, as well as fans of dystopian literature will enjoy this book and crave a sequel. Readers will explore themes of class, science versus nature, human rights, and corporate control. Action, adventure and romance are all included in Swain's novel, which is recommended for grades 8-12, for both boys and girls.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Swain, H. A.

Publisher: Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, science fiction, romance

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250028297

Price: 16.99

Love by the Morning Star

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2014

Review

On the brink of World War II, two girls from very different backgrounds are sent to the grand Starkers estate in England. Anna Morgan has been sent by her father to spy for the National Facist Front and pose as a kitchen maid, while half-Jewish Hannah Morgenstern will seek refuge with her distant relatives and wait for her parents to join her. However, the two girls are mistaken for one another, and a comedy of errors ensues. Both fall for Teddy, the handsome heir of the estate, and stuggle to fit into their newfound roles. Almost everything that could go wrong for the girls does. The playful and quirky storyline loses momentum halfway through the story, and the constant barrage of misfortune becomes tiresome. If readers are willing to muddle through the romantic misadventures, they will be satisfied with the book's conclusion. "Love by the Morning Star" is best suited to grades 6-10, as there are some mature allusions and subject matter.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sullivan, Laura

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 0547689519

Price: 17.99

Firefly July: A Year of Very Short Poems

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2014

Review

A collection of 36 very short poems selected to reflect each season that can be read independently or used as a read-aloud. This book does a very good job of exposing readers to poetry in a non-intimidating way by keeping the verses short, and the illustrations large. Sweet's fun and whimsical mixed-media collages use signature elements such as graph paper and saturated pink and red tones. The size of the book allows for two-page spreads of illustrations that help readers visualize the often abstract language of the poems. This book is best suited for ages 4-8, as some of the vocabulary may be challenging.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Janeczko, Paul B.

Illustrator: Sweet, Melissa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763648428

Price: 16.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

A Bed for Kitty

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Kitty loves sleeping everywhere but her brand new bed, much to the surprise and bewilderment of Chloe. Through bold, bright colors and simple text, Kitty shows Chloe that sometimes it takes a friend to find the perfect place to sleep. This book, best suited for ages 3-6, will charm readers with gentle humor and sweet ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Surovec, Yasmine

Illustrator: Surovec, Yasmine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596438637

Price: 16.99

Falling into Place

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

This captivating non-linear young adult novel, told by a surprising and unexpected narrator, centers around Liz Emerson, the most popular junior girl in Meridian High. One day after school, Liz runs her Mercedes off the road in an attempt to commit suicide, but make it look like an accident. As she struggles for her life in the hospital, the question everyone is asking is: why did Liz try to kill herself? This book explores themes such as how we impact one another with our actions, and what it means to be a true friend. Beautifully written and heavily focused on character, rather than plot, fans of Lauren Oliver and Jay Asher will love this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zhang, Amy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062295040

Price: 17.99

Food Trucks!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Well Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 5, 2014

Review

Foods from across the United States and the world are explored in this wonderful introduction to food trucks. This book for ages 3-7 pairs descriptive and detailed cartoon illustrations with a short, comic poem about each type of food truck. Included in each spread are also interesting and whimsical facts about the types of foods featured. With food trucks gaining such momentum in the culinary world, you won't want to miss out on this tasty treat of a book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Todd, Mark

Illustrator: Todd, Mark

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre: fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544157842

Price: 16.99

The Vault of Dreamers

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

The Forge School is the most prestigious arts academy in the country, and is also the setting for the most popular reality television show on the air. Students are monitored non-stop and their lives are broadcasted for the entertainment of viewers everywhere. Each year, 100 new students are admitted to the Forge School, but only the top 50 ranked students move on to continue their education. Rosie Sinclair, an aspiring filmmaker, desperately needs the school in order to escape her life from the poorest zip code in the country. It isn't until Rosie skips her nightly sleeping pill that gives students a mandated 12 hours of dreamless sleep that she realizes that something sinister may be at work once the cameras are turned off for the night. "The Vault of Dreamers" is a fast-paced psychological thriller sure to keep readers turning the pages, and features themes of class and appearance versus reality. The cliffhanger ending is sure to shock, and have readers wanting more answers. This young adult novel is recommended for ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

O'Brien , Caragh

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439382

Price: 17.99

Mine!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2015

Review

Amy loves her blankie, bird, bear, and bunny very much, and loves to call them, "Mine!" When Zack, Jack, and Baby Joe come to play, Amy does not want to share. She takes away all her toys, which makes Baby Joe very sad. The sight of such a sad baby stops all play, and Amy has the perfect solution. Heap's simple backgrounds and vibrant colored-pencil characters bring this story of learning to share to life by focusing on facial expression and emotion. A great book for teaching about sharing to ages 2 through 5.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Heap, Sue

Illustrator: Heap, Sue

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763668884

Price: 15.99

Love Monster and the Perfect Present

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2015

Review

A follow up to "Love Monster" (2013), this book features our titular character trying to find the perfect present to give to his favorite girl monster on Present Day. Love Monster is determined to buy the perfect gift, and is sad when he realizes that he does not have enough money to buy expensive presents. Love Monster is positively determined to show his friend how much he cares, and decides to make something for her instead. Bright's illustrations, made from plates etched with ultraviolet light, create vibrantly colorful images with dark outlines. Some of the page spreads are quite busy and can be very overwhelming, but the story is one that comes from the heart. Recommended for ages 3 through 6.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bright, Rachel

Illustrator: Bright, Rachel

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar, Staus, and Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374346485

Price: 17.99

Sebastian and the Balloon

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Sebastian, tired of seeing the same old houses in his neighborhood, decides to leave his home in a hot air balloon made from his grandma's afghans and patchwork quilts. He brings along everything he will ever need, and sets off into the night. On his journey he meets a bear, a very tall bird, and three old sisters. Together they share a grand adventure that does not end with the book, but will continue on long after the pages have run out, encouraging readers to imagine what other adventures Sebastian will have. Both images and words come together to create a whimsical and dreamy adventure in Stead's sophisticated book. This book is recommended for ages 3 - 7, but six and seven year-olds may get the most out of this story while younger readers will be able to appreciate the expressive images.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stead, Philip

Illustrator: , Philip Stead

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Roaring Book Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439306

Price: 17.99

Lion, Lion

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Lion is looking for lunch, and a young boy is looking for Lion. Readers will at first be confused when the lion asks the little boy what he is doing, and the boy replies "Trying to find Lion." Readers will be befuddled, then amused as the boy offers choices for lunch that the lion deems either too prickly, snappy, or stinky. Close attention must be paid to the pictures as well as the text for readers to see the clues within this book, such as turtles in the grass that the lion says are too snappy for lunch. Happily, the boy finds his kitten, Lion, at the end of the book by making the lion sneeze. The last page is a play on the same theme that will leave readers tickled. This is a sly and darkly humorous book for little ones, who will enjoy discovering the relationship between the text and pictures in the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Busch, Miriam

Illustrator: Day, Larry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062271044

Price: 17.99

Bravo, Chico Canta! Bravo!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 11, 2015

Review

Chico Canta, the littlest mouse in a family twelve, saves the day in this delightful tale. Chico's bilingual family lives in an old theater, and loves going to plays and putting them on for friends. However, they must always watch out for the kitten, Little Gato Gato, who wants to eat the mice. During one play, Little Gato Gato sneaks up on the mice family in the middle of the play, and Chico cleverly scares the cat away. Readers will be exposed to Spanish and Italian phrases in Mora's story, a retelling of a well-known Cuban folk tale called "The Barking Mouse." The foreign phrases are always paired with an English translation of the phrase. The text often overwhelms the small pictures, but the illustrations are playful and offer glimpses of tiny mice in delightful costumes. This book is suitable for ages 5 to 8.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mora, Pat

Illustrator: Carling, Amelia Lau

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Groundwood Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781554983438

Price: 17.95

Vivian Apple at the End of the World

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 9, 2015

Review

Seventeen year old Vivian Apple is sure that the Rapture will blow over without incident, and that everything will go back to normal once everyone comes back to their senses, including her parents. Set in a modern America where a religion headed by Beaton Frick, called the Church of America, capitalizes on its Believers in every sense of the word, ("SPRING into the eternal kingdom in this sweet pale gold romper! Only $145 on the Church of America website!"), Vivian is an adamant non-Believer. However, after returning home after the night of the Rapture and finding her parents missing along with thousands of others, Vivian begins to wonder if Frick's prophesies might be true. When a rumor reaches her of a secret compound in California where Frick and his Believers may be hiding, she sets off with her best friend Harp and new ally Peter in a desperate search for truth across America. Packed with satire, irreverent humor, and thorough character development, Coyle's novel offers a unique end-of-the-world scenario that draws parallels between Vivian’s America and our own. An open-ended conclusion to the book leaves room for this epic road trip to continue in further books. Recommended for libraries with an audience for apocalyptic scenarios and strong female characters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Coyle, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544340114

Price: 17.99

Eden West

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 17, 2015

Review

Since he was five years old, Jacob has lived inside Nodd, a patch of land in Montana where members of the Grace Church await the coming of the prophet Zerachiel and their ascent to heaven. Jacob's faith is shaken when he meets two teens from the World, Tobias and Lynna. Tobias arrives with his mother and sister, seeking to become Grace themselves. However, the transition is not easy for Tobias, who questions and fights the Truth by which the Grace live by. Jacob meets Lynna during one of his patrols of Nodd's fence, and becomes helplessly and shamefully attracted to her. Outside forces in the form of politicians also invade Nodd to question the safety and legitimacy of the Grace's cult. In the face of so much turmoil, Jacob is forced to examine his faith and himself.

Hautman's novel provides a thorough character study of the protagonist, but teens may fail to be hooked by his internal struggles. The pace of the book is slow and contemplative, and may leave readers wishing for more decisive action. A polygamous cult leader with a fixation on teenage wives who possesses absolute power who begins to crumble, the monotonous lifestyle of the cult, and the temptations of the world outside are familiar world-building devices. However, Hautman gracefully delves into an exploration of belief and church communities, leaving room for readers to make their own conclusions about the cult while examining their own faiths. A grim, introspective, and uplifting novel for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hautman, Pete

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763674182

Price: 17.99

Diary of a Waitress: The Not-So-Glamorous Life of a Harvey Girl

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

After finding out that her family does not have enough money to send both her and her older bother to college, seventeen year-old Kitty takes a job as Harvey Girl even though she is a year too young for the position. As a Harvey Girl, Kitty is trained to provide excellent service as a waitress in the Harvey restaurants, a chain of dining establishments that served railway customers from the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. After a month of training, Kitty is selected to go on and serve at a Harvey House in Belen, New Mexico. With aspirations to become a writer, Kitty begins selling her writing to the local newspaper and chronicles her time as a Harvey Girl through her journal. Readers who enjoyed the Dear America and Royal Diaries series, but are ready to move on to other fiction, will also enjoy Meyer's latest novel. Other readers may quickly lose interest, as the plot is slow and Kitty's descriptions are very involved. Period photographs accompanied by Kitty's diary entries provide a sense of time and place for the reader, and paint a vivid picture of the late 1920's. A good addition to collections where historical fiction is popular.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Carolyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Calkins Creek

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781620916520

Price: 17.95

Goodnight Already!

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Duck is simply full of energy, while his next door neighbor Bear just wants to go to sleep. Duck's brightly colored pages featuring yellows and reds are juxtaposed against Bear's dark, blue toned ones, creating interesting contrast between simple and effective illustrations. Duck pesters Bear, asking him to do a variety of activities including playing cards and making smoothies. After a series of suggestions, Bear refuses and the titular phrase "goodnight already" is voiced by one of the characters. This scenario repeats three times, and finally ends with Bear wide-awake in his kitchen making cookies, while Duck has drifted off to sleep while reading a book. Emotive character expressions, silly costumes, and the repetitive nature of the text lends itself well to read alouds, but the simplistic plot does not encourage rereads. A fun addition to school and public library storytimes.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

John, Jory

Illustrator: Davies, Benji

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Harper

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062286208

Price: 17.99

Orion and the Dark

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 11, 2015

Review

Yarlett showcases her mixed-media artwork in this tale about a boy named Orion and a fear-conquering adventure with a creature named Dark. Orion is scared of almost everything, but is especially scared of the dark. One night, he exasperatedly yells at the dark to go away, and is shocked when a benign creature named Dark descends into his bedroom to lead him on an adventure to face his fears. Graph paper, watercolor, and digital collage create images that require close inspection as they are packed with extra information, such as all of the methods that Orion uses to combat his fear of the dark. In these spreads the text becomes hard to find, which disrupts the flow of the story. Other spreads are simplistic, with some featuring a paper arm cut-out that serves as Dark's arm, which shakes Orion's hand and embraces him at different points in the story. An overall charming book with some production flaws make this title best suited for lap-reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Yarlett, Emma

Illustrator: Yarlett, Emma

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Templar Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763675950

Price: 16.99

Damage Done

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Wells Public Library, Wells, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 20, 2015

Review

A twisted contemporary thriller that will stun readers with its dramatic conclusion, "Damage Done" is fast-paced and captivating. Julia Vann is the sole survivor of a high school massacre, where her brother Ryan shot eleven students in the band room. After killing the students, Ryan turned the gun on himself in attempted suicide, but was instead left in a coma. As the sole survivor, yet unable to recall the event itself due to traumatic amnesia, Julia and her family are plagued by reporters, police, and an angry community. The Vann family moves and tries to begin again under assumed names, Julia becoming Lucy Black. After settling in to her new life, Lucy makes friends and sparks a new romance, but her dreams of leaving the past behind are shattered when Ryan's old psychologist starts following her. The action quickly escalates, and soon Julia is forced to face her past or suffer dangerous consequences. Fans of E. Lockheart's "We Were Liars" will be equally captivated by this book, as the twists and turns are slowly revealed in a similar manner. The jacket description does not do this title justice, nor give a very clear summary of what this book is actually about. As a protagonist, Julia may not always be likable, but this only contributes to the book's thrilling conclusion. At times graphic and mature, "Damage Done" is best suited for older high school readers who enjoy psychological thrillers, mystery, and suspense.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Panitch, Amanda

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553507492

Price: 17.99

Extraordinary Means

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

A fresh take on teen romance, Extraordinary Means centers on two teenagers who have been sent to Latham House to recover from their drug-resistant tuberculosis. Part hospital and part boarding school, teens are sent to Latham to await the discovery of a miracle drug to cure their tuberculosis. The narrative unfolds through the alternating voices of Sadie and Lane. Lane is in denial of his illness, and is determined not to fall behind his old classmates and maintain his GPA. His determination to continue his AP work, however, quickly compromises his health and he is forced to accept that his is sick. Sadie has been at Latham long enough for her condition to stabilize, but she is neither improving or getting worse. She has a quirky friend group who smuggle in contraband to Latham, and try at all costs to keep some semblance of normalcy in their lives at the risk of getting into trouble. Though Lane and Sadie attended the same summer camp many years ago, the two are hardly friends until Lane proves himself to Sadie's friends and is accepted as part of the group. As Sadie and Lane grow closer to one another and fall in love, news of the miracle drug's creation reaches Latham. The question remains: will it arrive in time to cure them?

There is plenty of humor in Schneider's novel to keep the story from being too overemotional, and the voices of the characters are authentic. Many pop-culture references make this novel current and interesting, at the risk of trying too hard to do so. The author's note at the end of the novel does shine some light on the history of TB, but leaves the reader reflecting on Sadie's philosophy that "living and dying are actually different words for the same thing," instead of the intended message of second chances. For fans who loved John Green's The Fault in Our Stars, and are avid tragic romance readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schneider, Robyn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062217165

Price: 17.99

Chaos

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2016

Review

Luc and his sister Jasmine return in this sequel to "Fates" (2014), though their previous journey has left them changed. After successfully rescuing his sister from the Blood Nymphs, Luc returns to his own world with Jasmine. Jasmine has no memory of the events of her imprisonment and rescue, but she quickly discovers that whatever did happened left her with heightened abilities. Luc is determined not to accept his destiny, and quickly sets off to find a way to reverse time and bring Corinthe back from the dead. Luc and Jasmine find themselves in the middle of the war between Executors, Radicals, and Unseen Ones; a struggle between those who believe in fate, and those who believe in destiny.

Switching viewpoints between Luc and Jasmine, Bross takes her characters on another head-spinning adventure. Fans of the previous book will appreciate a sequel, but will not be completely satisfied as there are indications that the story will continue in another book. The difficult plot and very complex world-building may deter most readers. Those who enjoyed Stephanie Meyer's "Twilight" series may enjoy this romantic series that has added elements of chaos and science fiction spin may also enjoy this series. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bross, Lanie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385742849

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author

Emu

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 13, 2016

Review

Australian author and illustrator duo Claire Saxby and Graham Byrne team up again to bring this informative book about emus to life. In eye-catching illustrations, an emu father is depicted safeguarding his clutch of eggs (as the mothers leave after laying their eggs), watching his chicks hatch, and protecting his baby chicks from predators. Accompanying these illustrations are informative paragraphs about the life-cycle and rearing habits of emus.

This book would do wonderfully in a classroom setting for either read-alouds or independent projects. With features at the back of book such as a brief about section, and index, and a short explanation of what an index is; this title could also be used to teach about different parts of a nonfiction book. The book also utilizes the popular format of two sets of text per page spread, using differentiated reading levels for each paragraph and different fonts. Both fonts are easy to read, and the reader will not get bogged down in reading both paragraphs. The illustrations in this book, digital renders with ink overlays, create a sense of place that represents the Australian outback where these birds reside.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saxby, Claire

Illustrator: Byrne, Graham

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780763674793

Price: 16.99

Glass Sword

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 15, 2016

Review

The second installment to Victoria Aveyard's fantasy series, Glass Sword details Mare Barrow's quest to gather an army of newbloods - those with Red blood who posses Silver abilities - before the new murderous king eliminates them first. After narrowly escaping her own execution; Mare, Cal (the now exiled Silver prince) and her friends recuperate at the camp of the Scarlet Guard, but Mare quickly realizes that she can not trust anyone. Battling feelings of overwhelming isolation, Mare turns to Cal for support in her quest. However, as Mare's ambition to recruit newbloods grows, so does the number of people she has killed and she becomes eerily similar to the dictator she is trying to overthrow. Though her companions are concerned, Mare's ambition will not be curbed.

Although the action lags at times, readers will be pleased with the next installment in the Red Queen series and Mare’s character development. With a cliffhanger ending and the promise of two additional books to come, readers in grades 9-12 will quickly devour this title.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310668

Price: 19.99

The Siren

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

The Siren is a re-edited rerelease of the 2009 book by Kiera Cass, author of the popular Selection series. Kahlen and her wealthy family's pleasure sailing trip is tragically ended when their boat is hit with siren song, luring everyone to their deaths. Kahlen pleads desperately for her life, and the Ocean offers her a deal: become a siren for 100 years and serve the Ocean by singing humans to their death and then go free, or die. Kahlen accepts the offer, and the story resumes eighty years later. She interacts with humans carefully, never using her voice as it is deadly. With twenty years of service left to go, she falls madly in love with a boy from a college campus she likes to visit, and so begins a tortured romance.

The prose is stiff at times, and endless scenes of pining for love grow a bit tiresome. Attempts at incorporating multicultural characters fall flat, as they are multicultural in name only; little is explored about the others Sirens' cultures. Give this title to hopeless romantics; or, better yet, stick to Cass' Selection series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cass, Kiera

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062391995

Price: 18.99

Sabotage: The Mission to Destroy Hitler's Atomic Bomb

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2017

Review

A well-researched and thrilling account of the Norwegian effort to stop Nazi Germany's development of an atomic bomb. Bascomb describes the technical process of using heavy water to create an atomic bomb, the strategies used to disrupt its creation, and the geographic factors that played such an important role in the saboteur's efforts with compelling intensity. The failures, struggles, and eventual success of the saboteurs is at the center of the plot and will keep reader's engaged until the end. Bibliography, photo credits, and an index are provided at the end of the book. An excellent nonfiction read that can supplement WWII teaching for ages 12 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bascomb, Neal

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Levine/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545732437

Price: 17.99

Last Day on Mars

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 30, 2017

Review

The year is 2213, and thirteen year-old Liam is anxious to catch the last spaceship leaving Mars to his new home, planet Aaru. The Earth sank into the sun five years ago, and now Mars is due to follow the same fate. Liam is reluctant to leave Mars; he was born there and identifies as a Martian. Liam, his parents, and his friend Phoebe and her family are a few of the very last people to remain on Mars frantically working on completing important terraforming research that will assure their lives on Aaru. When the research station mysteriously explodes, Liam and Phoebe's parents are left unconscious, but alive, and their departure is delayed. The spaceship leaves without them and Liam, Phoebe, and an intelligent panda-shaped robot named JEFF must race to catch up to the departing spacecraft while avoiding being murdered for the research data the possess.

Many questions arise in this first installment, and a revelation at the end of the book will leave readers anxious for the next installment. Time travel, spacecraft, harrowing action scenes, and sabotage make this a great science fiction book for grade 5 to 8. There was at least one grammatical error in the text and the action seems clunky at times, but this shouldn't bother a reader who enjoys a good science fiction saga. Recommended for middle school libraries and middle grade collections with an audience for science fiction titles.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Kevin

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062306715

Price: 16.99

Armstrong & Charlie

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Armstrong and Charlie are from two different worlds, and are brought together by school desegregation in the 1970's. The new Opportunity Busing program brings Armstrong and several other black students from South Central LA to a previously all-white school called Wonderland in Hollywood Hills. Both boys are nervous about starting sixth grade, each for their own reasons. Charlie's older brother passed away last spring, and his family is still grieving. Armstrong is slightly anxious about going to Wonderland, and faces this challenge with bravado and a tough-guy attitude. The two do not instantly become friends; their rocky relationship is realistically portrayed and reflective of the prejudices of the time period.

Based on the author's own experiences, this excellent middle grade novel will have readers laughing, crying, and rejoicing all the way through as Charlie and Armstrong's friendship evolves. Through humorous incidents, fistfights, first kisses, and field trips, Frank perfectly captures Charlie and Armstrong's adolescence, their discovery of who they are, and their friendship. Recommending for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Frank, Steven

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544826083

Price: 16.99

King's Cage

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 8, 2017

Review

Aveyard's third installment in the Red Queen series follows Mare Barrow and the evolving struggle between the Red Bloods and Silver Bloods. Mare, once leader of the resistance, has been captured after offering her life for her friends' and is now King Maven's prisoner. She is forced to lie over braodcast, claiming that the Scarlet Guard forced her into serving them, which allows Maven to lay the groundwork for building an army of newbloods (Red Bloods with magical abilities). Meanwhile, Cal, the exiled and true heir to the Silver Throne, and the Scarlet Guard are fighting to end Silver tyranny by forming new alliances.

Told in alternating perspectives from Mare; Cameron, a newblood reluctantly working with the Scarlet Guard; and Evangeline Samos, a member of the Silver House Samos and Maven's betrothed; courtly scheming takes precedence over action in this installment. Aveyard has turned the focus inward, as characters must face their internal conflicts as the intrigue builds around the expanding war for the crown. A slower-paced book for the series, but will satisfy readers who are fans of Red Queen. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310699

Price: 19.99

Spindle Fire

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

An imaginative retelling of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale, Spindle Fire is centers around two half-sisters who are polar opposites, and must deal with a mysterious faerie queen's curse.

Isabelle is the king's illegitimate daughter who had her sight taken away by a faerie tithe. Aurora had her sight and touch taken by faeries. The two girls rely heavily on one another and share a complex relationship, until the king orders Isabella to a convent after political negotiations go awry. Furious and heartbroken, Isabelle runs away leaving Aurora to fend for herself. Aurora pursues her sister and stumbles upon a spinning wheel, pricks her finger, and is sent to the parallel world of faerie, leaving her mortal body behind in a deep slumber. Isabella hears of Aurora's plight, and sets out to find the faerie that can undo the curse.

This is the first book in a two part series. The world building is done well, though Isabella and Aurora's split and abrupt dislike of one another may leave readers feeling detached from the characters. Very similar to Meg Cabot's Two Princesses of Bamarre, this title is perfect for avid middle school and early high school readers of fairy tale retellings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hillyer, Lexa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062440877

Price: 17.99

We Were Liars

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2017

Review

Lockhart's suspenseful novel centers around the wealthy Sinclair family. The narrator, seventeen year old Cadence, has suffered from a debilitating accident that has left her with memory loss and headaches. Throughout the story, she struggles to piece together what happened her last summer on her family's island, and what the accident was. The adults in her life are tight-lipped and will give her no clues as to what really happened, so she must struggle on her own to solve the puzzle. The dramatic conclusion will leave readers both thrilled and satisfied.

This is the deluxe edition of Lockhart's novel, which includes thirty two pages of new content, including writings from Gat and Cady, a map of Beechwood Island, a Sinclair family tree, and the original book proposal. A good purchase if your copy of We Were Liars needs replacing. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lockhrt, E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacourte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524764586

Price: 18.99

Making Bombs for Hitler

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School , South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2017

Review

Lida is a nine year-old Ukrainian girl who is taken along with her sister by the Nazis. She is separated from her sister when she is knocked unconscious, and awakes to find herself on a train headed towards a labor camp. The horror of work camp life not glossed over, and Lida is subjected to incredibly cruel living conditions. She finds solace in repeating her mother's phrase "you can make beauty anywhere" and in her job at the laundry as the camp's only seamstress. Her impressive skill with a needle and thread get her noticed by Nazi officials, who then have her sent with other girls from the camp to make bombs in a factory every day, until the camp is liberated after the war.

Although Lida is a nine year-old, she speaks and acts much more maturely for her age, and the details of camp life seem appropriate for an older audience. However, the book is written for a younger reader, which makes this title tricky to assign to one specific age group. This would be a good title to give to a lower-level reader who is studying or interested in World War II fiction. Plot points and backstory, such as how Lida and her sister were taken by the Nazis in the first place even though they are Ukrainian, are glossed over, and little explanation for her parents' deaths are given. This can be slightly disorienting for a reader who does not have enough prior knowledge about the time period, but the storyline will keep readers engaged. Recommended for middle school students.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Skrypuch, Marsha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545931915

Price: 17.99

Hyper to the Max

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2017

Review

Max is a kid who can't sit still. One day he wakes up before school with the Super Fidgets, and comes up with a game to preoccupy his mind in order to help him focus. Max swears an oath that whenever anyone speaks to him, he must reply with a rhyming sentence - otherwise he will have to give up his entire comic book collection! Max tries to avoid speaking to anyone, but Mandy Beth, Max's pesky neighbor, is determined to trip him up. Max is a quick thinker, and comes up with many rhymes, but will he lose his game after being challenged to rhyme with "orange"?

Hyper to the Max is the fourth book in the Maximus Todd series. This is a good beginning chapter book for young readers, with helpful and comical illustrations to help visualize the plot and character emotions. Large and diverse fonts also will appeal to an elementary school reader. A good addition to any library.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Nicodemo , L. M.

Illustrator: Ross, Graham

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Formac

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781459504196

Price: 16.99

Graveyard Shakes

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Graveyard Shakes opens with Little Ghost paying a visit to his friend Modie, a child who has been brought back to life by his father through spells, just as Modie's father is performing the ritual that will keep Modie alive. Every 13 years, a human child's life is sacrificed in order to keep Modie from fading. Modie is very conflicted and unhappy with the fact that a child must die so that he can live.

11 years later, Victoria and Katia have just arrived at a boarding school where they have been given scholarships. Desperate to escape homeschooling, Victoria is ready to do whatever it takes to fit in at her new school and be accepted by her peers, even though they are unkind to her. Katia, her younger sister, has no such desire to fit in and instead becomes the subject of ridicule for her strange behavior, much to Victoria's dismay. After a fight, the sisters stumble upon a graveyard where the two stories collide. Victoria falls into an empty grave where Modie's father is hoping to catch unsuspecting children so that he can perform his spell again.

The dual plots seem too much to fit into a small graphic novel such as this, and much of the action and explanation around characters and events seems rushed because of it. The book's strongest aspect are the illustrations. Recommended for graphic novel fans in grades 4-7.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Terry, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545889544

Price: 12.99

The Art of Starving

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

Matt is a Jewish, white, gay teenager who harnesses starvation-induced powers in order to get revenge for his missing sister. Matt is writing a guidebook on the Art of Starving and is quick to note that he is honest - detailing that he has been diagnosed with suicidal ideation - yet he refuses to admit he has an eating disorder to the reader. Once he realizes that by restricting his food he can harness supernatural powers such as following scents and reading minds, he turns his newfound skills towards the three bullies who Matt thinks are behind his sister's disappearance. One of these boys is Tariq, whom Matt and his sister both had a crush on, though Matt hates himself for having this crush. As Matt begins to degenerate his powers seem to grow, but will he really find the answers he is looking for by being so blind to the other possibilities around him?

The witty and snarky tone of Matt's narration will keep readers rooting for him and his recovery. Though seemingly strange at first, Matt's supernatural abilities add an interesting aspect to Matt's eating disorder and his journey to seeing things as they really are. Recommended for readers in grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miller, Sam J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062456717

Price: -1.01

Time Shifters

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2018

Review

An odd-ball adventure across time and alternate dimensions will that will leave readers laughing and wanting more.

Luke and his brother Kyle run into a gang of bullies on afternoon while playing in the woods. The encounter causes an accident in which Kyle dies. A year after Kyle's death, Luke sees a mysterious light coming from the forest behind his house. He suddenly finds himself in possession of a strange device and is chased by a mummy, vampire Napoleon, and a skeleton astronaut. However, Luke is saved by a time-traversing group comprised of a ghost, dinosaur, robotic Abraham Lincoln, and the scientist who invented the multiverse shifting device. In order to get the device off Luke's arm (which is locked on unless you know the code), the groups hides out in an alternate dimension of giant spiders in the Wild West. Pursued by the henchmen and dodgy spiders, Luke and the gang must keep the device away while also saving a kidnapped robotic Abraham Lincoln.

Luke is a great protagonist, and the eclectic bunch of characters are all interesting and well rounded. The slapstick humor is fitting, and is genuinely funny. The art is bright and effective, and conveys the story well. A great title for readers who loved Ben Hatke's "Mighty Jack" series.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Grine, Chris

Illustrator: Grine, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545926591

Price: 12.99

Like Water

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Savannah Espinoza had grand plans to swim for a college team and leave her small New Mexico town, but after her father is diagnosed with Huntington's Disease her plans grind to a halt. Secretly fearing that she, too, inherited the disease, Savannah (Vanni) spends the summer after her graduation working in her family's restaurant and hooking up with boys. When she meets Leigh Clemente, a white girl from Boston, things begin to change for Vanni. Leigh wants nothing more to leave New Mexico and head back to Boston, and Vanni and Leigh share the feeling of being stuck. An unsteady relationship begins between the two, and Vanni is forced to make a hard choice between staying with her family and pursuing a life of her own.

Podos thoughtfully and authentically explores Vanni's self-discovery and bisexuality. Un-itilaicized Spanish is woven into the dialogue, bringing life to Vanni's interactions with others. An excellent addition to contemporary romance collections, recommended for grades 9 and up. Recommended for Cream of the Crop.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Podos, Rebecca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062373373

Price: 17.99

Little Monsters

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 20, 2018

Review

Kacey Young is new in town, and is the main suspect in her friend's mysterious disappearance. Kacey ran away from home to escape a volatile relationship with her mother, and now lives with a father she had previously never met, a step-mother, and two half-siblings. Bailey and Jade are Kacey's new best friends, and on the outside they seem inseparable. One night they attempt to hold a seance in a presumably haunted barn, and Lauren (Kacey's younger sister) tags along. Something happens inside the barn that traumatizes Lauren, and Bailey disappears soon afterwards. Determined to find out what happened to Bailey, and wondering if their seance was the cause of these strange events, Kacey becomes the prime suspect in the case as she discovers clues to Bailey's disappearance. As Kacey uncovers the lies Bailey told before she went missing, she begins to question the validity of their friendship.

Too many Red Herrings in this book ultimately leave the twist underwhelming. The author seemed so intent on creating a shocking ending that the ending comes together hastily and ineffectually. The result is an unbelievable tale that will leave readers more frustrated than satisfied.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Thomas, Kara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553521498

Price: 17.99

Hamilton and Peggy!: A Revolutionary Friendship

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

Peggy Schuyler is a spirited and gutsy young woman, who often feels overlooked in her family as her two older sisters Angelica and Eliza often take the spotlight. Peggy feels even more overshadowed when she receives a letter from George Washington's aide-de-camp Alexander Hamilton, who writes to Peggy to enlist her help in courting Eliza. This romance is set against the backdrop of the Schuyler home, where Peggy eavesdrops on her father and his wartime involvement with American Revolution. Peggy longs to have a more active role in spying for the Revolution and aides wherever she can, by opening sealed letters in such a way as to disguise that the letter was ever open, to once meeting a spy for her father in the market. Steadfast throughout the novel is Peggy's role as a caretaker and the loyalty between the three Schuyler sisters.

Elliot's novel is based upon meticulous research, and the afterword provides much information on the letters and documents she used to write Peggy's story, though the title of the novel is clearly inspired by Lin-Manuel Miranda's musical Hamilton. Language in the book is modern, apart from the letter excerpts that begin each chapter which are included with original spellings. The action is fast paced, and will leave any fan of Hamilton the musical satisfied. Recommended for grades 9 and up.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Elliott, L. M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062671301

Price: 17.99

The Poet X

Reviewed by: Cidney Mayes - Memorial Middle School Library, South Portland, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 16, 2018

Review

This is a compelling and emotional novel in verse about a teenaged girl from Harlem discovering herself through her writing and slam poetry. Xiomara copes with harassment, bullying, and the strictness of her upbringing with her fists, though she has so much to say to the pages of her leather-bound notebook. Xiomara struggles with her Catholic mother's strict rules and fears of sexuality, and questions the teachings of the Catholic Church. Her twin brother and father are unavailable emotionally, which leaver Xiomara feeling isolated. When Xiomara begins to develop feelings for a boy in her class named Aman, she fears retribution from her mother, but decides to break rules anyway. Eventually she is found out, and Xiomara's life seems to spin out of her control. Xiomara finally accepts a long outstanding invitation to join the school's slam poetry club extended to her by her English teacher, and she finally begins to use the strength inside herself to solve her problems.

Beautiful poems tell Xiomara's story, as she writes about many nuanced issues such as Latino culture, being a first-generation American, music, sexuality, and finding one's voice. The ending is happy but messy, and will leave readers satisfied by the poignancy and realness of the story. Recommended for grades 10 and up.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Acevedo , Elizabeth

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062662804

Price: 17.99