Split Second

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the pivot point series. Readers will want to start with Pivot Point to understand Addie's past ability of searching, but the action story line and alternative word that West has created is fully realized without it. Addison's abilities to manipulate are not only expanded, but her loyalty to the Compound is tested in devious and emotionally cruel ways. This novel is written in alternating chapters narrated by Addison and her friend Laila, with subheadings that provide humorous insight into each girl's voice. The story line expands readers' understanding of Laila's ability, the motives of the Compound and fuels some surprising twists and turns that Addie and her group must survive if they work together. Enjoyable second book!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

West, Kasie

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062117380

Price: 17.99

The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Walton's writing pulls readers into this brutal yet whimsical story of three generations of mothers & daughters who love and endure pain. Although the narrator is Ava, a 16 year old born with wings, who is finding her place in life, the story leads into the far reaching past and a compilation of the peculiarities and deep scars that each member of Ava's intergenerational family endures. Their sorrows and the unconventional ways that they cope with neglect and loneliness are interwoven into the present and future of Ava and her brother who has some type of autism disorder. Ava's ability to break out of the walls that her family has built around their lives provides her both freedom and places her in physical danger.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Walton, Leslye

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763665661

Price: 17.99

And We Stay

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

Through poetry over the period of 3 months, seventeen year old Emily, works out the trauma she has gone through while she gets acclimated to the boarding school she has been transferred in order to provide her some anonymity in her circumstances. Through the verses, one per chapter, the reader learns of how Paul, Emily's boyfriend, brought a gun to school and committed suicide in front of her after finding out she was planning to get an abortion instead of marrying him. The descriptive tale telling voice allows the reader to understand the trauma that has placed Emily in a boarding school without making the situation so graphic. Hubbard uses the poetry and life of Emily Dickinson to mirror the main character's writing and her journey in coming to grips with her situation. Emily in the end is able to reveal the trauma to her roommate and make initial steps to reconcile with Paul's sister.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hubbard, Jenny

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction, fiction in verse / poetry

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385740579

Price: 16.99

Her Dark Curiosity

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 28, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the "madman's daughter" series. Although it can stand alone, reading the first book will provide some back story. Lush descriptions of damp, dank, cellar laboratories, human mutants with animal organs and passion between characters who have a forbidden love make this Jekyll and Hyde meet Frankenstein mix a yummy forbidden read. An intriguing main character, Juliet, must not only deal with her own madness, sins and secrets, but she is torn between helping and killing Edward who is the "wolf of whitechapel." Who's to trust? Who assisted her father in his terrible experiments? What organization will find his research and use it for evil? Multilayered suspense/horror/dark romance. A must read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Publisher: Balzar + Bray/Harper Collins

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: mystery, horror, romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062128058

Price: 17.99

Moe is Best

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 29, 2014

Review

This very beginner reader shows Moe, a monkey, and his two siblings doing basic daily things that preschoolers learn to do such as brush teeth, tie shoes, feed cat, drink milk, read a book and play basketball. Moe is the youngest and for each skill he says "I am the best"? while the illustrations show the exact opposite. When he becomes frustrated at not making a basket, over and over, again his brother reminds him that he is "the best at trying"?. The layout provides lots of blank space with each action being the focus of the spread. There is one sentence of text per spread such as "Moe can tie his shoes"? and then each of the three characters provide a sentence of dialogue in a speech bubble. The characters have large cartoon circle heads and look like children, but are really monkeys due to tails. Although the illustrations have a somewhat flat appearance, it works to keep distractions from the text minimal. The characters do show varying expressions that add to the contradicting humor of the text.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Torrey, Richard

Illustrator: Torrey, Richard

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: I LIKE TO READ/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823428373

Price: 14.95

Dangerous Deceptions

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 5, 2014

Review

This is the second book in the Palace of Spies series. Peggy Fitzroy is back with more spying misadventures as she impersonates a lady-in-waiting in the court of His Majesty, King George I. Peggy is faced with the re-appearance of the man who is her designated betrothed and the various levels of betrayal to the throne in which he represents. Characters from the first novel provide her support, some romance, new plans, new puppies and their own precarious involvements into Jacobite treasonous dealings. Readers will need to read the first book in the series to understand all the connections. A jolting "f--'d" and "f--kin'" appear in one scene, which seemed out of place in relation to the time period and in comparison to the rest of the text. Fans of historical fiction will enjoy Peggy's spark and spunk as well as the light-hearted spying and intrigue the plot provides.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zettel, Sarah

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544074095

Price: 17.99

Handy Health Guide to Diabetes

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 9, 2014

Review

This title in the Handy Health Guide series provides a stellar treatment of diabetes. Presents in a clear format for younger readers in grades 3-6 the various issues dealing with the diagnosis, causes, treatments and life style choices persons with diabetes must make. The Handy Health fact boxes break up the amount of information in "digestible" doses and the font and short chapters are perfect for younger readers. The illustrations and the various tools for giving insulin and checking blood sugar levels are pictured. Layout includes glossary, books and websites.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Silverstein, Alvin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Enslow Publishers

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780766042759

Price: 23.93

The Eye Of Zoltar

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

This is book 3 in the zany, comical Chronicles of Kazam fantasy series. As Fforde has achieved in his other novels in this series, there is head spinning witty wordplay, absurdity and satire rolled into a fast-paced adventure. New readers to this series can jump right in. Sixteen year old Jennifer Strange, stand in manager of the Kazam Mystical Arts Management and newly appointed Court magician must go on an search (not a quest, takes too long to get the license). Jennifer and her first date, who ages rapidly throughout, go into the Cambrian Empire, where only 50% of any party is predicted to survive, to bring back Colin the dragon who has become rubberized; locate a graveyard, pirate and a stone called the Eye of Zoltar all of which may or may not exist; while protecting a spoiled princess confined to her handmaiden's body to learn a lesson. If you give this hilarious novel a try, a Snodd dukedom may be conferred upon you which "allows the holder a twenty-five percent discount at the co-op, free bus and train travel, and two free seats at the Wimbledon finals every year." (p. 290)

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Fforde, Jasper

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547738499

Price: 16.99

Miss Brooks' Story Nook

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 10, 2014

Review

Missy loves Miss Brooks' Story Nook before school. Missy usually takes the long way to school to miss being tormented by Billy Toomey, the neighborhood bully, but this morning it is raining and she was late. During the story time, the lights go out and Miss Brooks has the group make up their own stories. Everyone seems to have a story except Missy. She eventually begins a story about an Ogre which is developed as her classmates ask her questions. The story develops into a secret weapon that Missy uses to bolster her confidence in facing Billy T. before school the next day. This is a multi-layered story that delivers the inspiration for writing stories, ways to develop plot, supports school media specialists and provides a thread about bullying. Emberley's colorful, scanned watercolor painted illustrations show the multi-cultural class having distinct personalities and wardrobe choices. There is lots of white space on each spread that puts the various characters in the forefront. A good combination for the back and forth dialogue of the children while they are creating a story. Great for story times and discussions on the theme of bully prevention or storytelling.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bottner, Barbara

Illustrator: Emberley, Michael

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449813287

Price: 16.99

Pants for Chuck

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This is an easy reader book in the format of a picture book with lots of white space and a single line of text per page in a large font. The animals in the backyard are playing, running and climbing with Big Chuck, the woodchuck. When they come upon a discarded doll, Chuck tries on the doll's pants. He checks himself in the mirror, but doesn't listen to his friends that the pants are too small and he tries to play, run and climb as before but with much difficulty. The story provides repetition of words and actions to support the new reader. The illustrations provide a layer of sophistication to the story from the front end page which sets the scene with a child in the window to the back end page which may have the reader wondering if the story happened or if the child in the window was imagining it. Most of the illustrations show expression and action, although one picture of Chuck running has an awkward stiff pose to his back feet like he is stuffed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schories, Pat

Illustrator: Schories, Pat

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: I LIKE TO READ/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823430666

Price: 14.95

Stray

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This is the first book of the Four Sister Novels. Princess Aislynn, with the help from her fairy godmother, has been able to hide the magic inside her and stay on the designated path for her status until tonight, the ball of her possible betrothal. When her adviser pushes her too far, she reacts magically which changes her path, her promise of happily ever after and the requirements she must live under. As she makes new connections while in training as a fairy godmother plots, rumors and dangerous magic are revealed. Aislynn is a strong main character who must overcome not only her own out of control magic tendencies, but must seek out which rules of conduct to follow and which people to place her loyalty. Sussman has placed all the normal fairy tale elements in a dystopian type fantasy world where all women seem to naturally have magic that needs to be contained. Dreams become reality, forbidden love blooms, magic is misunderstood and brambly dark forests with evil persons abound. The story has just the right amount of tension and suspenseful evil to draw in new readers to fantasy and fairy tales. A map in the front of the book, illustrated by Peterschmidt, provides a additional understanding of the world. The ending leaves an opening for the planned companion book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sussman, Elissa

Illustrator: Peterschmidt, Betsy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9, grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062274557

Price: 17.99

Construction

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 11, 2014

Review

This picture book is the perfect mix of rhyme and sounds to make a construction story time hum. The easy on the eyes font is bold, dark and large. Sutton takes the readers from the breaking of the ground, to the building the outside structure, to the running of the pipes, painting of the sheet rock to the completed building. It's a library! Lovelock's pigmented ink illustrations show a variety of perspectives when viewing the various construction workers doing their jobs. Workers wear safety equipment and male, female and people of color are all represented. The style does not show clear facial features, but that works to draw attention to the larger theme of construction. Young truck and building enthusiasts will want this repeated, again. Useful for story time, construction and building themes or browsing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sutton, Sally

Illustrator: Brian, Lovelock

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763673253

Price: 15.99

Mortal Heart

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 20, 2014

Review

Fans of the His Fair Assassin Trilogy will be relieved to see all the loose ends around Annith, Ismae and Sybella, the daughters of Mortain (death), come together nicely in the end. Readers new to the series will be able to follow the first three quarters of the novel which has Annith rebelling from her underwhelming tasks at the convent, discovering how she has been betrayed in her life and forging a new future after a supernatural, romantic encounter with Balthazaar. As the loosely based historical novel takes on the task of political moves and impending war, readers will want the background of the first two books. Woven through much of this romance novel is the underworld's rules and questions about life, gods and old traditions in a fifteenth century Brittany. Love can become supernatural in the end. LaFever provides a helpful list of the numerous characters, as well as a sparsely detailed map, illustrated by Cara Llewellyn.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

LaFevers, Robin

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy, romance, historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547628400

Price: 17.99

Flip Flap Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Young emerging word warriors will love the clever, slapstick mix of animals (121 possibilities) that will result during the reading of this picture book. This hard cover, sturdy page flap book consists of 12 basic animals on the right and 2 rhyming verses about each one on the left of each spread. The pictures are divided into halves which allows the top half of one animal to be matched with the bottom half of a different animal. The new words beg to be read aloud because the left hand margin asks the reader "What is it? It's a COW." When split, it may become CIP, CICKEN, CEEP, COG, COUSE, CURKEY, CORSE, CIRREL, COAT or CABBIT. Scheffler's stylized, simple illustrations match well with this fun and engaging concept book. Although the squirrel combinations are slightly awkward and readers must be willing to stay true to the animal pronunciation's of words like SHOW (Sheep + Cow) instead of show (long o), this is a perfect book for story time, preschool farm themes, beginner readers and lovers of words.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Scheffler, Axel

Illustrator: Scheffler, Axel

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763670672

Price: 11.99

Froodle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 2, 2014

Review

Little brown bird breaks out an unexpected silly song "Froodle sproodle" and all the birds and other animals in the neighborhood try saying something new. All except Crow who needs a little coaxing. Entertaining while making the points of being different, trying new things or thinking outside the box. The pencil, charcoal and ink illustrations were digitally colored and present as retro with a nod to multidimensional. Useful for building literacy, discussion social interactions and dialogue boxes, some text gets lost in the green background on a number of pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoinette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool, grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439221

Price: 16.99

The Scandalous Sisterhood of Prickwillow Place

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 15, 2014

Review

Berry dishes up a dark and comical, Victorian-era melodrama featuring seven female boarding students who watch their headmistress and her cruel brother die at Sunday dinner after eating poisoned veal. Motivated by their desires for freedom, the girls try to keep on as if nothing has happened whilst they bury the bodies in the garden, solve the mystery, masquerade as their mistress at the strawberry social and juggle all the visitors who have come to call. This is a complete package of hilarity and the book jacket art by Bruno brilliantly sets the stage. The beginning of the book displays a portrait of each girl by Bruno as well as a preface that enlightens the reader to why the girls do not want to be sent back home. Berry's writing style is spot-on in terms of dramatic farce and timing. Even the seven girls names brand them with a negative connotation e.g., Disgraceful Jane, Stout Alice, which adds a flair of blatant inappropriateness to the consistent mix of clues, devious suspects and budding of romances. Older fans of Lemony Snicket will be drawn to this farce.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Berry, Julie

Illustrator: Bruno, Iscopo

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781596439566

Price: 15.99

Don't Touch

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2014

Review

Wilson shines a light on anxiety disorders, magical thinking and ways to face fears in this debut. Caddie has always kept her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) behaviors hidden from family and friends except when life becomes too stressful. Her symptoms revolving around not being touched and being clean become more pronounced as she begins to attend high school at Birmingham Arts Academy and her parents divorce. Being cast as Ophelia in the school's production of Hamlet and growing closer to her male lead slowly brings Caddie to the point of seeking professional help and sharing her struggles with her new friends. There is some parent supported underage drinking. Although the author may have used the device to instill an understanding to the reader, Caddie's continual mantra of "don't touch" becomes a barrier to investing in her character. For those who persevere, the second half of this novel is a theater-focused love story that juxtaposes Ophelia with Caddie's dilemma. Theater enthusiasts will enjoy. In the author's note, Wilson explains her own history with OCD and provides a brief question and answer for teens about seeking mental health support.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wilson, Rachel

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/ Harper Collins Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062220936

Price: 17.99

My Neverland Journal: A Book You Write All About You!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2015

Review

This title is a write-in journal for fans of The Never Girl series by Kiki Thorpe. The journal is divided into five sections: All about me, My friends, Fairies, Memories, and Hope and dreams. Each page provides a few sentences for writing prompts that tie-in with the various characters in the series. Some pages provide lines for completing the prompts while other pages are large blank spaces framed in purple that can be used to answer the prompts with drawings, photos and filling in dialogue bubbles. The pages are illustrated with Christy's signature illustrations in either black and white or purple wash. There are 2 pages of 50+ colorful stickers in the back. Teachers may use as supplemental ideas for writing, although there are no pages numbers for easy reference nor an index which is understandable since it is a journal. For libraries, this title is most useful as a reading incentive for fans of the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Depken, Kristen

Illustrator: Christy, Jana

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553496857

Price: 12.99

Jack and the Wild Life

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2015

Review

Jack and his distracted, irresponsible parents are back for another comical, fast-paced adventure in this second in the series. This time Jack is pulled into a get-rich-scheme by his parents that take them to Africa. Along the way, Jack must resort to a few survival techniques. Readers will enjoy the dark humor of Jack being the parent to his clueless and careless parents. The book's content is deceptively mature in both reference and vocabulary. For example, in downtown Nairobi, "Hawkers peddled cigarettes and gum. A man with sharp shins sat cross-legged next a wooden box overflowing with dried herbs". (p. 26) Immigration, parental instincts, and Tanzania elevate the text. Then there is the bull in "musth" which is defined for the reader as "a periodic condition resulting in highly aggressive behavior, thought to be caused by hormonal fluctuations" (p. 40). One suggestion for future installments would be to identify the first chapter as a preface. New chapter book readers will be surprised to find that the first chapter is 2 pages of text with a full page illustration, but that subsequent chapters are 10-12 pages in length with illustrations. The layout provides chapter headings foreshadowing the action and Stevanovic's full-page stylized cartoon black & white illustrations provide detail to the text.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Doan, Lisa

Illustrator: Stevanovic, Ivica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467710770

Price: 17.95

Red Queen

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 29, 2015

Review

This fantasy debut provides an action-packed adventure with lush descriptions of setting in an alternate world. The suspense builds at the right pace. Narrated by Mare, who is a Red and living the standard deprived and powerless life of a Red, readers are quickly plunged into the alternate world where Silvers, who do not bleed red, but have specific powers, lord over the Reds with power, intimidation and violence. When Mare accidentally puts her sister's life in danger, she receives some unexpected help from a royal Silver that changes the politics in their world and exposes powers that Mare did not know she possessed. This fantasy has action, violence, romance and betrayal, everything needed for a juicy read. Give to fans of "the Hunger Games", "the Selection" and "The Lunar Chronicles" series. Secret Pokemon fans will love this, too. Readers will anxiously wait for the sequel.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Aveyard, Victoria

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062310637

Price: 17.99

Prairie Fire

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the dragon fantasy series by Johnston. Siobhan McQuid, bard of dragon slayer Owen, deals with her burned hands, her time in the Oil Watch service, the traditions of the past, and the fierce fire of the deadly Chinook dragon. Her innate talent of following her inner musical voice, that paired her with Owen in high school in the first book, slowly emerges to help her during this time when her future identity is conflicted. Johnston uses a modern day setting of Canada, in a world that has dragons, to discuss environmental issues, challenge readers to discern the power of the media/social media and illustrate the many facets of military service. Readers may want to read The Story of Owen for a deeper understanding of the loyalty between Siobhan and Owen. Reading the first book will explain some of the unspoken decisions Siobhan makes and the nature of dragon slayers in this alternate world. Fans will need the tissue box at one point, so be ready. Teen looking for dry humor and a story without vampires, sex or addictions will enjoy this one.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Johnston, E. K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Carolrhoda LAB/Carolrhoda Books/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467739092

Price: 18.99

Fairest

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

Meyer presents fans of the Lunar Chronicles a small novel, maybe a novella, as they patiently wait for WINTER to be published. The book is appropriately titled FAIREST. The slim plot fleshes out Queen Levana's obsession with power and her dependency on the skill of glamourizing to hide her appearance. Readers will not become sympathetic to the Levana's life by seeing her decisions and power plays she makes in her teen years. Readers will want to start reading the series with CINDER instead of this slim volume, due to the lack of foundation to the larger story arch of the Lunar Chronicles. Unfortunately, as a fan of the Lunar Chronicles, this reviewer felt this offering was weak in development and lacking the plot tension that made CINDER so intriguing. Although Levana's decisions borders on horror with the dependency and manipulation that goes on, time passage happens without any reader engagement. This may not be a necessary read to enjoy the next installment in the Lunar Chronicles series.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Meyer, Marissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250060556

Price: 17.99

Maisy's Tractor

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is a sturdy board book that is perfect for little hands and short attention spans. Each spread features Cousin's signature brightly colored illustrations in a folk art style. Maisy is the main character in this story featuring all the ways that Maisy uses her tractor on the farm. She plows the field to get ready to plant seeds, brings hay to the barn for the cows, brings full milk pails to the farm house and must drive around finding the missing fourth lamb. The text states not only the specific action that Maisy is doing, but also provides the added sounds of the tractor "Chug, chug", the cow "moo", the lambs "Baa!" Cousin has provided an interactive, yet clearly singular focused story line about the farm.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673055

Price: 5.99

Maisy's Plane

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 30, 2015

Review

This is a sturdy board book that is perfect for little hands and short attention spans. Each spread features Cousin's signature brightly colored gouache illustrations in a folk art style. The regular group of characters all appear, although only Tallulah and Eddie are named. The text consists of one sentence per page, written in black Lucy Cousins font. Maisy flies her plane to a special party and along the way gives a greeting to Tallulah who is in a hot air balloon. Maisy does a loop-the-loop and unrolls a banner from the back of the plane stating "Happy Birthday, Eddie!" An airplane, motorcycle, car and hot air balloon are presented, although there does not seem to be an added dimension to the story compared to "Maisy's Tractor" in the same board book series which provides more interaction with setting. This board book is useful for introducing modes of transportation.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763673048

Price: 5.99

A Cold Legacy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 1, 2015

Review

This is the third book in Madman's Daughter series. Shepard makes Victor Frankenstein's creative obsession with life/death boundaries the focal point of this storyline as Juliet finds unsafe refuge in the family von Stein's ancestral manor on the moors. A working laboratory, secret passages, human experimentation and consequences of immorality mingle with the dark romance. Juliet must grapple with the lines of right and wrong when faced with killing to preserve life in a different form. Can she allow herself to commit to someone when her own evil past is secret? To fully appreciate the intertwined relationships, the nonhuman characteristics of some, and the gruesome science behind the dark motives that fuel the action, readers will want to read the previous books first. Historical and romance fiction fans will enjoy the series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062128089

Price: 17.99

The Penderwicks in Spring

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2015

Review

This is the fourth installment about the Penderwicks. Spring stereotypically brings life changes and transformation and that is the case for Batty (Elizabeth) Penderwick. Being the fourth child in a blended family of six children, she is mourning the loss of her beloved hound and inspired to help the tight family finances by starting a neighborhood dog walking business with humorous results. When neighbor Nick, whom she adores, comes home on leave and her older sisters start having boyfriend problems, Batty's understanding of her place in the family is shattered and the darkness she feels inside brings friends and family to a halt until misconceptions are corrected. Birdsall has deftly infused the themes of blended family issues, death of pets and parent, and family finances into a lighthearted read that boosts reader's vocabulary. Fans of the series will be somewhat disappointed with the peripheral appearances of the older sisters in the story, but it is understandable since they are growing up. Frankland's illustrations appear on the book jacket and at the beginning of each chapter.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Birdsall, Jeanne

Illustrator: Frankland, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780375870774

Price: 16.99

The Queen of Bright and Shiny things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Sage has been expertly convincing the world and herself that she can live in the facade she has created for the last 3 years. Leaving post-it notes on random people's lockers when they seem down has been her calling card and has earned her the name, princess post-it. Sage keeps her bad girl past hidden to all, even readers, while branching out with new friends, spear heading the green club and riding her bike everywhere in the small town because of her unexplained fear of cars. Her facade is challenged the day that new bad boy Shane, unkempt, guitar player, holder of dark secrets and oh, so cute arrives in geometry class. Leaving him a post-it on his locker begins the unraveling of her purposeful world.

The focus of the story is on character development and the various situations that cause secrets to be revealed. A positive vibe filters throughout the story line and the harsh life situations that have created Sage's protective facade actually becomes anti-climactic when revealed. There is reference to some underage drinking and sex, but nothing graphic, they are just part of the list of situations that happen during Sage's senior year. The book jacket design complements the story perfectly. One small quibble is that the girl on the jacket is a brunette and Sage is a blond. Romance fans will enjoy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Aguirre, Ann

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250047502

Price: 17.99

Tiny Pretty Things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Give this soap opera/drama to fans of "Pretty Little Liars". Enter the cut throat ballet world through the eyes of Bette, Gigi and June who are all vying for the lead role in Giselle at the American Ballet Academy school. Chariapotra & Clayton plunge readers into the dangerously competitive world of ballet with all the pressures of body image, looks and daily pain. Bette has to live up to her sisters past success and she takes pills to cope. African American Gigi is the new girl on the scene from California who lands the lead role of Gisselle, but hides that she has a heart defect which would take her out of the school. June, due to the pressures of her Korean mother and her unresolved abandonment issues about her, yet-to-be-identified father, purges every meal and lives with the fear of being suspended due to being underweight. Add to the mix the constant infidelity of boyfriends, backstabbing friendships and hidden secrets and you have a quick moving, intense building drama. The one flaw is the lack of clearly defined treachery in the end. This reviewer was unsure which character was responsible for certain career ending pranks.

Although this is clearly a bad girl drama/soap opera plot, there were patches of standout writing concerning anorexia, what motivates dancers and the details of going on pointe, preparing shoes, stretching with a partner and other dance related issues.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Charaipotra, Sona

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062342393

Price: 17.99

Mechanica

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2015

Review

Nicolette, having lost both parents, has become the servant to her stepmother and two step-sisters. All the standard fairy tale tropes apply. Yes, she is required to make their clothes. Yes, she does all the household chores and yes, there are ashes involved, but that is where the similarity ends. In her world, the King has sanctioned a ban on anything related to the Faerie and their magic. During her short life, Mechanica's mother created household helpers in the shape of insects, butterflies and Jules, a horse, that were made from blown glass and mechanical parts but were alive with a touch of fey magic. Outlawed in their country, Mechanica must work in her mother's workshop in secret to try and understand the power of the magic. When the palace announces an Exhibition and a ball, Mechanica makes plans to create something that will support her ability to break away from the holds of her stepmother. Cornwell's setting is clearly realized and is rejuvenated by the details of the workshop and Mechanica's motivations and actions. This is a complete package, setting the scene of a Cinderella story line with a steampunk vein, the book jacket matches the various elements of the story and will draw in movie fans with its slightly Tim Burton-ish design. This intertwining of the dark forbidden magic with the truthfulness and loyalty of friendship provides fans of fairy tale spin offs a refreshing look at Cinderella.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cornwell, Betsy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780547927718

Price: 17.99

Con Academy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 3, 2015

Review

Will Shea has conned his way into Connaughton Academy, one of the top 5 five private schools in the nation. So he is in, can he stay in is the question. Andrea, con artist in her own right, sniffs out Will's precarious background and a wager is made between the two of them for the rights to stay. The mark is the acting-out son of the academy's richest benefactor. Schreiber's dialogue provides readers the layout of the con's premise and the situations within the private school setting quickly change from one minute to the next, keeping it interesting. Will's family members, seasoned con-artists themselves make an appearance, sometimes helpful, sometimes not. Fans of movies such as "Focus" with Will Smith and "Ocean's Eleven" series will enjoy the set up and action. Nice to see a book that will appeal to teen boys, but also a wider audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Schreiber, Joe

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544320208

Price: 17.99

Made You Up

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Recommending this debut novel for cream. The lobsters have always talked to Alex, from the time she was seven. Now that she is starting in a new high school, she is keeping her paranoid schizophrenic diagnosis a secret, as well as her meds., therapist and various hallucinations that seem real. Alex's blurred lines between real and hallucination are ever present while she tries to experience normal high school situations. Zappia's treatment of presenting short and long chapters, Alex's snarky voice, personal moments where Alex is questioning the Magic 8 ball and quick pacing provides readers with an undiscriminating acceptance of her reality in all its confusion. She is such an unreliable narrator that readers will not be sure which situations and characters are real until they are revealed as such. Parents are flawed; authority figures have secrets; hospitalization is required, and a romance develops from rocky beginnings. This book will inspire students interested in psychology to explore what individuals with paranoid schizophrenia experience, especially since people generally experience their first episodes during their teen years, not younger like Alex. Besides the mental health issues, themes of friendships, loyalty, seeking help from abuse and acceptance of differences appear. The bookjacket and end pages will help this fly off the shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zappia, Francesca

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062290106

Price: 17.99

The Tea Party in the Woods

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

Recommending this picture book for cream. This Japanese import, will win the heart of dreamers, forest dwellers and fairy tale lovers alike. It has snowed the night before and Kikko's father is going Grandma's house to help clear the walk. After he leaves, Kikko realizes that he forgot the box of pie waiting for her. Kikko goes out to catch up with him, but trips and falls. The box is squished. After recovering, she must catch up and she glimpses his hat and coat at a distance. When she arrives at a home she doesn't recognize, she looks in the window and sees that she was following a bear. When a kind voice, a lamb dressed in a coat and handbag, asks her "Are you here for the tea party?", she has to go inside and see. She is welcomed by animals in party clothes, served tea and given various pieces of different pies to make up for the ruined one. They lead her to Grandma's house in parade fashion through the woods. The standout part of this Little Red Riding Hood inspired story is Miyakoshi's warm and inviting charcoal, pencil and color ink illustrations. Each item, from Kikko's plaid leggings to the bear's three piece suit, is detailed with texture although the pallet is layers of grey and black with only a few specific colors, such as the little girl's yellow hair, her red skirt, red mittens and brass instruments. The emotions that the animals and humans are feeling emanate off the page. There is varying perspectives used to illustration different parts of the story that add another layer of meaning to the story. For example, when Kikko falls, the view is from the ground up which enhances the "ouch" she must be feeling. When the rabbit bends down to see the ruined pie, the small mice collecting the sugar cubes look so small because they are as tall as the pie box. This story will be useful for story times that feature fairy tales, winter, diversity and sharing. Readers will pore over the pictures because of all the tiny details.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustrator: Miyakoshi, Akiko

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781771381079

Price: 16.95

Get Out of My Bath

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

This is an interactive picture book. Ellie the elephant, with rubber ducky in tow, is ready for her bath and with the help of the reader who is called upon to "tilt the book to the left and see what happens next..." she is having fun in the bath. When the reader "tilts the book to the right" oh, no, a crocodile is in the bath. Ellie is not happy and the reader is instructed to say "Get out, Crocodile!" It doesn't work, and a flamingo, a tiger, and a mouse in a floaty ring join the ruckus in the bath. Ellie shouts "Get out of my bath" and then sucks all the water up. When the animals leave, she releases the water and finishes. The readers are then asked if their bath time is next. The digital rendered illustrations present the animals across the two page spread with the bottom half representing the green-blue bathwater, complete with bubbles, in a plastic type surface that adds a slippery texture to that part of the illustration. When the reader is directed by the text to tilt the book, the bathwater line on the next spread appears to have shifted to that side of the tub. The animals show some expression of happy, surprise, and disappointment. Although simple in its story line, the book will be demanded for multiple readings to test out the bath water, if you will, yell at the animals and tell the older reader what will be coming next. Story times will want it for programs about water, activities of daily living, rubber duckies or feelings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Teckentrup, Britta

Illustrator: Teckentrup, Britta

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Nosy Crow/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763680060

Price: 15.99

Tacky and the Haunted Igloo

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 15, 2015

Review

The comical and beloved Tacky is back to save the day, or the night, of the Halloween party. As the other penguins had planned in their staff meeting, while Tacky sampled the Swedish fish, batcicles and awful waffles pronouncing them "beak-smacking good", they each pick a costume based on what they are scared of. The evening of the party finds everyone having a good time and Tacky late as usual. When a group of ghosts come to the door and are revealed to be the hunters from the first Tacky book, Tacky appears dressed as the big hunter which scares the hunters away, again! Munsinger's signature penguin expressions, costumes and details around the igloo will have readers laughing. The illustrations work with the text for great comic timing. Fans of Tacky will love this holiday themed icy land adventure. Those familiar with the first Tacky book will enjoy the connection of the hunters and the rhyme they sing. Halloween collections need a little Tacky!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Lester, Helen

Illustrator: Munsinger, Lynn

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544339941

Price: 16.99

The Case of the Missing Moonstone

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 22, 2015

Review

As stated in the preface, this mystery novel is about two real girls from the early 1800's, Ada Byron Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer, and Mary Shelley, the author. In this alternate London, they are closer in age and become childhood partners in a clandestine "that's secret" detective agency. Eleven-year-old Lady Ada is clever, mathematical and lacking in social niceties that govern behavior. Fourteen-year-old Mary comes to be tutored at her home where they create a secret detective agency and solve their first case.

Stratford spends time explaining the time period where girls can't go out unaccompanied and come out at sixteen to be offered in marriage. This is great for new readers and Stratford fits explanations naturally with what Ada s must learn. The story focuses on the problem solving that fuels Ada's thoughts. The gimmick of all the adults just following what she says without question moves the storyline. Stratford uses Ada's constant mixing up of her servant's names and the banter of the two girls to achieve a verbal slapstick comedy. He also provides readers with a biography of each real individual in back matter.

Murphy's illustrations provide a melodramatic feel to the work and are strategically placed to explain the various items in the time period. A hot air balloon tied to the roof of the house, an omnibus carriage pulled by horses for numerous passengers, and men in red fezzes are all aptly detailed. The various characters, however, are not as detailed. She provides portraits of the real-life characters in the back matter. Unfortunately, the portraits look like children playing dress up. This influences the rating of the whole reading experience.

Good Rating versus Excellent: The content is disproportionately more mature and richer than the book design. This is an accessible mystery for the younger reader, even as low as third grade. The font is large, there is a lot of white space on the page and the vocabulary will be challenging with such words as: Mesmerism, Ottoman Empire, clandestine, accelerate, unchaperoned, and pianoforte. The solid vocabulary and the wordplay between the main characters, as well as the life circumstances for the 14-year-old matches a standard 6-8 grade level reading. Unfortunately, those readers may need to be book talked into picking up this delightful mystery because the book design begs a younger audience.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stratford, Jordan

Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385754408

Price: 16.99

Escape from Baxters' Barn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2015

Review

One cold September morning, Burdock the one-eyed barn cat is unable to resist the temptation of the warm farm house kitchen. While sleeping under the stove, Burdock overhears Dewey Baxter tell his brother Grady that the best solution to the farm's financial problems is to burn down the barn and collect the insurance money. Burdock rallies the farm animals with the help of Nanny the goat and an escape plan is hatched. Readers will enjoy the different animal's personalities, back grounds and the ways they pitch in to solve the problem, although Dewey's dangerous plan may be a shock to some. The sweet ending is just what the hardworking team of barn animals deserves. Bond's writing style provides depth and definition with vocabulary that will challenge independent 2-3 grade readers but establishes this title as a welcomed read aloud. Bond's artistic strength shows through the pen and ink drawings of the animals. The animal's individual personalities, their varying emotions and their actions are depicted. The illustrations are scattered throughout and provide details to the text, even explaining what a block latch looks like. A two page spread of the farm assists the reader in understanding where the action takes place. The one misstep is a picture of the family with children at the end of the book. The head and body size of the three children are disproportionate to the adults. Themes of friendship, loyalty and problem-solving are woven through this animal tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bond, Rebecca

Illustrator: Bond, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544332171

Price: 16.99

Stanley at School

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2015

Review

Stanley the dog is back again in this sixth adventure. He has always wondered about the school as the children walk down the block. After talking with his dog pals at the dog park, the next day they meet in front of the school to see what the kids do all day. When they get in, the smells, "Socks. Hamster poop. Chalk. And something else...LUNCH!" set their tour in motion. After kids come in and give them hugs, the dogs are then chased by a man with a broom. They run through the gym, music room and craft room right into the principal's or "TOP Dog's" office. With a gentle pat on their heads, she steers them to the front door. They report back to the neighborhood dogs that children "Eat and Run" at school. Slavin's cheerful, full-paged illustrations rendered in acrylics on gessoed paper show a variety of expressions, actions and doggie hi-jinx in realistic settings such as a dog park, classroom and school hallway. Children from multiple background and varying abilities are pictured as well as the principal who is an African American female. Useful for story times about school, new places, discussions about treating pets or a round of giggles.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bailey, Linda

Illustrator: Slavin, Bill

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771380966

Price: 17.95

Pete the Cat Five Little Pumpkins

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In time for Halloween, Pete the Cat provides us a cartooned, understated silly version of "Five Little Pumpkins". Just what readers come to expect from Pete the Cat. Pete the Cat, a big-eyed yellow birdie companion who mimics what Pete is doing and five jolly jack-o-lanterns provide the slapstick. The text is one sentence per page of the standard preschool counting classic "Five Little Pumpkins". Of course, Pete the Cat's version will make the story time crowd break out in giggles as he pulls out his big wrist watch for "it' s getting late", a frog in blue shades and accompanying witches hat flies him around on a broom chopper for "witches in the air" and he "run and run and run[s]" in his red school shoes. There is no scariness here when "out went the lights" because the five pumpkin's bright yellow faces and Pete's yellow eyes glow on the blue painted background. Pete the Cat displays his robo-cat costume as the pumpkins "rolled out of sight" on skateboards! Although this will be a good edition to library holiday collections focused on the younger reader, the binding is just glued and there is no book jacket. Be prepared to repair due to the popularity of Pete the Cat.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304186

Price: 9.99

Otter Loves Halloween!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In first person voice, Otter explains to the reader that Halloween is the best holiday. She helps Otter Keeper, the human, shop for a pumpkin, carve the huge pumpkin, decorate the house and create all the stuffed animals' scary costumes. Giraffe chooses to dress as a fairy, complete with pink wings, which isn't scary. Otter remedies the situation by taping some cardboard teeth to the end of Giraffe's nose. Otter runs into a problem when trick-or-treaters show up. Their costumes are the scariest and Otter and Teddy hide under the bed. Problem is solved when Otter Keeper makes them masks out of boxes without holes.

The digital illustrations are bright, colorful and have shelf appeal. Otter appears to be a stuffed animal as well, but maybe she is real since the Otter Keeper is an adult. It is unclear, but not necessary to the story. Young readers will be able to identify with the things that scare Otter and be reassured by how Otter solves the problem. The text is easy to read and there is lots of white space, making this useful for sharing in a group or with the younger reader. The book is a trade edition and comes without a book jacket, but the binding appears to be sewn and fairly sturdy. Useful for Halloween themed story times and inspiring creative play.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062366665

Price: 9.99

Leaflets Three, Let it Be!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 24, 2015

Review

In this informational picture book, Sanchez uses the seasons of the year to enhance young readers appreciation of poison ivy. Although 85 percent of people are allergic to urushiol, a chemical in the plant's sap that makes them breakout in a rash, animals do not have such a reaction. In the woods, rabbits, does, and mice nibble different parts of the poison ivy plant after a hard winter. In the summer, the plant provides shade to the forest floor and hides the salamanders, spiders and golden-eyed toads. Nests are made from poison ivy's roots and bees gather nectar from it dainty flowers. When the days turn chilly, "Tiny insects roll themselves up in snug poison ivy blankets", and animals feast on the white berries. Brickman's illustrations will make readers feel like they are looking out their window or walking in the forest. Each reading will expose more animals hiding within the three-dimensional, paper crafted scenes. The informational text reads easy as a story and the illustrations are so real looking you expect the rabbit to chew and the leaves to crunch. There is a Q&A section in the back for those seeking more information about poison ivy. One slight quibble is that there is no bibliography in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sanchez, Anita

Illustrator: Brickman, Robin

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press/Highlights

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781620914458

Price: 16.95

A Dragon's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Humans

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2015

Review

Recommending this fantasy title for cream. The husband and wife team of Yep and Ryder have created a whimsical, witty and smart fantasy that promises to be a series. In this fantasy world, dragons have humans for pets. Narrated in the first person voice of Miss Drake, a three thousand year old dragon, the story opens with her mourning Fluffy, her loyal pet's passing. Her thoughtful mourning period of thirty years is abruptly cut to two days when 10-year-old Winnie stomps into her den as directed by her deceased Aunt Amelia (Fluffy) and barrages the dragon with questions. Dragon and new pet, Winnie, slowly bond when they have to remedy a misstep with a magical sketchbook that puts the city of San Francisco in peril. Winnie is a likable, tenacious female character who has had her share of grief, poverty and instability. Each chapter heading is a quote or wise saying from the Dragon's guide about training their human pet. The quote, along with a pen and ink illustration on the first page of each chapter, provides a perfect amount of foreshadowing for the younger reader. Each chapter is well paced and lends itself to be read aloud. This is a modern day fantasy where dragons carry cellphones, look up magical elements in databases and enjoy sun-gold apples. In a human world with hidden magic, "sometimes an apple is just an apple." Lovers of intelligent dragons with heart will impatiently wait for the next installment.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yep, Laurence

Illustrator: GrandPre, Mary

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown Books for Younger Readers/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385392280

Price: 15.99

Anyone But Ivy Pocket

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Meet Ivy Pocket, aged 12, orphaned, recently fired ladies maid whose over-confident, yet rude character and circumstances is a mashup between the dark comedy of the "Series of Unfortunate Events" (Snicket) and "Amelia Bedelia"(Parish). Ivy has the special talent of viewing everything from a stance of exaggerated denial and the ability to spin an outrageous story to back up that denial. This talent makes her the perfect, or imperfect, messenger for the Duchess of Trinity who has given her the task of delivering a cursed clock diamond to the daughter of the Duchess's enemy. Carrying the diamond puts Ivy in danger from every turn, even the underworld, as her adventure unfolds and her unfortunate decisions create havoc in each circumstance. The backdrop of this dark comedy is Victorian England. Cantini's gothic-like, cartoon black and white, full-page illustrations foreshadows the main action of each chapter. Give this to the more mature readers who appreciate the dark humor and ironic circumstances. This is the first in a planned series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Krisp, Caleb

Illustrator: Cantini, Barbara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062364340

Price: 17.99

Biscuit Goes Camping

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Biscuit and the little girl who loves him are preparing for some backyard camping in this installment of the popular easy reader series. They make a tent by throwing a blanket over the clothes line. Biscuit discovers a frog and then gets spooked from all the new sights and sounds. Fireflies come out, as well as thunder and lightning, which brings the camping experience inside by the dog bed. Each page has minimal text for the new reader. Schories' traditional watercolors enhanced digitally with Photoshop provide the details of setting up the tent, chocolate chip cookies in a baggie, the lightening in the distance and the love that the little girl feels as she curls up next to Biscuit's dog bed. Recommended for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Capucilli, Alyssa Satin

Illustrator: Schories, Pat

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780062236944

Price: 16.99

Pete the Cat's Train Trip

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 13, 2015

Review

Pete the Cat is traveling by train with his brother and mother to Grandma's house. They buy tickets, get seated and meet the conductor. Pete tells him "I love trains" and the conductor takes him on a tour of the whole train. They meet his family at the snack bar and the engineer shows him the front of the train. On his way back to his seat, he makes new friends who play games and "Pete sings a song. What a groovy ride!" Grandma gets a big hug when they arrive. It is refreshing to have an easy reader book that uses the full 32 pages to tell the story. The brightly-colored, child-friendly illustrations work well with the text to give readers an understanding about what their first train trip may include. This is designated as a My First Shared Reading by the publisher which is explained in the front of the book as reading with the child. The text seems to be gauged for a more experienced new reader, so parents would want to read with their child. Vocabulary includes: arrived, explore, conductor, rumbles, bridge and engineer. Fans of Pete the cat and new readers will enjoy this book.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062303868

Price: 16.99

From Goat to Cheese

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This non-fiction picture book is part of the series Start to Finish. Just as the title suggests, readers are taken through the process of milking the goats, pasteurizing the milk, separating curds and whey, aging and salting the goat cheese. The format provides one sentence in bold text followed by a paragraph in simple sentence structure on the left and a stock photograph on the right on each two page spread. The choice of goat cheese will introduce readers to a new food item. This title would be useful in nutrition themed story times and also provide teachers with supplemental common core information. One quibble about the pictures is that some people preparing the cheese wear gloves while other times bare hands are shown picking cheeses up and forcing cheese into molds. This series is popular with younger readers who are interested in how things work.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Owings, Lisa

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467760232

Price: 23.93

From Steel to Bicycle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 14, 2015

Review

This non-fiction picture book is part of the series Start to Finish. Just as the title suggests, readers are taken through the process of how how bikes are manufactured. The format provides one sentence in bold text followed by a paragraph in simple sentence structure on the left and a stock photograph on the right on each two page spread. New words pertaining to the process appear in bold in the text. The format provides a table of context in the front, a glossary of words that are new in the back. Further information and an index complete the back matter. The stock photographs used depict a multicultural population. This title would be useful in transportation themed story times and also provide teachers with supplemental common core information. This series is popular with younger readers who are interested in how things work and bicycles are a high-interest subject.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Nelson, Robin

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467738927

Price: 23.95

Lizard Radio

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

Recommended for cream. Unexpectedly dropped off by her non-conformist foster mother at CropCamp, Fifteen-year-old Kivali must make friends and navigate the dark undercurrents of the camp's purpose. In this alternate, dystopian world, gender is identified by a percentage. Those who score in the middle range are called benders and the SayFree Gov requires them to attend a camp by the age of 18 or risk being thrown in Blight, a city without government. Being a bender, Kivali has always been challenged to identify who she is, human or lizard, male or female, conformist or rebel and she relies on her special insight into nature, which she calls lizard radio, to navigate the harsh rigidity of her world. As she struggles to comply with the SayFree Gov's brain-washing demands at camp, she experiences first love and the trust of loyal friends. Schmatz provides well-developed characters and an intriguing plot that will keep readers pondering well after it is done. Complex issues about identity, gender, community expectation and free will are the main themes of this sci-fi/dystopian novel. Fans of the Giver, Hunger Games and the movie The Matrix will enjoy this complete package.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schmatz, Pat

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763676353

Price: 16.99

Robots at Home

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 20, 2015

Review

This non-fiction book is part of a series entitled Robots Everywhere! Robot fans in grades 1-3 will enjoy browsing the pictures that show a variety of robots that clean floors, build cars, clean gutters, mow lawns and assist with mobility. The font is large and the sentence structure simple which will reinforce the new reader's enjoyment of this topic. There is a table of contents, a page about Robot Scientists, a fun facts page, a glossary, and suggested further reading. Educators and parents are instructed to dig further into the topic by downloading complementary resources from www.lerneresource.com Unfortunately, the book suffers from repetitive text as a way to simplify content and a confusing layout. Although the title of the book is "Robots at Home", only a few robots are actually being used in the home. Most are being used by researchers in a controlled environment. It is unclear which robots are still in research phase or are actually available on the market. The cool dog robot on the front cover, major shelf appeal, is explained in detail on the CIP page in small print, but does not appear anywhere in the content of the book. The words listed on the glossary page are not identified or highlighted in the text but seemingly random sentences are highlighted throughout.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Zuchora-Walske, Christine

Illustrator: , Photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Lerner Publishing Company

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781467740548

Price: 26.60

Nancy Clancy: Soccer Mania

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

This is the sixth installment in the Nancy Clancy series by O'Connor. Third grader Nancy loves Mr. Dudeny's school project of the Graveyard of Boring Words and the Superb Synonyms that would replace each one, but playing on the soccer team that her father coaches ranks below the friendships and the refreshments. As Nancy's team goes through sharing players with a competitive team, negative sideline parents and after game pizza parties, they learn to work as a team to become the best "against-the-odds, final-second, come-from-behind-tie" team. O'Connor presents the transitional reader a clearly focused story line which will resonate with young athletes and enthusiastic cheerleaders. O'Connor, as in all of her Nancy books, challenges the reader with rich vocabulary alternatives that are defined for the younger reader within the text. Glasser's illustrations show some expression and shows a multi-cultural cast. All the characters from the popular Fancy Nancy picture books are found in this offering for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

O'Connor, Jane

Illustrator: Glasser, Robin Preiss

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062269676

Price: 9.99

The ABC Animal Orchestra

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 27, 2015

Review

This is a serviceable alphabet book in the plethora of ABC offerings. Saaf's illustrations appear to be mixed-media collage. The text for the book appears in a strip of color at the bottom of each page, consisting of the uppercase letter in a 2-inch high font next to two sentences of text. The first sentence identifies the letter and the animal with the instrument, for example "T is for Turtle tooting his Tuba." Whimsical animals playing the stated instruments appear in the foreground of each spread. The second sentence of text is a listing of other random words beginning with the letter in lowercase. Pictures of these words appear somewhere in the background of the illustration in an I-spy fashion. There are a few entries that do not match the pattern of animal and instrument. On second reading, this reviewer realized that "I is for intermission" is normal for an orchestra concert as well as "Q is for... quiet" as momma quail tries to calm her fidgety young concert goer. At the end the whole orchestra is pictured. The end pages provide the various animals creating the alphabet with their bodies. Useful for parents and preschools looking for a book to reinforce alphabetic knowledge in a variety of ways. An index listing a picture of each animal with its name and geographic location would have been a welcomed addition.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Saaf, Donald

Illustrator: Saaf, Donald

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805090727

Price: 16.99

A Madness So Discreet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 16, 2015

Review

This dark, murder mystery is set at the turn of the nineteenth century in America, where asylums were dumping grounds for young women who did not follow society's rules of behavior. Grace Mae, the daughter of a Senator, finds herself a patient in an unethically run Boston asylum because she was impregnated by her father. When she loses the baby due to violent treatment methods and subscribed to the dungeon, the traveling doctor Thornhollow, who performs lobotomies on selected violent patients, identifies her quick intelligence and photographic memory. He provides her a way to escape to a safer asylum in Ohio as long as she takes on a new identity that includes scarring her face, acting as a mute inpatient and becoming his secret assistant as he dabbles in profiling a local serial killer that has been killing women with ether. The darkness of the asylum setting is juxtaposed with the outwardly civil society that covers up the "madness" of family sexual abuse so discreetly. As Grace becomes interwoven in the fabric of this new life, strong friendships and loyalties develop as the cast of sympathetic, yet flawed, characters make justifiable decisions that are labeled "mad" and criminal by mainstream society as they respond to their individual imprisonments. Some descriptions of treatment, sexual abuse and reactions to abuse are brutal. Fans of historical thrillers and psychological crime dramas will enjoy the lingering effects of this haunting story.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McGinnis, Mindy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062320865

Price: 17.99

The Heir

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

This is the fourth book in the Selection series. Twenty years after King Maxon and Queen America's turbulent happily ever after, their seventeen-year-old daughter, Princess Eadlyn, must embark on her own selection process as a way to distract the country from the unrest created by the dissolving of the caste system. As in past selections, 35 suitors from different backgrounds come to the palace for three months of competing for the princess' hand. Visualize "Hunger Games" meets "The Bachelorette". Although die-hard fans of the series will want to read this installment, there seems to be missed opportunities for the romance and political tension that made the first book in the series such a hit. Cass's portrayal of Eadlyn as insensitive and spoiled does not feel genuine in the context of her parent's story and the scenes with the suitors made various moments interesting but these were few in the context of the whole story. A cliff hanger ending promises at least one more installment. Purchase where series is popular.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cass, Kiera

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062349859

Price: 18.99

Mothman's Curse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

The Mothman legend comes alive, as well as other paranormal activity, when Josie and her two brothers acquire an old camera from their family's auction house business. Taken from the John Goodrich's estate, a recluse old man who recently committed suicide, the camera prints out photos superimposed with his picture, even without film. The spookiness is multiplied when lights explode, John's ghost appears and Josie's dad is knocked down the stairs by the red-eyed, winged Mothman monster. The Mothman appears right before a disaster as part of a 100 year-old curse. As Josie untangles the clues that the ghost tries to communicate to her, she becomes the conduit of the curse and must save herself or protect the town. The pacing of the story, the action and the backstory of Mothman will appeal to ghost lovers. Hindle's black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and enhance the spooky overtones of the paranormal events. Although there are fantasy elements in the paranormal story line, the resilience of the family and the natural interactions of the characters in the family will resonate with readers of realistic fiction, too.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hayes, Christine

Illustrator: Hindle, James K.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brooks Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720275

Price: 15.99

Pete the Cat and the Bedtime Blues

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

After a fun-filled day at the beach, Pete the Cat and his friends do not want the fun to end. They decide to have a sleep over at Pete's house and jump on the patriotic motorized bicycle. On go the pajamas, out with the lights and everyone says "good night". Then each friend in succession does something to keep Pete awake. Pete the cat solves the problem for good by reading everyone his favorite bedtime story. Dean's pen and ink with watercolor and acrylic paint illustrations are done in bright primary colors and have a child-like folk art style. The repetitive text will encourage young story time listeners to participate. Useful for night-time themed story times. The review copy included a "Groovy Door Hanger" inside.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dean, Kimberly and James

Illustrator: Dean, James

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062304308

Price: 17.99

Maisy Goes on a Plane

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 17, 2015

Review

In this episode of the Maisy First Experiences series, Maisy rides an airplane to go visit her friend Ella, the koala. Cyril drives her to the airport. At the airport she turns in her ticket, goes through security and garners a window seat for the duration of the trip. While on board, Maisy makes new friends with her seat mates, has a glass of orange juice and makes a necessary trip to the bathroom. Cousin's brightly-colored illustrations with their dark lines and folk-art vibe provide the visual learner a clear picture of what to expect when taking a trip on an airplane. Even the details about Maisy being in the 10th row and her new friend, Mr.Percy the rhino in the outer seat, are pictured correctly from the outside of the plane. This installment of the Maisy First Experience books will be useful for parents who want to prepare their child for travel, preschool themed story times about transportation and Maisy fans. Recommended for library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763678258

Price: 12.99

I'm Cool

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 18, 2015

Review

In the popular series that highlight trucks and machines, the McMullan team puts the cool as a cucumber Zamboni Machine to work in this fast-action, sure to be a hit picture book. Readers will jump right into the hockey game as the announce calls the plays on the title page. Zamboni eagerly waits to clean the ice as the announcer declares the ice too rough for the players and challenges the Zamboni Machine to work his ice smoothing magic in 18 minutes. Can he do it? "Chill, Big Talker. I've got what it takes to do the job." asserts Zamboni. As the machine evaluates how deep the ruts are in the ice, the announcer goads him into action from the booth. Zamboni is smooth, he explains how his "ice-shaving, snow-eating, water-spraying, slush-slurping, towel-dragging" moves makes the ice "SHAZAMBONI" smooth. The illustrations show how the Zamboni is feeling with his big eyes as well as the details on how the machine levels the auger, squirts and vacuums up the water. The perfect mix of dialogue, onomatopoeia and attitude makes this a winning choice for story times and young truck lovers. It's "SHAZAMBONI, Baby. That's right."

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McMullan, Kate

Illustrator: McMullan, Jim

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062306296

Price: 17.99

Placebo Junkies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

The raw, harsh realities of the professional drug trial world are explored through the drug-induced voice of Audie who supports herself by participating in medical drug trials and research projects. Carleson vividly describes the realities of being a human guinea pig, as Audie and her roommates support each other as they scramble to clear themselves of the mirage of graphically explained side effects they accumulate, in order to start new trials for cash. Audie's desperation to raise money to take her boyfriend Dylan, who has cancer and also goes through drug trials, motivates her to attempt a marathon schedule of various trails that push beyond what her body or mind can handle. The witty part of this sad tale is the entries of Audie's blog. In her tough, sarcastic voice she educates newbies (and readers)to the realities of this little known path to addiction and how to work the system for perceived profit. When a major shift occurs in Audie's environment and mental state, both character and reader have trouble identifying the truths about her situation. Suggest this book to mature audiences, due to the gritty language and graphic descriptions of medical side effects, who enjoy confusion and unresolved endings. The topic may inspire some to "research" the ethics of current drug procedures.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carleson, J. C.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497243

Price: 17.99

My Autumn Book

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

This smaller-sized picture book is perfect for toddler hands. The little girl, who recognizes the signs of autumn, is propelled outside by her excitement to investigate with backpack, camera and notebook. Spiders, crickets, chilly wind, full chipmunk cheeks, digging squirrels and geese flying in formation are some of the many signs that she records and photographs. She gathers up a variety of leaves that have fallen and hurries home to make an autumn book with photographs and leaves to use during winter. Although some of the rhymes do not flow as naturally as the author's book "Tracks in the Snow" (Henry Holt and Company, 2003) title, the colored pencil on watercolor paper illustrations tell the story with all its autumn details. This is the fourth book with the same character who explores the seasons. Recommended for story times, preschools and school library collections about autumn.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Yee, Wong Herbert

Illustrator: Yee, Wong Herbert

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780805099225

Price: 14.99

One Gorilla: A Counting Book

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 3, 2015

Review

Browne's visually stunning illustrations and layout of his starred-reviewed picture book published in February 2013, translates well into the board book format for the youngest readers. Each two page spread presents a large numeral and the associated number of primate portraits with mesmerizing eyes. "1 gorilla, 2 orangutans, 3 chimpanzees...10 lemurs". The next spread shows Browne's self-portrait with the text "All primates, All one family. All my family..." The last illustration is a crowd of peoples representing a variety of nationalities and ages that states "and yours!" Useful for counting, color identification, science themes and lap sharing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Browne, Anthony

Illustrator: Browne, Anthony

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763679156

Price: 7.99

School for Sidekicks

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

When thirteen-year-old, ordinary, superhero-obsessed, Evan Quick gets blasted with an energy ray at an amusement park, his future as a normal kid is changed forever. The event activates his untrained metahuman powers and he unintentionally responds to a superhero crisis involving his childhood Mask hero Captain Commanding. During the battle, Evan saves his hero but becomes injured. When Evan regains consciousness, he finds that the story about the event has been changed to protect the Captain's ego for the mass media and Evan has secretly been enrolled in the secret school for metahumans. Evan finds that he has super strength and is able to heal himself. All the students have a moniker, complete with branding, that correspond to the powers they possess. Evan, aka Meerkat, is placed under the responsibility of a recovering alcoholic Mask named Foxman. As Meerkat and his new friends become aware of a conspiracy within the school and the blurring of lines between Masks (hero) and Hoods (criminals), they must push themselves to work as a team. Although this is an action-packed, sci-fi fantasy, themes of friendship, loyalty and the special first kiss are explored, adding a depth to the various characters. Hand this to superhero enthusiasts and those who love some action with their comedy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McCullough, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250039262

Price: 16.99

Dumplin'

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

Sixteen-year-old Willowdean (Will) has always been confident in her own skin. While working her fast food job, she introduced herself to Bo as "Cashier, Dolly Parton enthusiast, and resident fat girl". Her confidence is shattered when her beloved and obese Aunt Lucy unexpectedly dies from a heart attack. Now her life starts feeling out of control as Bo, Will's her secret crush at work, starts showing signs of wanting to be more than friends and due to recent changes in her childhood friendship with naturally beautiful Ellen, she doesn’t have anyone in which to confide. These changes propel her to make connections with a few other "misfit" school acquaintances and, as a group, they become the first unconventional contestants in the Clover City Miss Teen Blue Bonnet pageant. Will's mother has officially run this sacred pageant every year which forces to the surface the many prejudices and misconceptions around body image, beauty and self- worth. Uncertainty and excitement of first kisses, changing childhood friendships and grief are layered into a snapshot of Will's struggle to regain her confidence with genuine humor and heart. Using Dolly Parton as inspiration and getting help from a few generous drag queens that are sharing in the grief of her beloved Aunt Lucy, Will bridges the gap between bucking the hurtful perceptions of "fat" girls that others, and herself, have while fighting to be who you want to be. Murphy pulls out various issues that make readers think about their own prejudices through the comical and snappy voice of Willowdean. There are references to sex, infrequent gritty language and some underage drinking that fit easily into the fabric of the story line.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Murphy, Julie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062327185

Price: 17.99

Wait

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 7, 2015

Review

In this almost wordless picture book, a busy mom with curious toddler-in-tow is navigating the busy streets of the city while trying to catch the train. The little one persistently reminds her to stop in her busy schedule to enjoy the moment. The visual perspective switches from the larger city to the specific detail of the moment in each two page spread with the text alternating between "hurry" attributed to the mom and "Wait" to the child. Along the way the child is resisting the feeling of hurry as he stops to admire a dog, wave at a cement mixer crew, feed the ducks, explore the ice cream truck display, view the fish in a tank, and taste the rain that has started falling. At the end of this rush to the train, mom relents when the two see a double rainbow above the city. Parent readers will be gently admonished to take time to look around. The illustrations are matte colors that allow the scene to unfold effortlessly and doesn't jaunt the senses which supports the idea of slowing down to enjoy the moment. Useful for inspiring young story tellers to elaborate on feelings, setting and comprehension of the story line.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Portis, Antoinette

Illustrator: Portis, Antoinette

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: A Neal Porter Book/Roaring Brook Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781596439214

Price: 16.99

Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

In this easy reader based on the Flat Stanley series, Stanley and his brother Arthur love to go to Pete's Sweets and help the baker frost cakes. One day when the boys go to visit they find Pete sad because of the competition of another bakery. They brainstorm ideas and find the solution when Stanley accidentally falls on some cookie dough. Life-size gingerbread boys become the new hit! The story has many elements that will make it popular with children such as the life-size cookie on the cover, the kids solving an adult problem and all the different things that Stanley can do because he is "flat ever since a bulletin board fell on him". Pamintuan's cartoon-style illustrations provide added details about the various settings. This easy reader is identified as a level 2 book reading with help, which is appropriate due to the amount of text. It is helpful to have Stanley in easy reader format for future chapter book recognition by readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Houran, Lori Haskins

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189790

Price: 16.99

Flat Stanley On Ice

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

In this easy reader based on the Flat Stanley series, it is winter time and ice on the pond is the new experience. Stanley, who "had been flat ever since a bulletin board fell on him", is still learning what he can and cannot do since he is flat. He doesn't sink in the snow but he slides great on the ice. When Stanley doesn't listen and stays on the ice as it starts melting, his friends and coach have to be creative in finding ways to get him safely off the cracked ice. Compared to Houran's "Flat Stanley and the Very Big Cookie", this title provides more opportunity for readers to interact and problem solve with the characters. Pamintuan's cartoon-style illustrations augment the simple text with details that round out the story line. This easy reader is identified as a level 2 book reading with help, which is appropriate due to the amount of text. It is helpful to have Stanley in easy reader format for future chapter book recognition by readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Houran, Lori Haskins

Illustrator: Pamintuan, Macky

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062189820

Price: 16.99

Jingle Bells

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

A bear family rides a horse-drawn sleigh through the woods picking up various forest animals along the way to a choral singing around a decorated Christmas tree at the edge of the forest. The last page shows Santa flying away with six reindeer by the light of the moon. The text is the traditional Jingle Bells chorus in the first two-page spread, one verse with each line on a different two-page spread and the chorus in full on the last page. Children will be drawn to this gift book because of the red speaker button at the bottom of the right page which plays a fast instrumental version of Jingle bells. Unfortunately, the music is only the chorus and does not play the verse which compromises the central part of the book. While Siewert's oil and watercolor illustrations show movement, setting and expressively happy animals, amid the numerous holiday books available, this is not a standout selection.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Pierpont, James Lord

Illustrator: Pauline, Siewert

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681975

Price: 12.99

Nanny X Returns

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

This is the second book in the Nanny X series. Ten-year-old Alison, eight-year-old Jake and baby Eliza begin this story in a confused state because Nanny X is back to help their family but she is acting like a normal nanny and not an agent from NAP (Nanny Action Patrol) that they know her to be. When grandmother breaks her leg during Zumba, their parents leave for the weekend, and the adventure begins as Nanny X puts on a fishing hat. The fishing trip in the Washington DC area is the cover Nanny X and her charges use to investigate a threat to the president about the national treasures being in jeopardy. Fish robots, computer snatching squirrels, Howard the chimp from the first adventure and special bugs are the gadgetry that keeps the investigation moving. Envision James bond in Nanny form, if you will. The action is wacky and the vocabulary is challenging. The layout may be overwhelming for some transitional readers due to the switching of each chapters narrative between Alison and Jake. The layout also has the author's acknowledgements as the first page the reader will encounter. Donnelly's clearly detailed map comes next, which provides foreshadowing for the story where it identifies where each event happens and a wordy table of contents follows the map.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenberg, Madelyn

Illustrator: Karen, Donnelly

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780823435333

Price: 16.95

My Pet Human

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 8, 2015

Review

Using the human as a pet device, Surovec provides younger readers a witty look at a no-named stray cat who goes from independent cat-on-the-street to having a human pet in four chapters. With lots of white space, handwritten font and dialogue balloons, cat explains to readers his perceptions of his neighborhood, his rules to live by, the arguments of his human pet owning friends and how the little girl, who moves into the abandon house slowly, with a few mishaps along the way, becomes his pet human and names him Oliver. Fans of "Binky the space cat" by Ashley Spires will enjoy the snarky voice of Oliver in this delightful cartoon-graphic illustrated novel for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Surovec, Yasmine

Illustrator: Surovec, Yasmine

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Roaring Brooks Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720732

Price: 12.99

The Rosemary Spell

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

The trouble starts when thirteen-year-old Rosemary moves into the big empty room in the two hundred-year-old house that use to belong to Constance Brooks, a local poet. Rosemary and her friend Adam learn how powerful words can be when an old book and a poem make Adam's sister Shelby disappear, wiping her out of everyone's memories. It takes Rosemary and Adam on a quest, which at times builds new relationships and at other times puts them in life-risking situations. The author's passion for literature comes through this story that is heavy on Shakespeare but light on suspense building. Readers will learn how to work through the meaning of a sonnet and will be inspired to read some of the titles Zimmerman provides as an annotated list of 10 books in the back. Hand this story to bookish readers who secretly want the fantasies with spells and the magic of words to be true.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zimmerman, Virginia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544445376

Price: 16.99

Illusionarium

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

Dixon has created a steampunk world, set in 1882 London, where the antidote to a new plague that promises to wipe out much of the female population can be procured by entering a parallel world revealed through the usage of a new chemical that facilitates group hallucinations and leaves the user with horrific body/mind changing side-effects. College-bound Jonathan, apprentice to his scientist father, discovers that he has an untapped power while under the influence of this chemical and commits himself to bringing back the antidote to save his mother and sister. The parallel world provides life-risking challenges that include a battle similar to "Hunger Games", which Jonathan navigates with the help of an unlikely partner. Dixon uses footnoted comments at the bottom of some pages to extend the sarcastic humor in Jonathan's reaction to situations. These tend to disappear in frequency as the action builds and they are not an essential device for the successful of the book. Ariel cities, a nod to Victorian romance and science equations all make an appearance in this action packed fantasy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Dixon, Heather

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/Harper Collins Publisher

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062001054

Price: 17.99

The Inquisitor's Mark

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 6, 2016

Review

This second book in the modern day middle grade fantasy series begins right where the first book ends. The legends of King Arthur and the magic of Merlin meld with the Twenty-First Century through the Eighth Day phenomenon, the day between Wednesday and Thursday. Jax, Riley and Evangeline are in hiding when Jax is contacted by family members that he did not know existed. The family has kidnapped his loyal but "normal friend" Billy Ramirez in an attempt to bring Evangeline together with her sister to break the Eighth Day Spell and exert power over the Transitioners and Kin. The world building and magically infused action continues to expound with intriguing details which include Brownies, time tunnels, and a dragon like wyvern. Readers will want to read the first book in the series to understand the complex intertwining of characters and the importance of their status with each other. Interplay between Dorian, Jax's morally ambiguous cousin, and Jax's uncle provide rich detail about the mafia-type family structure and their secret plans. The book's layout of the alternating chapter view point of the action through Jax and Dorian eyes at times creates some confusion of detail at times. Fans of the series will gloss over this slight flaw as they expectantly wait for the third book. Suggested reading for those who enjoy Harry Potter, Artemis Fowl and Percy Jackson.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Salerni, Dianne K.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062272188

Price: 16.99

Charlie, Presumed Dead

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 12, 2016

Review

Lena and Aubrey, the girlfriends, meet for the first time at Charlie's funeral. Charlie has been in an airplane explosion and presumed dead. Neither girl knew about the other, but they each believe that Charlie is still alive and develop a rocky partnership as they piece together their different experiences with Charlie. Their complex involvement with Charlie, their own secrets and various clues leads them through Europe and India to a sinister end that seems like a cliff hanger. Lena, Aubrey and Charlie's character are exposed at a pace that will keep readers turning the pages. Do we really know who we are dating? Is a relationship that feels safe really dangerous? In Bangkok, the girls are introduced to the ladyboy culture. There is some alcohol and drug use as part of the jet-setting culture. Heltzel provides vivid details of the various exotic settings along that way that adds a rich layer to this psychological thriller.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Heltzel, Anne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544388499

Price: 17.99

Ms. Spell

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2016

Review

In a brightly colored, busy classroom, Ms. Spell uses a magical spelling stick to assist her students in remembering tricks that will help them spell the various words that the general population misspells on a regular basis: there, their, they're, were, we're, where. Long uses quick, slapstick dialogue between teacher and student as a vehicle for listing the various spelling rules and tricks for spelling. The illustrations are cartoon in style with a mix of bright pastel colors reminiscent of stylized cotton candy. The end pages provide a list of frequently misspelled words, how to study them, 3 spelling rules and memory aids. The actions in the story include nose bubbles, students becoming flying monkeys with lasers shooting eyes and a class that responds with similar negative comments at the end of the books as they did in the beginning. There is some disconnect between the format which is picture book and the age of students who are learning spelling rules. The structure of call and response in dialogue bubbles between the teacher and the many students on a page will work best for an independent reader or when sharing one on one. The layout will be challenging in a large group. Of the many useful tricks presented for spelling, " 'School' is a hard word to spell, but remembering that it has a 'choo' in it as in 'choo choo' train might help" seems to be a confusing item since it is referencing similar spellings, but not similar pronunciations. The book's purpose is a way to support students in an effort to spell certain designated words correctly. As a tool for teachers, this has been met successfully, but re-reading for enjoyment may be limited.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Long, Ethan

Illustrator: Long, Ethan

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823432929

Price: 15.95

Patterns in the Park

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 3, 2016

Review

This non-fiction concept book is part of the "Seeing Patterns All Around" series for younger readers. In this offering, various patterns are explained using a neighborhood park, a pond and landscape. The crisp, engaging photos concisely illustrate the singular concept presented in simple sentences on each two page spread. Concepts explained include: one is not a pattern, a pattern is repeating, alternating pattern, striped, checkerboard, polka dot, spiral and irregular pattern. Sawyer provides a one page multiple choice to reinforce the concept as well as a glossary that provides a picture of the item, the word and the pronunciation. Back matter includes an index, two suggested books and a website. This is an excellent tool for beginning readers to learn about patterns.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sawyer, J. Clark

Illustrator: , Stock Photographs

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781627243391

Price: 26.60

Bob and Flo

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 4, 2016

Review

I recommend this title for cream. It's Flo's first day of penguin preschool and she has brought her pink bucket filled with fish for lunch. She meets Bob, tries some painting and then notices that her bucket is missing. As she goes through the day the bucket re-appears as Bob's hat, his step-stool, sand castle mold, and drum. After lunch, Flo finds the bucket next to the slide and Bob stuck at the top. Flo knows just what to do. She uses it to splash water down the slide to help Bob move. They play together until school is over. As Bob says his goodbyes to Flo with the bucket on his head, she replies "See you tomorrow, Bob....and don't forget our bucket!" Ashdown's mix of understated text with the illustrations showing the opposite provides the perfect mix for a budding preschool friendship. Scattered throughout the illustrations are support for preschool concepts such as manners, shapes, colors and a student's first day.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustrator: Ashdown, Rebecca

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544444300

Price: 16.99

It's Raining Bats & Frogs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

This picture book will be perfect for the Halloween-themed story time or young reader interested in friendly witches. Delia, a young green-skinned broom-flying witch, looks forward to the yearly Witch Parade. This year it begins to rain making it "wet and miserable". Delia solves the problem by chanting and changing the drops to cats and dogs. After the first delight with the animals, the other witches begin to complain. Using the same chant, Delia changes the cats and dogs to hats and clogs with the same results. Bats and frog are not successful either and she has to brainstorm other rhyming ideas. In the end, Delia changes everything back to rain and the parade makes the most of the flood. Henry's muted green and brown color palette matches the storm setting. The witches have expression and various personalities as they all fly around on their brooms. Most of the text, except for the last few pages of the story, is printed in a stripe of white space at the bottom of each page with the exclamations of the witches appearing in white dialogue bubble, making it easy to read in a large group setting. Useful for preschools and parents focused on supporting the skill of rhyming words.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Colby, Rebecca

Illustrator: Henry, Steven

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250049926

Price: 16.99

Dino-Swimming

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2016

Review

Wheeler and Gott have teamed up again to present the eighth book in the dinosaur athletic series. The meat-eating, Land Sharks, dinosaur swim team dressed in red compete against the Algae Eaters plant-eating dinosaurs wearing green. In rhyming text, all aspects of a swimming meet are covered. As in the previous books, the names of the various dinosaurs participating are in colored font and some dinosaur names are abbreviated to fit rhyme scheme. The brightly, colored illustrations of the dinosaurs almost resemble clay figures showing action, expression and a variety of visual perspectives. The illustrations round out the text by showing details such as goggles, towels, swimming caps, parents behind cameras, stop watches and the high dive. The dinosaurs swim, pout, brag, cross over the swimming barriers and at one point a stylized dive empties the pool. A must have for dinosaur lovers and library collections looking for books to introduce preschool readers to sports.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wheeler, Lisa

Illustrator: Gott, Barry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467702140

Price: 16.99

Wild Feelings

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Younger readers are educated about how universal and influential feelings can be from the front cover where a child clad in a lion costume, with eyes screwed shut is yelling "Feelings" to the final pages where adults experience that same phenomenon. Milgram's signature minimalist style explores the confusing, out-of-control way feelings affect us in a humorous, spot-on way. In an interactive style, the reader is asked "Do you ever feel....stubborn as a mule,...chicken as a chicken,...clumsy as an ox or feel totally out of control". Each feeling is presented on a two page spread with lots of white space. A variety of children dressed in the corresponding costumes elicit the understanding and empathy of the reader. A blue pet bird is released during the clumsy ox episode and the pet appears on each spread after that as a visual tie-in. The ending finds the child frolicking outside au natural with the birdie. Useful for preschool themes of self-identity and feelings, as well a humorous browsing.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Milgrim, David

Illustrator: Milgrim, David

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805095876

Price: 16.99

Lies I Told

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Adopted teenage siblings, Grace and Parker, always follow the rules; rules of the con, that is. Since their parents pull large heists throughout the country using them as part of the scheme, Parker has always reassured Grace that he would take care of her. The rules are simple: "plot the con, get into character, work your way in and stick together". This time is different. Parker has been hinting of getting out of the business. Grace becomes conflicted about the real feelings she develops for Logan the mark (against the rules), loses a memento from a previous heist (against the rules), and develops a friendship with someone outside the mark's influential circle (also against the rules). As the situation spirals out of control, Grace's eyes are open to the realities of her actions and the consequences that jeopardize her safety and the family she thought she could trust. The pacing of this thriller works perfectly for the details of setting up an elaborate con and the romantic feelings that Grace develops for Logan. Waiting on how and when the con goes bad, as foretold in the prologue, will have reader's holding their breath until the cliff-hanging ending and the promised sequel. Note that there is some teenage drinking and sexual encounters.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Zink, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062327123

Price: 17.99

Charlie and the Grandmothers

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Towell spins a dark, dense and eerie story of childhood fears that grow into tangible evil manifestations. Twelve-year-old Charlie and his younger sister Georgia watch as the children in their town slowly vanish without the concern of the adults and Charlie fears they will be next. When his widowed mother begins talking about having them visit their grandmother for a while, he knows that his time has run out. They have no living grandmothers. After the children are taken to a farm run by creepy grandmothers, Charlie finds that memories are being taken from children worldwide to feed the harvest trees that will give the Queen of the terrifying dream world power in the physical world. Through various challenges that include bedbugs, sandmen, phantoms, web-feet grandmothers and a house that changes with Charlie's thoughts, Charlie is able to overcome his fears and save his sister and the other children. The pacing of this middle-grade horror story (suggested for grades 5-8) is slowed by the verbiage of reporting and analysis of the creepy dream world. The vocabulary will challenge readers. Towell's pen and ink illustrations add another level of grotesqueness to the descriptions, although the story does not contain graphic descriptions.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Towell, Katy

Illustrator: Towell, Katy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: horror

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780375868603

Price: 16.99

Captain Underpants and the Invasion of the Incredibly Naughty Cafeteria Ladies from Outer Space (and the Subsequent Assault of the Equally Evil Lunchroom Zombie Nerds) Now in Full Color

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 9, 2016

Review

Pilkey's third epic Captain Underpants adventure published in 1999 has now been re- issued in shiny full color graphics. George and Harold's comic stories, the switch of the cafeteria ladies with aliens, the infamous flip-o-rama and all the necessary potty humor are left untouched and rejuvenated in this colorful edition. The incredibly naughty cafeteria ladies look better than ever in bright green skin and accessorized hair wigs. Pilkey provides an added bonus epic novella by George and Harold in the back about "Dog Man and the Wrath of Petey". A new fan base will be inspired to try their hand at creating comics with this re-issue.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pilkey, Dav

Illustrator: Pilkey, Dav

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: graphic novel

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545694704

Price: 9.99

Jack at the Helm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 10, 2016

Review

This is the third adventure in the comical Berenson Schemes series for readers in grades 2-4. Only child, Jack has always been the responsible one since his parents are gullible and dim-witted. This new adventure starts with his parents purchasing a farm in Nepal off the internet (visualize swamp property in Florida) with the intent to start their own religion and make huge amounts of money. As they board a bus in Nepal to locate said property, they recruit their first believer, eighteen-year-old Henry, who is world traveling as he tries to find himself. While hitching a ride on a truck at the end of the bus ride, since no one can seem to tell them the location of said farm, Jack and Henry are thrown from the truck and must work their way down the river in a raft. Along the way, they encounter crocodiles, a cave, torrential rain, capsizing and extreme rock climbing. Henry's fears are tested and Jack comes to believe that when they make it back to the states they should switch parents. When they are finally rescued in a convoluted way by Jack's parents, Jack concludes that his parents do love him, for all their foibles, and that he should stay with them. Stevanovic's full page black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and provide cultural setting details. Doan provides some adult comic stances on religion and some enriching vocabulary along the journey.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Doan, Lisa

Illustrator: Stevanovic, Ivica

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467710787

Price: 17.95

Book of the Dead

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

This is the first book in a new Egyptian fantasy thriller for grades 3-6. The format is similar in style to the 39 clues and the Spirit Animal series by Scholastic. The magic and dark evil from the ancient times come alive as Alex, the twelve-year-old main character struggles to stay alive in the pediatric ICU from an unknown illness. Using the lost spells of the pharaohs from the newly discovered Book of the Dead, his mother harnesses the power to bring him back to life. The action causes the tombs throughout the world to break open and those in the afterlife begin to slip into the modern day at various archaeological sites. When his mom disappears, it's up to Alex and his friend Renata to find out how to harness the power to avert the immediate disaster. Readers that like fast-paced action and Indiana Jones-esque security systems will want to dive into this series. Northrop creates a solid foundation for this series, providing interesting details about the museum system, brief but developed relationships between the characters,and thriller action scenes for lovers of all things mummy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,horror

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545723381

Price: 12.99

Survival Strategies of the Almost Brave

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2016

Review

Following their mother's death, twelve-year-old Liberty spends two days protecting her eight-year-old sister while they navigate their way back to the only adult they trust when they are abandon at a desert gas station by their mentally incapable father. The story line is reminiscent of Voight's "Homecoming" but is set in present day of stranger danger which keeps Liberty from seeking help as they make their way back towards San Diego, secretly hitching rides with various characters. Liberty's perspective will have readers concerned for her safety, intrigued about the different adults who cross their path and anticipating the action in each chapter as described by each survival strategy chapter heading. White intersperses the action chapters with Liberty's memories of her mother that flesh out the reasons for her father's behavior and her own grieving process. Give to middle grade readers who enjoy realistic fiction. This is White's debut novel, hope to read more by her in the future.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Jen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374300845

Price: 16.99

Promises I Made

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Fans of the tension-gripping first book by Zink, "Lies I told", will want to read this second one to see how Grace works through her acceptance of being used by her adopted parents for criminal con heists and how she stays loyal to her adopted brother. Zink's writing style of this sequel reads similar to a script from an ID investigation program. Readers are taken step-by-step through fugitive Grace's weeks of hiding out, making connections with a retired cop and his male spouse who help her build enough evidence to exonerate her from the charges of murder and robbery. Characters from the first book remain peripheral, although Grace is promised some reconciliation with each one that she hurt. Although this sequel does not hold the same page-turning tension of the first story, lovers of crime fiction will enjoy this story for the fugitive antics and hide-and-seek plot.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Zink, Michelle

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062327154

Price: 17.99

The Curse of the Chocolate Phoenix

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 3, 2016

Review

Fantasy lovers will want to indulge in this companion title to The Whizz Pop Chocolate Shop. If it's chocolate, it must be good, except when it's illegal time-travel chocolate in the shape of a Phoenix and is being used to disrupt the time stream, locate time stitch holes and is the reason why the evil Alba from D33 is trying to kidnap the magical 11-year-old twins Lily and Oz along with their best friend Caydon. Saunders' whimsical style provides interesting magical devices, fast-paced action and swashes of musical history that keeps the pages turning and those who desire magic to be real clamoring for more. The setting is British in tone, which adds to the charm of this attention holding fantasy. Recommend to Ibbotson and Rowling fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Saunders, Kate

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385744720

Price: 16.99

The White Rose

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2016

Review

This is the second book in the Lone City Series. This fantasy/dystopian/ecological mashup, reminiscent in structure to Atwood's "The Handmaiden's Tale", has teenage Violet, surrogate to the Duchess of the Lake, fleeing the Jewel and her enslavement after being caught in an illegal romantic tryst with Ash, a companion to the surrogates. After many dangerous turns, trains and timely assistance from the secret society called The Black Key, she is able to get herself and her group to a safer place outside the Jewel in a forest and small cabin called The White Rose. As Violet takes on the plight of all surrogates, with a plan that draws a new magical power that she must learn to control, readers are left with a cliff-hanger ending that places her sister in the same dangerous position that she has fled. Readers choosing this book based on the book jacket art, which seems to promises a light romance, will be surprised with the graphic nature of the contents. Violet's close friend has her throat slit right in front of her in the first chapter, the complex sexual roles and the experimentation done to those enslaved by the royals are discussed at length, as well as, Lucien the eunuch explains how his father castrates him at the age of 10 so that he could become a male ladies-in-waiting. Fans for the first book will want to read this second installment as backstories are explained and the action continues.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Ewing, Amy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062235817

Price: 17.99

Peppa Pig and the Day at Snowy Mountain

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 21, 2016

Review

In this paperback reprint, Peppa Pig and family, based on the TV series, take advantage of a snowy day by going sledding, ice skating and skiing. Young readers not familiar with these activities will learn a few simple basics such as needing a sled, riding a ski lift and expecting to fall when skating. The storyline resembles quick TV sound bites as the narrative abruptly changes from one activity to the other without transition. The illustrations are bright bubblegum colors and are static cartoon characters that present as stiff and lacking emotional changes. Readers who are familiar with the TV series will respond to this picture book, but this is not an essential library purchase. The author and illustrator are not identified, although Neville Astley and Mark Baker are given credit for creating Peppa Pig.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Neville, Astley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Candlewick Entertainment/Candlewick

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763677411

Price: 5.99

Teensy Weensy Animals

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 21, 2016

Review

This paperback, Level 2 reader, features twelve different animals that are considered among the smallest in the world. After an introduction page, each two-page spread consists of a page on the left featuring the animal's name in a clear decorative font at the top followed by a 4-5 sentence paragraph about the animal. The opposite page is a full page photo of the animal. Some of the photos provide a reference point to the actual size of the animal such as a human hand, a marble or an acorn, while others do not. There is an eight word glossary in the back. The book is lacking a bibliography and a pronunciation guide for the difficult animal names listed, especially since the audience is new readers. The title and photos will provide the shelf appeal.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Emerson, Joan

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545751834

Price: 3.99

Stingrays! Underwater Fliers

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

This paperback science reader will be of high interest for budding marine biologists in grades 1-3. Readers will learn how the stingray finds food while using it's sensors and poisonous barb to keep from being prey for hammerhead sharks. In this edition, stingray gives birth to seven pups which can live up to twenty years. The relationship between cleaner fish and stingrays and humans with stingrays are explored. Unfortunately, the design is uneven with a confusing mix of illustrations by Isidre Mones and photographs interspersed. At one point, the text states that the shark grabs the stingray's tail, but the illustrations show the stingray's body in the shark's mouth. The next page jarringly explains that the stingray got away and is giving birth to pups. The subject matter will make this paperback popular, although the flow of information is choppy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gerber, Carole

Illustrator: Mones, Isidre

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449813089

Price: 3.99

Funny Bunnies Morning, Noon, and Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 5, 2016

Review

This paperback Level 1 reader follows a multi-colored, multi-aged with multi-abilities bunny family as they wake up to breakfast, get ready for a trip to Rabbit Hill Park where they play games, eat lunch and are sad to leave. At home, grandma bunny makes a carrot cake; they go through their evening routine and end up saying good night. The pastel color scheme and the cartoon illustrations present the various situations explained in the simple sentence structured text. The vocabulary focus is on the singular and plural of bunny. The familiar activities presented will support new readers. The only quibble is that the bunnies have "tea"? for breakfast, which works in the rhyme scheme but is not the first choice for a nutritious breakfast for a child. A useful addition for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

DiCicco, Sue

Illustrator: DiCicco, Sue

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545676311

Price: 3.99

The Smell of Other People's Houses

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This satisfying debut novel, by a native Alaskan, will challenge the romantic views that pervade literature about Alaska. The focus of the story is on four young adults living in Alaska, right after it becomes a State in 1963, who find their difficult and diverse lives intertwine as they each seek family connections, forgiveness and hope. Themes of poverty, grief, alcoholism, mental illness and teen pregnancy are explored through a multiple cast of characters in the demanding harshness of Alaska. Hitchcock's settings and details of the interrelationships between nature, human survival and tradition bring a richness to this compact novel. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hitchcock, Bonnie-Sue

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Wendy Lamb Books/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553497786

Price: 17.99

Yaks Yak Animal Word Pairs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

Young animal lovers will become word lovers with this delightfully illustrated picture book on homographs. As explained in the back matter, homographs are words that are both spelled and pronounced the same with different meanings. Each of the eighteen animals whose names have a different meaning cover a two-page spread. "Yaks yak", "Bugs bug bugs", "Steers steer". The second word's meaning is written as an equation, "to steer= to guide", and is subtly part of the illustrated details. Reinhardt' s watercolor and ink illustrations bring a whimsical sophistication to the simple text with action, movement and layers of humor. Word lovers=lovers of this book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Park, Linda Sue

Illustrator: Reinhardt, Jennifer Black

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544391017

Price: 16.99

Balto of the Blue Dawn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This is the 54th installment in the popular Magic Treehouse Series. Osborne provides a two-page prologue about Jack and Annie's history with the treehouse and the magic that Morgan Le Fay and Merlin use to assist Jack and Annie on their missions. The prologue will equip new readers to the series. This episode sends Jack and Annie to the Territory of Alaska in 1925 with magic gold dust to give them special skills and stardust to erase the memory of everyone they come in contact with during the mission. They find themselves in Nome, Alaska where a diphtheria outbreak is claiming many lives. The master musher, Gunner Kaasen, is coming with special medicine, but he has been delayed due to a blizzard. Jack and Annie ask for the skill of being a musher and they are able to track Kassen with his lead dog Balto down and help him get the medicine through. Readers will learn about husky dog behaviors, the extreme weather in Alaska and enjoy the different ways that magic is used to help history. Osborne provides historical facts and the controversy surrounding Kassen and Balto's trek in an Author's note in the back.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553510850

Price: 12.99

The Safest Lies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

This is a first rate thriller for teens who love suspense, fast-moving action and a bit of romance mixed in for good measure. Seventeen-year-old Kelsey has lived all of her life in a house with an extreme security system, even a panic room, and has never seen her agoraphobic mother outside of it. All her protective behaviors and low profile are shattered when Kelsey is in a horrifying accident that puts her identity in the news. She is saved by a volunteer firefighter Ryan, who becomes her love interest, but harbors secrets of his own. Kelsey comes home to find her mother gone, possibly kidnapped, and realizes her mother was not the only target. Readers will feel the panic, learn the workings of the panic room and will be left breathless from the dramatic action scenes.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Miranda, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Crown/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553537512

Price: 17.99

The Girl in the Tower

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 23, 2016

Review

Queen Bogdana, who is secretly an evil witch, will do anything to become beautiful. She has locked minstrels, Nuri and her daughter Violet, in a tower until Violet turns eleven in order to use a strand of Violet's hair and combine it with a hummingbird feather to become beautiful. Over the years, Nuri and Violet make elaborate tales of adventure to keep their spirits up and Violet's friends and the hummingbirds, who frequent the secret garden, try to keep her safe. When the queen discovers the garden, she takes Violet into the castle to make her a princess and sends Nuri back into the world. There are a few surprise who's who in the ending. Young fairy tale lovers will enjoy this story, although the various characters feel flat or one dimensional at times.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schroeder, Lisa

Illustrator: Ceccoli, Nicoletta

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780805095135

Price: 16.99

Hurry Up, Alfie!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2016

Review

Alfie is an energetic alligator who is still in his pajamas when his mother asks him to get ready to go meet his friend Bert in the park. As mom patiently gets breakfast ready, tidies up the toys, and periodically checks on Alfie's progress, Alfie does everything available to him for inquiry, play, and bother the kitty. Everything except get dressed, that is! Parents with distracted, busy children will sympathize and appreciate the circumstance and may use this picture book as a way to open up discussion. Walker's illustrations are a mix of ink and collage. The background wallpaper of the house lends an extra dose of busy to the scene. The text consists of the dialogue between mom and Alfie in text boxes that resemble torn strips of paper. Although the appreciating audience may be the parent, the many details in the illustrations will inspire a second look and a giggle or two.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Anna

Illustrator: Walker, Anna

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544586543

Price: 14.99

Alfie's Lost Sharkie

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2016

Review

Alfie, the energetic, boisterous alligator is back in this second picture book and he wants to find his toy Sharkie before going to bed. He describes Sharkie to his mom and looks outside, asking a bug while hanging upside down in a tree. As he takes a bath, listens to a story and brushes his teeth he continues to wonder where Sharkie might be. Only after gathering a few toys, every one that he owns probably, does he find the blue toy waiting for him in bed. Alfie is satisfied until he asks: "Where's Bunny?" Walker's illustrations are a created with ink and collage. They add the humor to the straight forward dialogue between mom and Alfie. The busy wallpaper and colorful quilt found in the first book shows up consistently in this one. Fans of Alfie will want this story about a distracted bedtime routine.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Anna

Illustrator: Walker, Anna

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544586567

Price: 14.99

The Land of Forgotten Girls

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 26, 2016

Review

Recommend for Cream Consideration for grades 5-8. Twelve-year-old Soledad (Sol) and her younger sister Ming live with their mentally abusive step-mother Vea in Louisiana after immigrating from the Philippines. Sol's strong voice reveals her struggles to make a safe space between the harshness of their real life existence and the in-between for Ming and herself. The in-between is that place where the strength of fairy tales allows them to exist and grow stronger to deal with the next steps of grieving over the death of their sister and mother, abandonment by their father who has fled back to the Philippines and slight glimpses of hope along the way from unexpected friendships. Kelly masterfully intertwines various folktales and stories with the blossoming of Sol's understanding of her inner self as Sol, Ming and friends explore the neighborhood junkyard, corner store and interact with a diverse cast of neighbors. Racial issues are touched upon through Sol's thoughts on skin color, friends reactions to various students and Sol's matter of fact descriptions of her neighbors, but are not the focal point of the story. Kelly provides some magical moments where communication of the heart transcends language.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kelly, Erin Entrada

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062238641

Price: 16.99

Queen of Hearts

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2016

Review

This re-imagined Alice in Wonderland, where the familiar character names represent new characters; provide readers a more sympathetic perspective on the Queen of Hearts. Princess Dinah is soon to take over the throne and become the Queen of Wonderland. Her black-hearted father the king and his calculating assistant Cheshire provide a variety of obstacles, some involving life and death situations, to keep her from taking the throne. Her brother Charles, the mad hatter, is the only person who supports her future reign. There is darkness to this suspenseful tale with betrayal, torture and hatred woven among the moments of secret romance, secret tunnels and a startling cliff hanger ending. This is a planned trilogy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Oakes, Colleen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062409720

Price: 17.99

Assassin's Masque

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 26, 2016

Review

This is the third Palace of Spies novel where the seventeen-year-old heroine, Peggy Fitzroy, lady-in-waiting and spy for the Princess of Wales, must deal with each societal requirement and uncover the various threads of a dangerous Jacobite plot that seem to intersect with her distant family. Peggy has acquired royal permission to bring her cousin Olivia to court. As individual allegiances are questioned, Peggy must rely on Matthew, her romantic interest, Olivia and her newly introduced father to save her as she falls out of favor with royalty and finds herself a prisoner in the home of a dangerous family. Fans of the series will enjoy this next installment where history meets suspense and wit. New readers to the series are brought up to speed with a prologue that provides historical details and insight into Peggy Fitzroy's confusing family line and will be assisted with the foreshadowing chapter headings.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Zettel, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

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: good

ISBN: 9780544074088

Price: 17.99

The Stone Warriors

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

In this fourth book of the Tombquest series, twelve-year-old Alex and his friend Renata find themselves in an unknown city as they are targeted by shadows from the underworld. Although the immediate background is explained for new followers of the series, young readers will want to start at the beginning for some character development. The power of the amulets assist Alex and his group as they battle mummies, death walkers and earthen shades as they try to retrace the clues his missing mother left for them. As they are reunited briefly, Alex learns a stunning truth and then is captured for the cliff hanging ending. The plot is formulaic in structure with Northrop adding rich descriptions of atmospheric details throughout. Scholastic provides a code in the endpages that allow readers to access a Tombquest game.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545871082

Price: 16.99

Doom at Grant's Tomb

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

This is the third book featuring the photographic-memory-whiz Eddie who provides the NYPD, and in this story the FBI, clues to solving the latest planned art heist by the international criminal that escaped in the first book. Readers are immersed into a dangerous, bomb laden puzzle involving landmarks that targets Eddie by name on page one and the action doesn't stop. With the help of his computer-savvy friend Jonah, Eddie uses his drawing talent to identify people in crowds, decipher information that the NYPD is hiding from him and problem solve his release as a hostage. Although the contrived storyline promises potential violence, there is nothing graphic and situations are averted. Future true crime lovers will be developed here. Calo's black and white illustrations are scattered throughout and they represent the portraits of individuals that Eddie draws. A multicultural cast is represented. Just as readers believe that the crimes have been solved, a new threat appears to usher in a possible book 4.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wells, Marcia

Illustrator: Calo, Marcos

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure, mystery

Audience: grades 4-6, grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544582606

Price: 16.99

I love Cake! Starring Rabbit, Porcupine, and Moose

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Cake lovers unite or at least share. This is the lesson sweater-clad Moose learns while he helps celebrate his friend rabbit's birthday. Sauer employs the device of a narrator that sets the scene with a simple sentence and then the three friends each add their comments that provide the dry humor of the story. Rabbit invites her friends to her birthday party and they focus on the different activities, except Moose, who is fixated on cake. When he ruins the party by eating all the cake, Rabbit gets "hopping mad" and Porcupine gets "prickly". Moose solves the dilemma at home by making a new cake and the last picture has the friends, in sweaters that Moose loves, sharing the cake. Rozelaar's cheerful illustrations are created with brush, India ink and photoshop for this humorous, friend-filled treat of a story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauer, Tammi

Illustrator: Rozelaar, Angie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062278944

Price: 17.99

Clark in the Deep Sea

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Alley has authored a set of seasonal pictures books featuring one of four siblings and imaginative play. This sweet story focuses on Clark during the spring. It's raining and the siblings are entertaining themselves on the front porch. When Gretchen, the youngest, wants to play circus and her teddy bear accidentally flies off the porch, the siblings revert to imaginary play and the front yard becomes a turbulent ocean. Clark leaps into deep-sea gear, the dog becomes a furry shark fish and other items in the yard become sea dwelling obstacles to teddy bear's safe rescue. As the sea patrol of older siblings arrive in a submarine, they bravely pull everyone, including four colored fish that were part of Gretchen's toys, to safety. The cheerful and colorful illustrations are done in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, ink and pencil. The smaller book size is perfect for younger readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R. W.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547906928

Price: 14.99

Gretchen Over the Beach

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 4, 2016

Review

Alley has authored a set of seasonal picture books featuring one of four siblings and imaginative play. Gretchen is the star of this summer story, although she doesn't feel like the star. The family is taking a trip to the beach and the older siblings leave Gretchen and her roly-poly toys on the sand to head for the water. No one seems to listen as even her hat flies away in the breeze. For those readers familiar with the other books, imagination saves the day and soothes Gretchen's frustrations. As her hat blows in the breeze, she grabs the ribbon and is swept up into her hat, along with the roly-polys, and they go on a flying adventure with a seagull. As the older siblings come back to shore, Gretchen is found in small tide pool, wet, ribbon-less with a big grin on her face. The cheerful and colorful illustrations are done in watercolor, acrylic, gouache, ink and pencil. The smaller book size is perfect for younger readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R. W.

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547907086

Price: 14.99

Maisy's Field Day

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

In classic Cousins' style, Maisy introduces preschool readers to the concept of field day in this "A Maisy First Experiences Book". Maisy and her friends participate in the egg and spoon race, wheelbarrow and sack race, the three-legged race, ring toss, tug-o-war and a dress-up race. There are two teams that both experience success and failure. Healthy snacks are provided during break. Cyril and the gator run the dress-up race in skirts which is refreshing. In the book design, the pages that have the dark blue sky make the text difficult to read. due to the full cast of characters participating, new readers to the series may have to scrutinize the illustrations to understand who is who. Useful for preschools planning a field day activity, story times and lap reading.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763684419

Price: 12.99

Ruby Rose Off to School She Goes!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 6, 2016

Review

While getting ready for her first day of school, Ruby Rose dances while she eats, brushes her teeth dancing and incorporates it into everything she does. Her mother gently reminds her that learning to sit still is part of school. Throughout the day Ruby dances through story time, art, PE, media center and lunch with each adult, identified with their role, reminding her that there is no dancing at school. At the end of the day, a mishap with the ant farm in the classroom provides the punchline to the story when Ruby Rose returns home. Throughout the text various types of dance and specific steps are incorporated. Ohi's pastel colored illustrations are spot-on in the beginning of the story showing Ruby's dancing moves with action and placing the background in gray sketched lines to keep the focus on her. A variety of skin tones are presented in the school cast. Unfortunately, a variety of facial expressions are lacking. The larger concern with this picture book is the premise. Ruby Rose comes off as a dance lover who does not listen. The adults are presented as negative, inflexible and lacking in skill to divert Ruby's need to dance in constructive ways. There are numerous first-day-of-school stories that present humorous ways to ease children into the new routine in a more positive way. Shuffle ball change over to one of those.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sanders, Rob

Illustrator: Ohi, Debbie Ridpath

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062235695

Price: 15.99

The Final Kingdom

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 10, 2016

Review

In this fifth and final book of the Tombquest series, twelve-year-old Alex, his friend Renata, and cousin Luke continue to search for the Book of Spells that the evil members of The Order acquired during the cliff-hanging ending of the previous book. Readers will want to start at the beginning of this series for some character development, as this final installment only provides non-stop action until the ending of the adventure. As The Order grows in power over Cairo, the world and the afterlife, Alex, Ren and Luke must return to the afterlife in search of the spells. It becomes clear that the power of the ancient Egyptian gods themselves will be the force that the children need to repair the rift and keep the barrier between life and the afterlife from disappearing. Northrop creates scenes similar to current apocalyptic movies where Cairo is a smoking, burned out wasteland filled with walking mummies and death walkers. The formulaic plot for this final installment provides a satisfying, action-packed ending for fans of the series. Give this series to future Riordan fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Northrop, Michael

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545871112

Price: 16.99

A Totally Awkward Love Story

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

This British import provides a hilarious and frequently raunchy look at the awkwardness that Hannah (grape girl) and Sam (toilet boy cinderella) experience as they discover, in a hit-and-miss fashion, that they are each other's "lobsters" or mate for life. While they each wait for results of their senior exams that dictate which college they will attend, they pursue house parties, weekend getaways and a Woodstock type concert venue with their group of respective friends. Losing their virginity before college is everyone's main focus as first encounters, mistaken identities, painful rejections, tested loyalties and random coincidental meetings provide the humor reminiscent of a teen Bridget Jones via Judy Blume mashup. Successfully, Ivison pens Hannah's narrative and Ellen pens Sam's in alternating sequence throughout the book creating a seamless read. Some readers choosing the book for the pink, light romance looking cover may be surprised at the sexual frankness and teen drug usage found inside. Suggested for mature High School readers and New Adults.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

and Lucy Ivison, Tom Ellen

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press//Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553537321

Price: 17.99

Grumpy Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 31, 2016

Review

At first glance, this reviewer was delighted to see this picture book title re-issued as a board book. Grumpy bird is exactly that when he first gets up so he decides to walk instead of fly. As he passes each of his friends, he must explain why he is walking. The problem is solved when grumpy bird notices that all his friends are following and a game of imitate results. The illustrations in this smaller, compact version are bright and show the busyness of the mixed media background. Most two page spreads are four lines of text which may or may not be tolerated by the very young. The story has provided an interactive element for story times for the past few years in the picture book form, but the smaller board book version does not translate well to a larger group. Suggested for the older board book readers due to the busy backgrounds and the dense weight of the book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545871822

Price: 6.99

Sunflower

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2016

Review

This non-fiction picture book about sunflowers is part of Bearport Publishing's Little Bits! First Readers collection. The layout of photographs, text boxes, large font and lots of space match the new reader well. There is a table of contents, page numbers for easy reference and the sequence of growing a sunflower from seed to an open flower is explained in an easy to follow sequence. Each spread has one or two simple sentences to describe the various photographs. The text boxes add information about photosynthesis, pollen and animals that enjoy eating the seeds. The back matter includes a page of sunflower facts, a glossary of four words that were highlighted in the text, index, reading suggestions and an online reference. The first online reference was no longer available. Recommended for first and second grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781627248433

Price: 23.93

Sing...sing a song...

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

This is a board book edition of the book and CD version published by Christy Ottaviano Books in 2013. The first six two-page spreads are wordless and tell the story of a young bird who is left alone in the nest by his two singing siblings. A young guitar player comes along and begins singing the familiar song first made popular on Sesame Street. His words and musical notes, literally, nudge the bird up and out into the air to be reunited in song with his siblings. The illustrations, composed mainly of the nest on a tree branch and the ground below, provide the perfect vehicle for initiating conversation and sharing this song with a new generation. A Spanish version of the song translated by Andrew Belcher is found in the back.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Raposo, Joe

Illustrator: Lichtenheld, Tom

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627795029

Price: 8.99

Where are You Going, Baby Lincoln?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

This is volume three in the Tales from Deckawoo Drive that features the characters from the popular Mercy Watson series. This enriching tale explains where Baby Lincoln goes when she is fed up with her sister Eugenia's bossiness. She spontaneously goes on a "necessary journey". With the help of young neighbor Stella, Baby goes to the train station and gets a one way ticket to Fluxom. During her one day adventure, she works through her fears; (spoiler alert) over jelly beans reveals her real name and becomes the temporary guardian of a child making the trip. Who can resist a child who smells like peanut butter and construction paper? DiCamillo's self-affirming story line provides challenging vocabulary such as inimitable, extraordinary, navigate and infallible along with creative place names like Fluxom and Calaband Darsh. The deeper sibling relationship is handled with gentle humor and inspirational success. Recommended for 2-4 grade readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kate, DiCamillo

Illustrator: Van Dusen, Chris

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763673116

Price: 14.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine illustrator

Ballerina Gets Ready

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Ballerina wannabes and aficionados will love this minute-by-minute walk through a prima ballerina's day. Iris starts her day at 8:00 with breakfast. After that she goes to rehearsals, pointe class, more rehearsals, some free time, more practicing, dinner and then the evening performance. The predominant pattern of the story is stating the time and listing what is happening. Stock's illustrations provide the atmosphere of the busy city, the furniture-free practice rooms, and the expansiveness of the stage with orchestra in front. The draw back to this is that a few illustrations may or may not picture Iris. The art style makes it difficult to discern. The ballet words: tour en l'air, barre and adagio appear in italics within the story but there is no pronunciation or definition provided.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Kent, Allegra

Illustrator: Stock, Catherine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780823435630

Price: 16.95

Mitzi Tulane Preschool Detective in What's that Smell?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Three-year-old Mitzi Tulane prides herself on being a good detective. She knows that something is happening in her house when a smell she doesn't recognize comes from the kitchen. She investigates and discusses the situation with her baby brother. The clues begin to accumulate as relatives begin showing up and a cake with candles appears. It's her birthday. Young readers may be able to guess before Mitzi does, but that increases the fun. Refreshingly, Mitzi is part of a transracial adoptive family with a variety of skin tones in her extended family. This is neither an issue nor the focus of the story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McLaughlin, Lauren

Illustrator: Ohi, Debbie Ridpath

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780449819159

Price: 16.99

Ocean Animals from Head to Tail

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Eight animals found in the ocean are highlighted in this guessing game style non-fiction picture book. Each animal is introduced with a question about a body part with an enlarged illustration of that part. The next Two-page spread shows the animal in it's ocean surroundings with the name of the animal in a large bold font at the top and a short paragraph explaining in easy-to-understand language the importance of that body part and a few other facts about the animal. The body parts include head, eyes, mouth, body, fin, flippers, tentacles and tail. Eight more "awesome" ocean animals are pictured in the back on a two page spread with a quick fact about each. Browsers will enjoy the bright Adobe Photoshop illustrations that provide a cut paper essence to the work. The only quibble about the book design is that the commas can be mistaken for periods throughout the text and the lack of source material.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roderick, Stacey

Illustrator: Moriya, Kwanchai

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Kids Can Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781771383455

Price: 16.95

A Whale in the Bathtub

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Bruno can't seem to take a bath because there is a whale in the tub and he is using Bruno's bubblegum smelling bubble bath. Readers will wonder whether Bruno has a great imagination based on his sister, mother, brother and father's response to his predicament citing that he claimed a bear was under his bed and a walrus in the backyard. As the story continues with Bruno asking the whale to leave, they come up with solution of a shower delivered by the whale. Sister realizes in the end there is a whale in the bathtub. A second reading uncovered the bear under the bed. The illustrations are done in colored pencils and some ink. A variety of full-page water action scenes, single spreads of Bruno, and complete backyard layouts enhance and lend humor to the straight forward arguments that Bruno has with the whale and his family. Enjoyable absurdity.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Westaway, Kylie

Illustrator: Jellett, Tom

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544535350

Price: 16.99

The Art of Not Breathing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 20, 2016

Review

Sixteen-year-old Elise is living in a family that is falling apart. Her twin brother Eddie disappeared off the Scottish coast five years ago and the chaos surrounding his disappearance bubble to the surface as she secretly takes up freediving, deep diving without oxygen. As Elise begins to identify truths and secrets that her younger self buried or did not understand, she navigates through her experiences with teen alcohol parties, stealing, pot, sex and a suicide dalliance. Elise's voice is raw and unadorned, providing a suspenseful and penetrating look at how a sibling's death affects each family member. The author is from London and the cultural references have not been Americanized. Refreshing.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Alexander, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544633889

Price: 17.99

Night of the Ninth Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 21, 2016

Review

This it the 55th episode in the popular Magic Tree House series for young readers in grades 2-4. The two page prologue briefly introduces Jack and Annie and the magic of the treehouse. In this episode, the kids get an unusual summons to Camelot and discovery that King Arthur has been mortally wounded. The kingdom has been vandalized by thieves who have stolen the golden dragon that allows the magicians to travel between Camelot and the realm of Avalon. Jack and Annie must find the golden dragon and return it to the secret garden in the castle or King Arthur will die and the magicians will be locked out of Camelot. During one part of the adventure, the ability of Jack, Annie and Queen Guinevere to move a large wagon that had been pulled by a pair of oxen felt over-the-top, even in a fantasy. Unlike book number 54 about Balto, this installment reminds readers of various adventures that Jack and Annie took in explaining all the various characters that are in peril. New readers may find the task of locating all those past adventures a bit daunting. This title includes a sneak peek at the Fact tracker about dragons and mythical creatures which will be a high interest item.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Osborne, Mary Pope

Illustrator: Murdocca, Sal

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: A Stepping Stone Book/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553510898

Price: 12.99

The Girl I Used To Be

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 28, 2016

Review

Fourteen-year-ago Olivia Reinhart was the three-year-old Ariel Benson who witnessed the murder of her mother, presumably by her father, left at a Walmart and spent years in the foster care system. The suspense begins from the first chapter as Olivia is running the forest being pursued by a killer. Henry then takes the reader back three weeks into the past when police come to the now emancipated Olivia's apartment using her old name and stating that her father's jawbone has been found a mile from the crime scene making him a victim after all these years. As she attends the funeral and relocates to the community of her past, the killer is assumed to be still lurking in the town. Olivia and her newly romantic partner Duncan start digging into possible suspects until the killer makes his/her presence known. Henry' s writing style provides quick pieces of information that share Olivia's struggles while she collects clues and the Oregon setting. The ability of Olivia to return to her town without being recognized by the majority of people seemed a bit unbelievable and the book jacket art depicting a face going underwater doesn't correspond to any murders in the story, but those are minor quibbles. Mystery and suspense lovers will enjoy this fast-paced whodunit that doesn't contain any graphic language or sexual situations.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Henry, April

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt and Company

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627793322

Price: 16.99

The Sleeping Prince

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 4, 2016

Review

Salisbury has created a complex high-fantasy world set in medieval times involving three kingdoms. This is the second book in the Sin Eater's Daughter series. The prologue describes the bloody night attack by The Sleeping Prince and his golems on the King of Lormere. The story line focuses on Errin Vastel who lives next to the bordering forest and her town is being evacuated. This places her and her mother, who has recently began acting violently as a Varulv (werewolf)at risk. Errin's brother Lief left them to go to Lormere and he has not returned, so Errin is left to deal with the abandonment, poverty and Varulv violence on her own. Her only friend and connection to hope is Silas, a mysterious stranger, who pays her for her apothecary skills and inhabits her dreams at night. Myths and superstitions become real as the independent and head-strong Errin becomes entangled in the larger picture of the war in the Kingdom. Readers new to the series will not be hinder with the complex alchemy myths until the final third of the book when characters and reveals happen that refer to the first book which seem disjointed from the suspense of Errin's storyline. The map illustrated by Plasse is helpful during the political discourses between characters. A map or list of the characters lineage may have assisted in making the complex connections clearer. Errin's life circumstances and motives are turned upside down in a cliff hanger ending.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Salisbury, Melinda

Illustrator: Plasse (map illustrator), Maxine

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545921275

Price: 17.99

The Hero Two Doors Down

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

In this historical fiction baseball novel, Robinson provides a slice of life in the 1948's through the eyes of Steve Satlow, an eight-year-old Jewish boy, who becomes neighbors to her father Jackie Robinson. Second to fifth grade readers will be inspired to explore more about Jackie Robinson. The difficulties that Jackie and his young family faced as he became the first negro baseball player to play in the Majors and move into Steve's all Jewish neighborhood are gently woven into the daily life of Stevie as he tries to behave at school to earn tickets to his first Dodgers game. Other world issues such as the Arab-Israeli War and UNICEF become part of the dinner table discussions in Steve's family, as well as baseball history and discrimination. Although these complex themes are discussed, the only momentum the story line offers is Steve's anticipation of Jackie moving into the neighborhood and earning the privilege of attending a game. Robinson provides an emotional, though unnecessary, prologue that places Steve as a 20-year-old college student who just lost his father, reminiscing about meeting Jackie for the first time. The afterword provides the true facts of the story and Robinson has included photos that add a biographical feature to the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Robinson, Sharon

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545804516

Price: 16.99

Creatures of the Rain Forest

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Readers looking for graphic photos with a variety of spine-tingling facts of ten designated species in the rain forest will enjoy browsing this series entitled Real-life Monsters. The brightly colored shutterstock photographs of these dangerous animals are supplemented by illustrations by Mendez showing a blowgun, how the vampire bat drinks blood from a sleeping animal and a detailed picture of the Harpy eagle's talons. Clever designs and coding become the book's flaws as the many different features are not explained. Each two page spread provides a large number to identify each species being 1-10 in descending order. Why descending order? A large colored photo of the animal provides the focal point of each spread. At the top of the left page is a scale showing the animal's size compared to a pencil, human hand or a human body. The length, weight and location is provided in both English and metric. The opposite page provides a vertical strip rating the animal's size, power, strength, aggression and deadliness with a total of these ratings in a green box. These rating totals are then placed on each picture of the animal in the Rogue's gallery with more facts about the animal in the back matter. This rating system and the importance of the total number is not explained anywhere in the book. A short index is provided in the back. Unfortunately, a glossary of some of the difficult vocabulary and a bibliography are not included.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Rake, Matthew

Illustrator: Mendez, Simon

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Hungry Tomato/Lerner Publishing Group

Book Type: chapter book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467763639

Price: 26.65

Woodpecker wants a waffle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Benny the woodpecker is woken up by the smell of waffles from the newly opened Moe's Diner. He doesn't know what a waffle is, but when he sees one through the window, he knows he wants one. After knocking politely, trying to sneak in and donning numerous disguises that doesn't get him a taste, he enlists the help of the forest animals. They each give him a reason why woodpeckers don't eat waffles. Each excuse involves the first letter of the animal's name matching the food. "Raccoons don't eat ravioli." "Coyotes don't eat cupcakes." After brainstorming some ideas, Benny comes up with a plan that outsmarts both the somewhat racially diverse group of diners and animals. Breen's understated cartoon ink, watercolors and colored pencil illustrations provide slapstick to Benny's waffle obsession. Benny has the attitude of Mo Willem's pigeon while the waitress works a four-tier beehive hairdo and cat-eye glasses. Serve this up at story time for giggles, laughs and letter recognition. Libraries beware: book may be returned sticky!

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Breen, Steve

Illustrator: Breen, Steve

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062342577

Price: 17.99

Ten Hungry Pigs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 10, 2016

Review

Anderson's expressive, pushy pigs from his previous counting book are back in this food-themed picture book. One pig is very hungry and with the questionable help from his duck friend in a chef hat (the rubber ducky in the previous book?), he begins to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. This process is interrupted by hungry pig two, three, up to ten bringing foods to add on top of the sandwich. Pickles, peas, fruit, fish and more are added to the sandwich to pig number one's dismay. When pig number eleven...Wait, there is NO pig eleven. It's the wolf! Which makes all the pigs leave except the first. The ducky then removes the wolf costume, (also from the first book) and the sandwich is enjoyed by "one VERY full pig". The only misstep in this fun, foodie offering is that bees are presented as one of the foods added to the for the sake of the rhyme instead of honey. The pig does hold a jar of honey so that is just a slight quibble. The numbers are written out in the text but are not shown numerically. The end pages provide readers with the chronology of the foods presented in the story. Perfect for a fun, foodie story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Derek

Illustrator: Anderson, Derek

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545168489

Price: 16.99

What the Dead Want

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

Sixteen-year-old Gretchen inherits the house of her ancestors from her famous photojournalist Aunt, E. E. Axton. As Gretchen stays overnight with her aunt in the cluttered, paint-peeling, paranormal playground, she quickly learns the dark historical cruelties that fuel the present day obsessions with the house by the women in her family. Deaths and accidents in the town are violently increasing and the task to reveal the hidden history and allow the tormented ghosts of two little girls, who are at the center of the chaos, to move on rests on the unsuspecting Gretchen and her photographic skills when her aunt commits suicide in the house's darkroom on that first night. The lynching of slaves, betrayal of loved ones, the entrapment of females and the Underground Railroad provide dark layers to this suspenseful ghost story. Olson uses a third person voice, historical letters and creepy photographs that support the various pieces of information that Gretchen, her two dark-skinned cousins and her gay friend uncover. There is one historical inaccuracy where the date of a letter that discusses the newly formed Ku Klux Klan is one year before the group's actual formation in the South, but that doesn't diminish the haunted ghostliness of the tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Olson, Norah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062410115

Price: 17.99

How it Feels to Fly

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 18, 2016

Review

In this first-person narrative, Samantha, groomed to be a professional ballerina from a very young age, describes her summer in treatment at a summer camp for teens dealing with anxiety. The camp consists of six high-achieving athletes and artists that work through their anxiety issues with the help of Dr. Debra Lancaster and two psychology interns. Sam's negative body image influences how she interprets other people's view of her, including a one-sided forbidden romance with one of the teen counselors. Holmes provides Sam's inner negative dialogue in italics throughout and develops each of the six teen's characters as they each interact with the group and during their treatment paths with realistic dialogue. Although the book will attract ballet fans, the story line will resonate with those looking to find positive outcomes relating to issues of anxiety, anorexia, cutting, and overcoming obstacles to future goals. An inspiring read for learning to live and grow into one's potential.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Holmes, Kathryn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Harper Teen/Harper Collins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062387349

Price: 17.99

Fortune Falls

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2016

Review

Life for the inhabitants of Fortune Falls is dictated by four leaf clovers, making sure you don't step on a crack, the seven year doom of breaking a mirror, the high price of a rabbit's foot and being lucky or unlucky. Tenacious sixth grader Sadie has always seemed to be unlucky and now any amount of joy her life holds seems to be swept away because she most certainly will be deemed an unlucky during the mandatory luck test on her twelfth birthday. If she is labeled unlucky, then she will be sent away from her family and friends to a school that will protect everyone else from her bad luck. During an anticipatory week before the test, Sadie develops friends who will accept her, and she learns to depend on herself instead of luck. This positive message is overshadowed by the questions left about the town in general. Initially the premise of the world Goebel has built is intriguing with the magic bits of surface luck and unlucky, but it quickly dips into the tedious and depressive. Another misstep is the book jacket art that pictures a black cat with a tail, which is contrary to the pivotal black cat character of Jinx who has a short tail.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Goebel, Jenny

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545811903

Price: 16.99

Rabbit & Robot and Ribbit

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 7, 2016

Review

Friends Rabbit and Robot are back in their second easy reader adventure. In four chapters, all entitled "Ribbit", Rabbit is introduced to Robot's frog friend named Ribbit who only speaks in ribbits. The theme of having more than one friend is explored when Rabbit becomes jealous of Ribbit. When a disagreement is sparked between Rabbit and Ribbit, poor Robot's emotion decoder is put to the test and he overheats. Robot's owner's manual is nowhere to be found and over-dramatic Rabbit must work with Ribbit to get Robot functional again. The topic is relevant for first to third grade readers who are somewhat experienced. Bell keeps the four chapters focused on one situation while some solid vocabulary is introduced, defined and then repeated throughout in a humorous way. "Engrossing" is the word of the day. Recommended for easy reader collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Cece

Illustrator: Bell, Cece

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763679354

Price: 14.99

The Evil Wizard Smallbone

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Recommending this fantasy for Cream and Lupine consideration. When orphaned twelve-year-old Nick runs away from his abusive uncle in the middle of a harsh Maine winter, he finds himself trapped as an apprentice to the Evil Wizard Smallbone who runs a magical bookstore. Nick is forced to do the cooking, cleaning and caring of the animals, but in secret he gets trained as a wizard by the bookstore itself. The sarcastic bookstore communicates through books, similar to personal texts, that are comical and interesting. Smallbone's century old agreement with a small group of island dwellers, who descended from seals, has begun to crumble. The evil werewolf Fidelou and his motorcycle riding coyotes are now able to cross the magical barrier around the island and only with Nick's new abilities, disgruntled apprentices and brave townspeople is Smallbone able to repair the damage. Sherman provides a rich description of island life with references to places and things in Maine that are both real, like Moxie and Blue Hill, and fictional. She has spun the right amount of adventure, character development, empathy and humor into a magical fantasy. Who could resist a spell called "Bow-wowzer Meowzer"? Magical rules are woven into Nick's adventures as he is transformed into animals, learns beginner spells and ultimately makes a decision to stay on permanently.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Sherman, Delia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688059

Price: 17.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine setting

Libby and Pearl The Best of Friends

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2016

Review

Based on or inspired by her blog www.livesweetblog.com, Bonnice has compiled photos of her adopted African-American toddler Libby and her pink pig Pearl. Reminiscent of a family scrap book stylized in pale pastels, the differences and similarities between the friends are explored in a pink, frilly and giggly way. They may not look alike but they both look "fierce in a cape". They make plans, share baths, go on adventures, have different points of view and are part of each other's story. Each page consists of a photograph of Libby and Pearl in a cute pose that corresponds to the few words of text, which speaks to an adult audience, that celebrate their sameness, differences and their love. Those who love piglets and cute girly-girls will enjoy this photographic picture book.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Bonnice, Lindsey

Illustrator: Bonnice (photographer), Lindsey

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062459275

Price: 14.99

William and the Witch's Riddle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2016

Review

This fantasy for 4-6 grade readers expands the background of the deadly spindle in the classic Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. William and his younger brother Pinch are left on their own after their mother disappears and their father, who went to search for her, meets with a tragic accident. William is visited by Morga, the evil witch who speaks in riddles, and is forced to complete the three step riddle that his father had been working on to get William's mother back. With the help of a comforting magical-maid named Moggety, a stubborn donkey, a miniature dragon and a addle-tweaked pseudo-guardian of the Fae, William musters unseen bravery as he works through the various riddles and tasks. His lineage is revealed and those he loves are saved. Crum provides a variety of quirky characters and multiple details that young readers will find comical. At times, the minutiae of the Fae magic and backstory bogs down the flow of the adventurous story line. Crum adds a medieval and/or Scottish flavor to the text, here and there, through word choice and sentence structure. Wildish's black and white line drawings appear in full-page and half-page spreads that complement the text and add another quirky element to the characters with their chinless heads and disproportionately-sized lanky arms and legs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Crum, Shutta

Illustrator: Wildish, Lee

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi/Alfred A Knopf/Penguin Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101932698

Price: 16.99

The Sun is Also a Star

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 25, 2016

Review

Recommending this YA love story for cream consideration. Yoon has crafted in fine detail the way quick decisions by various people in busy NYC intertwine, similar to the six degrees of separation phenomenon, profoundly impact Jamaican Senior, Natasha, who is being deported in twelve hours, and Daniel, a first generation American Korean, who instantly falls in love with her . Yoon's style fashions random layers of information in quick two and three page passages and brings them into focus under the simple premise of love at first sight. Some times these quick bullets of information create other stories about love in all their right and wrongness. Over the course of a day, Natasha and Daniel use the 5 questions and stare into each other's eyes for 4 minutes to fall in love study to peel back the layers of their complicated lives. A timely story that will sensitize readers to the pressures that family expectations, cultural traditions and racism create among relationships. Brilliant as a Sun.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Yoon, Nicola

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553496680

Price: 18.99

Glitter

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 12, 2016

Review

In this futuristic alternative France, Seventeen-year-old Danica has been forced into becoming the Queen of Versailles when her mother witnesses the young King strangling a member of court. Outside the boundaries of Versailles is the modern world that treats the workings of the palace as a reality show. Inside the palace, culture and daily routines mimic the eighteenth century down to the clothes and food, the only difference is that the Palace is actually a company and all the servant duties are completed by bots that are controlled by a central intelligence mainframe system. The suspense builds, along with the required wedding finery, as Danica raises money to escape her prison-like fairy-tale existence by participating in a scheme that distributes an addictive drug called Glitter in the cosmetics used by friends and family in court. She must live with the far-reaching consequences of her actions, various betrayals and the illusion of freedom. Pike provides romance, suspense and a promised sequel.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Pike, Aprilynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101933701

Price: 17.99

Lucy and Linh

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2016

Review

Recommending for Cream consideration. Lucy and her family are Chinese immigrants who escaped to Australia from Vietnam when she was younger. In writing letters to Linh, Lucy explains the pressures and new experiences that she must navigate as she becomes the newest ethnic scholarship winner to the prestigious girl's school Laurinda. At home, Lucy supports her non- English speaking seamstress mother by watching her baby brother and at school, she slowly becomes pulled into the unhealthy, three member, mean-girl clique called The Cabinet. Pung brings each girl's character deftly into focus through Lucy's sarcastic and honest observations. Lucy's self-awareness of her new judgements on her suburban family unit are harsh and at the same time, they challenge the token position her school mates want her to fulfill. Throughout the school year, the layers of Lucy and her relationship to Linh are revealed and the family life that seems lacking by Laurinda standards becomes the positive force that allows Lucy to be tested, survive and look to the future in appreciation.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Pung, Alice

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780399550485

Price: 17.99

Giant Pandas

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 14, 2016

Review

This paperback, Level 2 Reader, is a non-fiction title about the Giant Pandas. They are mammals, endangered and although they are similar to bears there are many differences. Photographs on each page correspond to the text and keep the focal point on Giant Pandas. They are enhanced by small photos of other animals in small bubbles that relate to the page's comparisons such as the sound Giant Pandas make, the differences compared to bears and a listing of other mammals. This series features new vocabulary in bubbles with the pronunciations. Various words are bold within the text and are found defined in the glossary in the back matter. For emerging readers, the layout is supportive with an uncluttered layout, large font and clear photographs. An index is located in the back. The images are credited, but there is no source material in the back. Useful for first and second grade readers who are interested in animals.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, AnnMarie

Illustrator: , Stock Photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935494

Price: 3.99

A Taste For Monsters

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2016

Review

In this paranormal fiction mash-up, Kirby intertwines the harsh life realities of Evelyn, a disfigured match girl who hides from the world as a maid in a hospital with two unrelated true historical happenings. Set in 1888 London, Kirby's writing invokes the smell, rough attitude and precarious survival of the working class. Inside the protective hospital environment, Evelyn attends to Joseph Merrick, the Elephant Man, but is forced to explore the outside dark alleys during the horrific reign of Jack the Ripper in order to relieve nightmarish ghostly appearances. Historical facts about the plight of the match girls forced to work with the disfiguring phosphorous are explored, as well as, the difficulties that Merrick must have encountered during his last year of life. Evelyn and Merrick both experience the pain of loss and loneliness making them divining rods for the ghosts of Ripper's victims. Give this dark, spine-chilling read to budding Austenites, historical fiction readers and lovers of hauntings.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kirby, Matthew J.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545817844

Price: 18.99

Flight of the Moon Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 20, 2016

Review

This is the paperback edition of the sixth book in the Dragon Masters series for readers in 2-4 grade. The prime Dragon Stone is losing power which will cause the six dragon masters to lose their ability to communicate with their dragons. The dragon masters must work as a team to locate the Pyramid of the Seven Dragons and solve the rhymes in order to save the Dragon Stone's power. In the process, they find a surprise that establishes why the Pyramid is about seven dragons. This fantasy moves along with the right amount of suspense for the younger reader. The layout provides all the necessary information at the beginning of the story with a large font, white space and black and white illustrations, by Damien Jones, that support and extends the text with various details. The multiple multi-cultural characters are easy to follow with the help of the illustrations. Recommend this fantasy series for public and school library collections.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Tracey

Illustrator: Jones, Damien

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545913928

Price: 4.99

Frozen Charlotte

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 31, 2016

Review

When teenagers Sophie and Jay try out the Ouija-board app on his phone, they unwittingly unleash evil mayhem into their lives. As the lights go out, Sophie sees the spirit of her cousin who died under mysterious circumstances and later that night Jay drowns in a mysterious accident. Spurred on by her cousin's ghostly presence, Sophie travels to the remote island home of her deceased cousin where the creepy, miniature porcelain dolls called frozen Charlottes orchestrate pain, evil and death on Sophie's extended family. This predictable horror story provides the scratching at night sounds, mind controlling whispers, murderous actions and the mix of paranormal and psychotic character evil that the genre demands. Fans of the chiller channel and Chuckie movies will want to summon this horror story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Bell, Alex

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,horror

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545941082

Price: 18.99

Sugar and Spice

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 7, 2017

Review

This is the tenth adventure in the Whatever After series about the magic mirror that sends the siblings, Abby and Jonah, into fairy tales that need fixing in various ways. In this tale Hansel and Gretel, doppelgangers of the siblings, outsmart them and escape through the mirror, fooling the parents and leaving Abby and Jonah to deal with the vegetarian children-eating witch. Mlynowski blends standard fairy tale fare, humor and some healthy kale (in the blender), in the mix of easy-to-read dialogue. Although it is the tenth adventure, readers new to the series will be able to easily navigate the setting and understand the relationship between the siblings. Recommended for young fantasy readers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545851060

Price: 14.99

The Secret Diary of Lydia Bennet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Enter the world of "Pride and Prejudice" through the diary and spirited escapades of Lydia Bennet, the youngest of the five sisters. True to Austen's original, the characters and the melodrama are all there. Lydia, who receives the diary as a birthday present on her fifteenth birthday, explores the various rejections the sisters relay on their suitors and twisted feelings she has toward the militia man Wickham. Middle grade readers will learn about all the tedious steps that a lady must endure to go swimming in a 1800's bathing machine whilst summering in Brighton, as well as, the fashion statements of the times and the influence that Mr. Darcy plays in Lydia s resulting happiness.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Farrant, Natasha

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Chicken House/Scholastic, Inc.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545940313

Price: 17.99

Hearts, Fingers, and Other Things to Cross

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This is the third book in a trilogy that follows the various revenge strategies and broken hearts that follow Gemma and her father's blended family. It is not recommended that readers begin with this book due to the large cast of characters and the chaotic, overly-involved interdependence they have on each other. The book dives right into the aftermath of a huge fight that Gemma and Hallie instigated on a party boat, when an impending hurricane stops all action and disperses all the various exes and their family members to the same mansion for the duration. As the storm wages havoc outside, the girls come to an understanding as new step-sisters on the inside. They agree to try to break up their parent's recent marriage. There are too many unbelievable decisions and situational set-ups to make this "mean girl" focused story line credible. Purchase this installment if the series is popular, otherwise, pass on this trilogy.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Finn, Katie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250045263

Price: 17.99

Goose on the Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

This picture book was first published in the U.K. in 2013. Sophie, a young girl, and Goose, who has a personality all of his own, are going on a school trip to the farm. They read a book about the farm, pack a lunch and go to the bus stop to board the bus. Goose helps himself to the lunch before arriving. Once there, Goose begins to feel left out of the attention until he encounters a goat who takes him around. At lunch the empty lunchbox is discovered but Ben shares his lunch with them. After some afternoon activities they proceed home. Wall's bright and cheerful illustrations present a simple, uncluttered view on each spread that support and add a twist of humor to the one sentence per page text. This would be a useful book for story times and preschool settings on the theme of farm.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wall, Laura

Illustrator: Wall, Laura

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062324399

Price: 12.99

Hungry Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2017

Review

Bird is back for a third adventure. This time the irritable and melodramatic bird and his kind friends are setting off on a hike when bird's tummy begins to rumble. In turn and in ever-increasing volume and attitude, bird asks each friend what they brought him for a snack. Fox packed berries, Beaver packed sticks, Sheep packed grass and so on. Nothing is to bird's liking and his demands turn into a melt down. As he finally recovers and realizes his friend's have ignored his outbursts and have begun eating their snack together, he tries each one with limited success. When bird's favorite snack wiggles by, a worm, obstinate bird is not hungry but needs a drink! As in the other books about bird, Tankard uses a dark-lined caricature of each animal placed in a background that resembles a collage of real landscapes and mixed cartoon flora. The effect keeps the attention on the main characters but provides the chaos brewing in bird's attitudes. Useful for story times and preschool settings on the theme of kindness, sharing and trying new foods.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545864176

Price: 16.77

Brilliant Bats

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2017

Review

This paperback nonfiction Level 2 reader provides facts, photos and stickers about bats. Each two page spread provides a paragraph or two about bats as mammals, their roosts, guano, echolocation and diet. The main photos show details of various bats. The stickers in the back correspond to the text and readers are challenged to match the sticker with the appropriate bat. There is a table of contents in the front and a glossary and index in the back matter. Although the book is designated for beginner readers, the busy layout of handwritten font asides, inserted information boxes and cartoon overlays may be difficult for those requiring a clear structured format as they read independently. Less would be more in this situation.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Laaren

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545935500

Price: 4.99

The Bronze Key

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 9, 2017

Review

This is the third installment of a promised five book fantasy series. Callum (Call), Aaron and Tamara, are starting their bronze year at the Magisterium school for mages and are celebrating their perceived victory over Constantine Madden, the Enemy of Death. Their party is cut short when Call's life is threatened and another student is found murdered. As Call grapples with the fate of his chaos animal Havoc, the three friends interact with power-zapping elementals that challenge them and their teachers. As the friends re-evaluate their trust in each other and try to survive the clingy new relationship between Jasper and Celia, they place themselves in danger to expose the assassin in their midst. Readers to the series will be able to understand the challenges Callum and his friends face as the plot is a set up for book four, but beginning with the first book in the series will provide a clearer picture of this fantasy world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cassandra Clare, Holly Black and

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545522311

Price: 17.99

Rose & Thorn

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 11, 2017

Review

Prineas weaves a version of Sleeping Beauty that pulls in Shoe the Shoemaker from her previous novel, Ash and Bramble (2014). Rose has been raised by Shoe in a protected forest until the boundaries dissolve at the Penwitch's death. She finds herself lead by the Forest to the city where the Watchers, Griff and Quirk, become responsible for her. Griff is the Lord Protector's son and has the gift of removing curses and keeping Story in check. When Rose's complex curse is exposed, she must question all she knows about herself and the relationship she has with Story. Adventure, betrayals and the quintessential kiss,or kisses in this case, find their place as Rose's story plays out. The characterization of Story and the Forest add to the standard fairy tale line.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Prineas, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HarperTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: Choose Binding Type

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062337979

Price: 17.99

Friday Barnes Under Suspicion

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2017

Review

This is the second installment about the genius teen detective Friday Barnes, whose lack of social grace is made up for by her talent of solving problems in Sherlock-ish fashion at the boarding school she attends. Friday uses her photographic memory and the scientific method learned from her scientist parents to prove that she has been falsely accused of counter-terrorism. Each chapter provides a new problem interspersed within her daily routine and interactions with various classmates at the boarding school. Reminiscent of Encyclopedia Brown mysteries, although with the humorous interplay between Friday and her mis-matched friends, other subjects are subtlety addressed. The cliff hanging ending will have readers begging for the next episode. Gosier's pen and ink illustrations are scattered throughout and have a stylized cartoon quality to them that mirror that chaos that surround Friday.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Spratt, R. A.

Illustrator: Gosier, Phil

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626722996

Price: 13.99

The Scourge

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

In this adventure laden fantasy, Scourge is a contagious, deadly disease that had been ravaging the population in Ani's world for the past three hundred years. As the government and the townspeople,"pinchworms", strive to quarantine those infected, Ani's peaceful community of river people, refer to as "grubs", are blamed. Ani is kidnapped, along with her friend Weevil, and brought to the island where those diagnosed with Scourge are left to fend for themselves as they die. As they provide resistance on the island, secrets are exposed about the nature of how Scourge is spread and the motivations of the government. The tension of the adventure becomes interrupted at times with the thoughtful musings of Ani, but aside from that, this fantasy promises friendships, betrayals, action and suspense.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Nielsen, Jennifer A.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastice Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780545682459

Price: 16.99

High Five, Mallory!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

This is the 26th installment in the Mallory series for young readers that are gaining confidence with chapter books. Mallory is starting fifth grade and it is becoming quite a challenge. Between a new cell phone, a change in friendship with her best friend and thinking that she doesn't get along with her teacher, Mallory learns to expand her circle of friends and finds a unlikely support arranged by the teacher-required book report presentation. Two kid friendly recipes are included in the back as well as a summary of what Mallory learns in a top 10 list. Kalis's black and white illustrations are scattered liberally throughout in varying sizes that support the text. The cell phone and texting is used as a plot device that seems questionable for Mallory's age and grade in school.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Friedman, Laurie

Illustrator: Kalis, Jennifer

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Darby Creek/Lerner Publishing

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781467750301

Price: 15.95

Mr. Moon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 7, 2017

Review

As the moon comes up with his sleeping cap and the sun goes down, the sheep get counted, clouds are fluffed, stars tap dance on moon beams and bubble helmet cows try to land safely on the moon. Other night-time phenomenon like glittery fireflies, friendly ghosts, nocturnal raccoons and dew drops frolic in the night in brightly, digitized ground level view illustrations that provide texture, humor and extra details. Each character have humorous details that make simple text charming and engaging. A must read for story times about night.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Paraskevas, Michael

Illustrator: Paraskevas, Michael

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Crown books for Young Readers/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399549922

Price: 17.99

Wally Does Not Want a Haircut

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

Wally sheep does not need (want)a haircut. Even though it gathers greenery, keeps him from dancing in the hoedown and separates him from giving mama a hug, he cannot be convinced. All the barnyard animals display various updos, spikes and braids after they show him how their haircut does not hurt. He finally agrees when his meltdown lands him stuck by his bushy wool in a haystack. All ends well after a few painless snips and he is able to hug his mama. Driscoll's enthusiastic sheep are created using pencil sketches painted in Adobe Photoshop. Wally's wool has wild texture with leaves, twigs and stringy wool among the fluff. The text provides sounds like "Swicka! Swicka!", Bzzt! Bzzt!" in various large fonts across the page demanding the reader to exaggerate the sounds. Why would Wally want a haircut when that is going on? Useful for story times themes about farm, hygiene and friendship or for instigating a discussion with a wee one who relates to Wally.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Driscoll, Amanda

Illustrator: Driscoll, Amanda

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi/Alfred A Knopf/Penguin Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535792

Price: 16.99

Sting

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 8, 2017

Review

In this sequel to LOOT by Watson, March McQuin, his twin sister Jules and company are back to make another try at a heist. This time gathering a trio of sapphires with a curse is the target for this teen-aged team of seasoned thieves to make all their dreams (or nightmares)come true. Fortunes are won, lost and garnered back. Written in short chapters of 3 -4 pages, the action, drama and creative plotting never stops as they travel from Europe to the States. This is fun and frolic of the criminal kind for readers in grades 5-8, reminiscent of a Ocean's Eleven movie plot. Although the multi-ethnicity of the cast is not revealed until halfway through the adventure, this may only be for those not familiar with the first book. Watson provides enough background for first time readers to understand the complex relationship between the characters. A winner of a thriller.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Jude

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545863469

Price: 16.99

MILA 2.0 Redemption

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 21, 2017

Review

In this final book in the MILA series, MILA is hiding out with the help of Lucas and uncovers the larger plot of General Holland's horrific vision in this sci-fi thriller. MILA, an android that has been designed as a replica of burn victim named Sarah, continues to integrate Sarah's humanity with her war-like weaponry as she reconciles her actions in the previous book with new information that sends her and the reconvened support team to a private school hiding huge secrets. MILA has to choose the right way to proceed in life-effecting ways as she protects future generations in the process. Although readers will understand and follow the action without confusion, the depth of the storyline should be enjoyed from the beginning of the series. The first book in the series made the cream of the crop list in 2014.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Driza, Debra

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062090423

Price: 17.99

The Secret Horses of Briar Hill

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 23, 2017

Review

Recommending this title for cream consideration. In a home converted to a children's hospital during World War II, tween-aged Emmaline sees horses with wings in all the mirrors. All the children at Briar Hill are in various stages of Tuberculosis and are isolated from everyone except the few caregiving adults: the sisters, the gardener and the visiting doctor. When Foxfire, one of the winged horses is injured and appears in the abandon garden of the home, Emmaline takes it upon herself to help protect Foxfire from the sinister Black Horse who preys on them and has also escaped the mirrors. Emmaline is the strong-willed, imaginative, narrator of this story who covets Anna's colored pencils, disobeys the sisters, and engages in some kleptomania in the name of protecting Foxfire. The horses in the mirrors are a fantasy world that Emmaline has constructed to survive the tremendous personal pain and heartbreak that she experiences in her life, or are they real? The mystical horses give her purpose and adventure in the isolating setting as she watches children die, knowing that she will most likely face the same fate. Shepherd has entwined the universal pain that war and chronic illnesses create in persons with the fantastical in at times lightly humorous story, in a way that balances the two and may have readers wondering if there are horses in their mirrors.

Publisher Note: Pages 59-90 were repeated in the review copy, but other librarians has confirmed that their copies do not have these extra pages.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Shepherd, Megan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press//Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101939758

Price: 16.99

The Secret Fire

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

This is a satisfying ending to the Secret Box trilogy that features Jax Malone and her cousins, Ethan and Tyler. Their adventures begin right where the second book ended inside the Museum. The three have to locate and destroy the urns of Faith, Hope and Love to protect the world from getting controlled by Epimetheus, who has plans to overthrow or erase Zeus from the mortal world. Jax is kidnapped by Ricardo, the Greek god Epimetheus, before the boys leave the museum and their communication link is broken. Jax and her cousins must solve their problems separately which may be disappointing for those who enjoyed the interplay between them. Ethan and Tyler enter the world of the Greek gods to find the last urn and learn various trivia about the Greek gods and their relationships that influence why Epimetheus is working havoc in the mortal world. Those new to the series will need to pay attention to the chapter headings to distinguish which character is narrating. Give to readers who are not yet ready to read the Percy Jackson series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ringwald, Whitaker

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062216205

Price: 16.99

Tractor Mac: Teamwork

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Young tractor and truck enthusiasts will enjoy this fifteenth picture book featuring Tractor Mac and his working vehicle friends. Farmer Bill has volunteered to help create a community pond and it takes all the different anthropomorphic vehicles to assist in the tricky construction. After a few days of cooperation, Deke, the blue tractor appears and slowly takes over everyone's job. Of course, his interference creates an accident that demands all the vehicles pool their talents to save Deke and his worker. Although the purpose of the story is to illustrate teamwork, the details provided about the building project and the various uses of the tractor, steam shovel, and bulldozer will engage budding engineers and construction workers. Illustrations are detailed and yet do not read as overly busy on the page. Each page provides a few lines of text which matches the smaller book size. A diagram of Doug the Steam Shovel with 18 part names adorn the inside front cover and Tractor Mac with his 22 identified parts adorn the inside back cover.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Steers, Billy

Illustrator: Steers, Billy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780374301132

Price: 8.99

Maisy's Moon Landing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

This fourth installment in the Maisy first science book series is a pop-up book with tabs. Cousins's bright primary-colored signature illustrations are consistent throughout. Maisy is the character shown on each moveable piece, but Maisy's friends do make a few appearances in the background. On the first page Maisy wonders about being so far from home. On each page after, she takes off in a rocket, travels 3 days to get there, lands on the moon, drives on a moon buggy and gets back in the rocket to parachute in a capsule to end the adventure. The left side of each two page spread has an information block with three words and their corresponding pictures identified. For Rocket launch the three words are rocket, sun and space suit. Readers will also learn satellite, landing module, crater, parachute and recovery ship. This treatment of the subject would make for a fun story time on space.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: other

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690403

Price: 15.99

How to Find Gold

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2017

Review

Recommending for Cream consideration. A young dark-skinned girl named Anna and her friend, a crocodile, take a walk and decide to find some treasure. They discuss their facial expressions, how much gold weighs and where to search. After some time drawing their ideas, they come to the conclusion that all gold is not buried, but sunken! They take a trip on a boat that resembles some of their drawings and they dive deep into the caverns to a sunken ship being held to the bottom by a huge blue octopus. After finding the treasure, they decide to bury the booty along with the map that shows where to find it! The two friends walk away satisfied with their imaginative adventure. Schwarz's pencil, crayon and watercolor illustrations create the magic in this picture book by add layers of meaning to the simply stated story line. The character's playfulness, movement, and expression are created from the use of singular color and minimal lines. At other times, full blown chaos with sea creatures and pounding waves in dark-colored washes and waxy crayon hues show the depth of the adventure. Speaks to many levels of imaginative play.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Schwarz, Viviane

Illustrator: Schwarz, Viviane

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763681043

Price: 16.99

Beauty Queen

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

This is the paperback edition of the 7th book in the twisted fairy tale series, Whatever After, for fantasy readers in grades 2-4. Siblings, Abby and Jonah, have a magic mirror in their basement that sends them to different fairy tales at the stroke of midnight. Unfortunately, Maryrose the fairy wiped Jonah's memory clean in the previous episode and he doesn't remember. What is worse, Abby has purposefully ruined her friend's painting at school because of jealousy. When the mirror finally allows them access to the fairy tales, they find themselves in the Beauty and the Beast construct and as various friendships are made with the Beast, jealousy is the focal point of the lesson to be learned. Although it is the seventh adventure, readers new to the series will be able to easily navigate the setting and understand the workings of Mlynowski's fantastical fairy tale world.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Mlynowski, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545746571

Price: 5.99

The Sea Pony

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

Piper Green is back in the third installment of the Piper Green and the Fairy Tree series. This review title is the paperback version. Islands off the coast of Maine are the setting of this story for newly independent readers in grades 2-4. The layout provides lots of white space, full page illustrations by Qin Leng that add detail and short chapters. Piper is an energetic, quick to act, imaginative seven-year-old narrator who wants a pony when one is delivered on the ferry for Nora Bean's farm. The special hole in the fairy tree in Piper's yard has materialized a captain's whistle that draws the attention of a seal, sea pony, to the lobster boat when Piper is helping her father bring in the traps. Although Piper gets in trouble for giving away half the bait to the seal, the animal eventually leads them to where their missing skiff has been lodged after a recent storm. Potter provides lots of details in this gentle, but humorous story for readers who have never experienced island living.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Leng, Qin

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553499346

Price: 5.99

This Book's Maine Connection: Maine author,Maine setting

Dino-Racing

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

This is another sports and dinosaur mash up from the Wheeler and Gott team that will race off the shelf at high octane speed due to the topics of cars and dinosaurs. In rhyming text, with colored fonts that identify specific dinosaurs, drag racing, dune buggy racing, stock car racing are illustrated with brightly colored Claymation looking dinosaurs. Each page is busy and action packed. One drag racer is a female driver. Adult readers will get a chuckle from the numerous puns in all the product advertising on the car sponsors such as "Primordial Soup", "Plantzoil" and "Dinotel". Perfect for a sports themed story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Wheeler, Lisa

Illustrator: Gott, Barry

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781512403145

Price: 17.99

Oops Pounce Quick Run! An Alphabet Caper

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 7, 2017

Review

In a mostly one word per page pattern, the story of a mouse being disturbed by the family dog, chased around the house and being appease by a gift of a ball is told through the structure of the alphabet. Action, items, rooms of the house are the types of descriptive words used. Twohy's cartoon dog and mouse show the action, expression and fun and provide a focal point on each page, with lots of white space. As is usually the case, the pressure to hit each of the 26 letters in a natural way can be daunting. This offering is no different with its uneven treatment of identifying words. For example, the letter "I" corresponds to "I'll chase!", the letter "X" is depicted by "XOXO" and "V" is "Very Cool". This picture book will be useful for one-on-one sharing for use in supporting alphabetic knowledge. The sparseness and lack of compelling story limits the possibility of repeat readings.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Twohy, Mike

Illustrator: Twohy, Mike

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062377005

Price: 17.99

Hatched

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

This is the second book in The Enchanted Files series by Coville. This story does not depend on any information in the first book. Gerald, the griffin, prefers poetry to being brave and collecting treasures which are the most important milestones for young Griffins to achieve in the Enchanted Realm. When he flies away into the modern world and carries his conniving gnome teacher with him, a secret gnome city is uncovered and Bradley, an underachieving human boy, assists Gerald in obtaining his goals. Written as pages from Gerald and Bradley's journals, encyclopedia entries, newspaper clippings and other announcements from the Enchanted Realm, Coville creates an adventurous fantasy tale that pulls the mythical into the modern world. The Griffin world is fleshed out in great detail. Kidby's pen and ink illustrations are scattered throughout and support to the modern world influence in the Enchanted Realm.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Bruce

Illustrator: Kidby, Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385392556

Price: 16.99

Bionic

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 6, 2017

Review

Active, athletic Mira is pulled in many directions. In order to be accepted by the colleges that her boyfriend likes for lacrosse, she may have to quit the garage band that is depending on her. All this comes to a halt, when a horrific accident leaves her needing prostheses and becoming a candidate for cutting edge research on chip research linking the brain with body function. Mira's experiences with the new technology opens her up to extreme body strength and forces her to identify what path she wants to follow. She faces controversies surrounding her eligibility for regular team sports, personality changes and gains insight into her brother, who is on the autism spectrum, and his perceptions of the world. In the narrative, the quickness of recovery and lack of emotional depth explored for the various stages that Mira goes through creates more of a reporting story than an emotionally intense read that her situation demands.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Weyn, Suzanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545906777

Price: 17.99

Dream Jumper: Nightmare Escape

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

In this first book of a planned graphic novel series, readers will jump right into Ben's nightmare as he saves various classmates and persons, he has yet to meet, before he is jolted awake with a start. His mother makes an appointment with a sleep specialist for his energy-draining sleep patterns at a special clinic. It is there that Ben learns that he has the special power of jumping into other people's nightmares and saving them from the various monsters in the dream world. There is a war going on in this alternate world that directly involves Ben and his extended family. The graphics clearly portray the story line and the artwork provides the range of expression in both facial and body language. The color work supports the various scenes and their locations in a variety of bright hues. All the tropes of a suspenseful evil villain story are found here in an exciting story with a multiracial cast of characters. The next book in the series is slated to be released appropriately on Halloween 2017.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Lucas Turnbloom, Greg Grunberg &

Illustrator: Major, Color by Guy

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Graphix/Scholastic

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,graphic novel

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: paperback

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545826044

Price: 12.99

Maisy Goes to London

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

In this energetic, whirlwind tour of London by beloved Maisy, toddlers will learn new vocabulary and will be prepped if London is their vacation destination. Parents planning a trip with their young reader will have to abbreviate Maisy's hectic itinerary. In bright primary colors, Cousins illustrates Maisy and friends visiting various landmarks, seemingly all in one day. Piccadilly Square, Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery, lunch in a park, Buckingham Palace, a walk along the Thames and then the Aquarium all hold a two-page spread. Maisy's vacation photos of the various landmarks visited are labelled only in the back end pages which will make book processing tricky for some libraries. Useful for themed story times and preschool programs.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Cousins, Lucy

Illustrator: Cousins, Lucy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763683993

Price: 15.99

Sweet Buttercup

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Tori and Miranda's gran runs the Silver Pony Ranch and the girls are training with her for their first horse show. When they are not distracted by the Lady and her puppies, Tori practices hard on her barrel racing skills and Miranda preps Buttercup for the showmanship competition. When Ashley arrives with her horse, the girls must evaluate their own training habits, manners and attitudes about money because of Ashley's condescending and snobbish ways. The timing of one week to prepare for a horse show, especially barrel racing, seems unrealistic to this inexperienced horse person. Wallis pen and ink illustrations provide intricate details about the stalls, the horse ring, the outlying ranch, and the more intimate conversations between characters. This illustrated chapter book is the second in a series by Branches that provide emerging readers the right amount of text to illustration.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Green, D.L.

Illustrator: Wallis, Emily

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780545797702

Price: 15.99

Mitchell on the Moon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

This is the fourth picture book in a quartet featuring imaginative siblings. Mitchell wants to be the hero in this one as the four set out for some trick-or-treating. Unfortunately, Gretchen, the youngest sibling, becomes his unwanted sidekick as he tries to save the vanishing moon from the carved Jack-o-Jerks (pumpkins). As in the other books, imagination takes over and an adventure awaits. Young readers are given clues about this phenomenon by the change of the children's clothes/costumes and the magical things their ordinary items can do. Compared to others books in the series, this story has much more back and forth banter between characters and a less dreamlike presence. Due to the smaller font on the dark background pages, one on one sharing is suggested over presenting in a large story time setting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Alley, R. W.

Illustrator: Alley, R.W.

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780547907031

Price: 14.99

Monkey Not Ready for the Baby

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 9, 2017

Review

Monkey likes being the youngest and resists the notion that a new baby will take the spot light soon. Mommy and Daddy do all the things parents do to prepare their children for a new sibling including, reading books, talking about it, and taking him to hear the baby's heartbeat. Only when Monkey holds his new baby sister does he feel ready for the new role of big brother. There is nothing new in this story about getting a new sibling, but fans of Marc Brown will notice some new changes in the illustrations. This family of monkeys shows more expression and the backgrounds show a soft busyness compared to the flat folk art style of his popular works about Arthur. Brown has created all the lettering for the text and the background's lines, squiggles and swirls done with colored pencils and gouache provide frames and integration of the text with the emotion of the characters.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brown, Marc

Illustrator: Brown, Marc

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781101933275

Price: 16.99

Miss Ellicott's School for the Magically Minded

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

In this fantasy for 4-6 grade readers, the Kingdom of Lightning Pass is protected by female sorceresses, one of them being Miss Ellicott the head of the Magical Maidens school where dark skinned, thirteen-year-old, Chantel lives. Chantel is a star pupil and exceptionally good at summoning, although the required deportment of her station seems elusive at times. When Miss Ellicott and the other sorceresses disappear, it takes Chantel, with her magical abilities and lack of deportment, to expose the various forces at work in the city that are weakening the bonds of protection. Dragons, prophecies, adventures and unlikely friendships along the way mix with a witty play on gender roles, bureaucratic ineffectiveness and magic spells. Blackwood creates an enticing magical world around a singular city in a large world. Her details of magical spells and the mysterious history of Lightning Pass will delight fantasy readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Blackwood, Sage

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402639

Price: 16.99

Elsie Piddock skips in her sleep

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 6, 2017

Review

This is the First U.S. reformatted hardcover edition of the classic jump-roping tale first published by Farjeon in 1937. Kirkus Review gave this version of the story illustrated by Charlotte Voake in 2000 a starred review. There are no other distinguishing notes or changes made to the story except the new format. It is the charming story of young Elise who skips rope so well that the fairies even notice and bring her to their festivities while she sleeps. She masters many, humorous, types of jumping that become useful to her and saves her village when she has grown old and her jumping fame forgotten in her village. Perfect for a read aloud or young readers that are looking for an unusual fairy story. Voake's small and delicately detailed ink and paint illustrations scattered throughout match the ethereal feel of the story with its mute green and beige tones. Perhaps this re-released story will inspire some to get outside and jump rope!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Farjeon, Eleanor

Illustrator: Voake, Charlotte

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763690557

Price: 12

One of Us is Lying

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

High school detention is the setting of this murder thriller where a fatal allergic response to peanuts makes the four other students present in detention the main suspects. Motive seems to center around the gossip app developed by Simon, the victim, and suspense moves at a steady pace as each student's back story and secrets are revealed. Chapters are written from the alternating point of view of the four suspects who are blatantly described as stereotypical in their role or interests as the nerd, the druggie, the cheerleader and the jock. Reference to the chapter headings was necessary at times due to the lack of distinguish-ability of the four voices, but this is only a slight quibble. McManus delves into each suspect's character, situation and social pressures. The parents, lawyers and law enforcement involved are portrayed as short sighted which fuels the action and requires the students to take on the murder solving task. Amidst the murder investigation, McManus presents various pressures and family dynamics that are realistically portrayed. This is a fast-paced thriller that can be suggested for fans of beach reads and high school romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

McManus, Karen M.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524714680

Price: 17.99

Otter loves Easter!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

This is a light-hearted, secular, cautionary tale for those little ones obsessed with Easter treats. Otter is so excited on Easter morning because of the many treats left for him at the end of his bed. After counting up his trove of sweets, illustrated with some numerical values, he runs to tell Otter keeper who quickly expects Otter to share with his stuffed animal friends. Otter ends up eating all the candy himself and feeling too sick to eat breakfast. After a nap, he creates an Easter egg hunt in the backyard for his friends, who lie around the backyard in a way reminiscent of deflated lawn ornaments. Somehow his friends gift all their eggs back to him! The digital illustrations carry a bright pastel color scheme with the focus on Otter in each spread with lots of white space. In contrast, the two page spread depicting Otter, with a bull horn, explaining the Easter egg hunt, is a full page spread with seek-and-find potential. The book end pages are done in a yellow, purple, and green Easter egg design.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Garton, Sam

Illustrator: Garton, Sam

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062366672

Price: 9.99

A Greyhound A Groundhog

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 13, 2017

Review

Recommending this picture book for cream of the crop consideration. Jenkins presents the words "greyhound" and "groundhog" in wordplay and rhyme, with movement and tongue-twisting sounds that is both playful and infectiously comical. A greyhound that is sleeping is introduced and a groundhog peeking out of a burrow is introduced, each in their own space. Their two worlds collide in a fast-paced, joyous chase that only briefly is stopped when a butterfly flutters into their line of sight. The rambunctious play is quickly renewed when a field of butterflies erupts into the air. Through a bog, looking in a log and round, and round, and round...until they drop from exhaustion. Appelhans' watercolor and pencil illustrations provide action, humor, and character within a minimalistic lay out. The text matches the action expressed in the illustrations by flitting across the page, going in circles and being spaced in a balanced way that complement and support the actions of the characters. Perfect for a story times.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Jenkins, Emily

Illustrator: Appelhans, Chris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Schwartz & Wade Books/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780553498059

Price: 17.99

Georgia Rules

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 7, 2017

Review

Twelve-year-old Magnolia Grace's life is uprooted from her Atlanta, Georgia routine when her mother announces that her stepfather is divorcing them. The two move to a Vermont farm that Magnolia Grace (Maggie)inherited from her recently deceased father, who she doesn't remember, with the stipulation that she reside on the farm one year. Maggie slowly finds herself letting go of her "Georgia rules" as she is taken under the wing of the large, rambunctious, Parker family with their varied ethnic, disabled, adopted, foster children and their two moms. Maggie matures throughout the year as she grapples with the loss of unmade memories of her father, his art and the influences he had on the small town. Steveson evokes the fresh, free, and natural atmosphere associated with a small town in Vermont and juxtaposes it to the laundry list of difficult situations. At times, Maggie's first person narrative reads older than her twelve years. The dialogue between the children is infectious and illustrates the protected comfort their moms provide. Suggest to fans of the Penderwicks series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Turner Steveson, Nanci

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollinsPublishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062374578

Price: 16.99

The Upside of Unrequited

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

Seventeen, overweight, anxious, never been kissed, and sometimes feeling like the most alone person in the world, Molly relays events in a laugh-out-loud, comedic way that sets her on a course of action after twenty six "unrequited" crushes. When Molly meets Mina, the perfect girlfriend for her twin sister Cassie, in the best place possible, a club bathroom, all the safety of her romantic crushes become challenged. As Molly and Cassie prepare for their moms' upcoming nuptials, which just became legal, Molly struggles with the new changes in her sibling connection and with the possibilities of a real boyfriend. A diverse cast of characters and the universal struggle to be true-to-self make this a lighthearted read for both romance and realistic fiction fans.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Albertalli, Becky

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062348708

Price: 17.99

The Ship Beyond Time

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

The rules of navigating between time periods, history and myth are expanded in this fantasy sequel to "The Girl from Everywhere". A large game of chess, across historical timelines and map margins, has been forced on Nix and crew by Crowhurst. The history of Hawaii is dangling and the nature of the mythical time is elaborated on. In this sequel, the complex relationship between Nix and her father that drove the plot in the first book is non-existent, although her romantic interest in Kashmir becomes a motivator in her navigating decisions. Along with moments of storm seas, maps, myths and erased memories are moments of description from Nix's inner dialogue that sometimes extinguishes the building tension. Heilig provides notes in the back concerning some of the myths and the historical context of Donald Crowhurst's Last voyage and Captain James Cook. This story ebbed and flowed more than the first one, but for those who love time travel with a hint of romance, readers will not be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Heilig, Heidi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062380784

Price: 17.99

Max

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 3, 2017

Review

The novel was originally published in French. This translation is by Penny Hueston. This is historical fiction based on the little known Lebensborn Project that the Hitler regime orchestrated as a way to breed an army of perfect Aryan children. Women with Aryan suggested body features were mated, consensual and non-consensual, with SS soldiers to create a vibrant, young army of young Nazis children. Max, the narrator, is born into this project. As a toddler, he assists in the befriending and kidnapping of children who are then forced to attend a school to make them into perfect German children. When his life intersects with Lukas, a Jew who infiltrates the school and is able to take some physical revenge, Max is challenged to find a slightly more humane look at the real abuse and devastation that result from the war. The standout feature and possible issue of controversy is the clearly mapped thinking of the Nazi regime and the obsessively indoctrinated narrator to the white supremacist, anti-semantic Aryan way of thinking. Although Max is first a fetus and then a toddler, his narration pans as an adult voice with its purpose to only please the Fuhrer. He discourses in a mature, analytical way on sex, breastfeeding, body eliminations, rape, and executions as each subject is twisted and glorified into the propaganda line the children are being taught. Readers will need to patiently read through the obsessive, horrific Nazi propaganda and sexual fixations of the fetus-to-toddler Max, as well as, the minute details of the physical and psychological abuse inflicted on prisoners and the Lebensborn children, in the first two parts of the book before connecting with the developing story line where Max's solid Nazi stance is cracked. The poverty, devastation and confusion the people felt as the war came to an end is vividly portrayed. The author provides back matter about the historical events and the real individuals involved. Readers will most likely seek more information about this tragic program. Suggested for mature high school readers or adults.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cohen-Scali, Sarah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12,adult / professional

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626720718

Price: 21.99

Ghostly Towns

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 5, 2017

Review

This nonfiction, library binding hardcover has 24 pages and is part of the "Tiptoe into Scary Places" series. Markovics provides a quick look at four different places that have an eerie history or spooky phenomena associated with them. Centralia, PA has been burning for fifty years from an underground mine fire. In Bannack, Montana the sheriff was rumored to be behind numerous murders. In Llanellen, Wales during the 1600s, the town is devastated by the plague brought ashore by rescued sailors. The most famous ghost town in the South, Old Cahawba, Alabama is the site of a haunted maze and has a history of lightning strikes. The large font text that briefly explains each ghost town is placed in text boxes across shutterstock images that cover a full page. Young ghost hunters will be intrigued by the real photos, but will need to research further for in depth information. The back matter has a few missteps. A map of the world showing the location and a summary of each site is presented in a clear manner. Only one site is outside the US which makes the heading "ghostly towns around the world" comical. The nine words found in the glossary appear in bold in the text which is helpful. Unfortunately, the vowel choice used in the pronunciation guide to the words "orb" and "residents" do not seem standard.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Markovics, Joyce

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bearport Publishing

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781684020515

Price: 27.07

Searching for the Lightning Dragon

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

This is the seventh book for young fantasy readers in the Dragon Masters series. A baby Lightning dragon has hatched and is flying around creating havoc. Fire is a danger and only the baby's new Dragon Master will be able to calm him. Carlos has been identified as the new Dragon Master, but he needs convincing. As the whole team works together to make sure everyone is safe, an evil magic appears and kidnaps the baby dragon leaving a cliffhanger of an ending. Lovers of dragons in grades 3-5 will enjoy this series. The font is large and Damien Jones' black and white illustrations match the scenes described in the text. The first page of each chapter is over-designed with a special curvy dragon. It seems to add clutter to the already busy page.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

West, Tracey

Illustrator: Jones, Damien

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Branches/Scholastic INC.

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338042894

Price: 15.99

Forget Me Not

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Terry's young adult novel debut purposefully shines a light on Tourette's Syndrome (TS) and the ways it can create misunderstanding and turmoil in high school friendships. Calliope June (Calli) has become the new student again, as her mother's tenuous relationships move them frequently. Before school starts, Calli meets her neighbor Jinsong who seems to have similar interests in astronomy. That newly formed friendship is challenged during the first days of school as Calli's tics become apparent to her classmates. Readers will need to take a second to figure out that Calli narrates in verse and Jinsong's voice is written in prose, but it is the perfect vehicle for focusing the reader on the inner challenges that Calli and Jinsong must face. Realistic school situations and creditable explanations of TS are presented that will inspire class discussions. A new title to hand to fans of Wonder.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Terry, Ellie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250096272

Price: 16.99

Witchtown

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Sixteen-year-old Macie has always had to gear up for the next con. Her mother, a natural witch, travels with her from haven to haven, setting up large burglaries and wiping everyone's memory as they leave. Witchtown, established by a millionaire natural witch for a spot of historical fact and safety for natural witches, proves to be more challenging to their purposes. Although Macie attends to the casing of the place and planning, she is faced with a genuine friendship and a romantic interest for the first time. Not everyone in Witchtown is looking out for the best interests of the witches. Between the stubborn poltergeist in her new herbal store and a betrayal by someone close to her, Macie begins to see more about her own state of being a void and the way she must rally those she trusts. Oakes plants an anatomy of a con, a coming of age tale and political intrigue into a world where witches are the way of power and protection. Suspenseful hocus pocus for the modern teen.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Oakes, Cory Putman

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,mystery,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544765573

Price: 17.99

Carve the Mark

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Roth has created an interstellar world where each planet has a different culture but they all depend on a currentstream that imparts energy to each being. As children come of age, they gain currentgifts that are either positive or negative in nature. Violence and power are a way of honor in Cyra's culture. Being the sister of the king should have it's benefits except her currentgift of taking on pain and transferring it to others makes her more of a weapon that her brother twists to his advantage. The only relief from pain she gets comes from a break in the current energy when Akos, who is kidnapped from his peaceful, zen-like planet, is near her. Akos has a talent for potions and his currentgift stops the stream's power from activating any gifts. Polar opposites of violence versus peace, honor versus self protection, drugs versus abstinence of substances, secrets versus transparency, pain versus being numb are weaved into the many plot twists and turns of this intergalactic thriller. Each character illicits some emotional reaction be it negative or positive. Divergent fans will be pleased with this new series.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Roth, Veronica

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062348630

Price: 22.99

A Season of Daring Greatly

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Jill Cafferty is about to make history by being the first women to be drafted to the Pittsburg Pirates baseball team, directly out of high school, no less. The pressure to be a role model for all the little girls and to continue to refute the nay-sayers inside and outside of the team makes her question whether she should have just accepted the scholarship to Stanford. Flanked by likeable, albeit sexually biased, male baseball players, she breaks into the team with politeness, humor and focus. Some of the loneliness of traveling and the strict rules required in the baseball business are illustrated. At times, the details of her physical training and the moment to moment press itinerary made the pace of the story wane a bit. Jill is a strong character with a sense of humor that reads older then her eighteen years, but readers will be inspired and can forgive that little quirk.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

White, Ellen Emerson

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Greenwillow Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062463210

Price: 17.99

Grendel's Guide to Love and War: A Tale of Rivalry, Romance, and Existential Angst

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2017

Review

Recommend for cream consideration. Tom Grendel holds his life together by providing mowing services and a listening ear to the personal histories of all the geriatric women in the retirement community he lives in. The sudden loss of his mother to a stroke when he was 9, and the active PTSD that makes his veteran father a neglectful one, creates the back drop of Tom's need to provide these services. Tom's carefully constructed routine is shattered when his newly deceased neighbor's nephew Rex begins to have loud, nightly parties. The noise makes his father have an episode and his father leaves. Tom takes it upon himself to solve the problem in order to have his father come back home. As Tom and his best friend Ed try to solve the problem, the pranks between them and Rex escalate to an alarming level. And on top of that, Tom finds himself a little attracted to Rex's unreliable, gothic sister Willow. Only when Tom faces a few truths about his mother's death, and enlists the help of his sister and the wise, geriatric women are they able to take back the neighborhood. Kaplan provides the right amount of chemistry between the quirky first person voice of Tom, the ups and downs of neighborly revenge and the deceptively deeper levels of emotional trauma that permeate his world.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Kaplan, A. E.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399555541

Price: 17.99

I Feel Fall Weather

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

This is a 24-page, non-fiction beginner reader in the series Observing Fall. The topics covered include the change in seasons, the temperature, wind, rain and differences of weather during the fall season. A glossary provides the page numbers for each section that are two to four pages in length. The single sentence in large font is the perfect layout for the beginner reader. Each page is illustrated with a full sized photo corresponding to the sentence in a white box at the bottom of the page. The glossary words are brisk, fall, temperature and weather. There is no pronunciation guide. The index identifies jackets, leaves, puddles, umbrella and weather. There are no sources cited, although this is not necessary due to the nature of the statements being observations about fall. A mix of races are represented. The text ends with the interactive question that allows discussion about fall where the reader lives. The Lerner website provides an extension educational resources that correspond to the title. Preschools and school libraries seeking more books about fall can confidently consider this series.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Schuh, Mari

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: first step nonfiction/Lerner

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512407976

Price: 23.99

Shark Dog!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

While on a trip with her famous explorer dad, a red-headed budding explorer is adopted by a shark dog. Having the nose, gills and fin of a shark with a grey dog body creates a few complications when the new pet is brought home. Understated text that correspond to funny cartoon illustrations about fetching sticks (pulling a tree out by its roots), fetching dad's slippers while scuba diving, and clearing the beach will make dog and shark lovers beg for such a pet. The slight nod to keeping animals in their habitat is acknowledged when shark dog gets homesick. A comical read that will fly off the shelves. Some of the text does get hidden in the grass and water illustrations, but reading before presenting to story time groups will alleviate that design flaw.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Adamson, Ged

Illustrator: Adamson, Ged

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy,science fiction

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062457134

Price: 17.99

How the Queen Found the Perfect Cup of Tea

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

Recommend for cream consideration. When a self-centered queen's daily tea routine becomes boring and tasteless, she embarks on an adventure to find the perfect cup. James, her servant, and her corgi companions travel in a hot air balloon and land in Japan, India and Turkey. At each stop a child welcomes her and invites her to an activity in progress which she tries. They then invite her to help them make tea which they share together. The repetition of the various stages provides the audience with the differences of each culture and foreshadows what will make the perfect cup of tea. Now the queen knows that tea taste better when you make it yourself and share it with friends. There is a perfect balance of text with illustration throughout the book. Illustrations are whimsical, comical, and filled with detail. The prim and stiffness of a spoiled queen evolves into a more relaxed, hair out of place, friendly one completely through the illustrations alone. Swiatkowska provides illustrated instructions on how three different cultures brew and serve tea. The various characters exude spunk and personality that are implied through the text. It is the perfect recipe for a satisfying book.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hosford, Kate

Illustrator: Swiatkowska, Gabi

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Carolrhoda Books

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9781467739047

Price: 18.99

This & That

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 19, 2017

Review

In an uncluttered setting of walls and a box, a mouse puts a little one to bed by spinning a tale of this and that. A repetitive pattern of "this & that", a silly rhyming situation, and then…, continues until the bedtime kiss is received. Each silly or absurd situation is a clear rhyming sentence that Horacek brightly illustrates with action and many details. The two mice appear in each scene and provide a seek-and-find element as they move through the "this & that" of the story. A useful story for the bedtime routine that emphasizes the ingredients of a story.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Fox, Mem

Illustrator: Horacek, Judy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338037807

Price: 17.99

The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

It is the 1700's and Henry "Monty" Montague, recently expelled from Eton and threatened with being cut off from his father's estate for "mucking" with the boys, starts his year of a Grand Tour of the Continent in his carelessly delightful and frivolous way. His traveling companions include his fifteen-year-old sister Felicity, his long time best-friend Percy and Lockwood their bear-leader. Felicity is being escorted to finishing school but is secretly studying medicine. Percy is a bi-racial orphan who was adopted and raised with Monty. Percy has kept his epilepsy a secret from Monty until now. Monty's childhood crush on Percy has recently become an all-consuming passion. Lockwood is responsible for travel arrangements, financial transactions and keeping Monty from gambling, sodomy, drinking and embarrassing his father. When Monty is discovered in an extreme position of undress while a guest at Versailles, he compulsively steals a trinket from the Duke of Bourbon that sets the group on an adventure of dangerous proportions. After an ambush on the road that leaves them without Lockwood, the trio regroups and focuses on learning the dark history of the item stolen that puts them in danger. Throughout the action and various cities in Europe, Monty pontificates in his first-person narrative on his deepening desire for Percy, the challenge to his self-centered, privileged view and the risks he needs to take in creating a future outside of the suffocating position of manager of the estate. Along with the historical notes on the Grand Tour, the politics, epilepsy, race relations and queer culture in the 1700's found in the back matter, Lee seamlessly peels back the culture for the reader in each comical,action-packed scenario as Monty matures into his own exasperatingly funny way.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Lee, Mackenzi

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062382801

Price: 18.99

Emmett's Pig

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 11, 2017

Review

This is the "I Can Read" 60th anniversary edition of the classic "I can read" book first published in 1959. This current edition is identified as level 2, Reading with Help or Guided Reading Level K. Emmett lives in an apartment building in the city, but dreams of owning a pig and being a pig farmer someday. His obsession with pigs motivates his mother and pipe-smoking father to purchase a pig for him that will live on a farm in the country. This edition has preserved the longer chapters with multiple sentences per page found in the original story, as well as, Williams' signature artwork. This anniversary edition contains a letter from the Editor-in-Chief to parents and back matter that includes a history of "I can Read" titles on a timeline. It also contains sketches and original story layouts for some of the popular characters in the series throughout the years. Suggested for libraries looking to update their easy reader copy.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Stolz, Mary

Illustrator: Williams, Garth

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9780062655264

Price: 9.99

Venturess

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2017

Review

This is the second book in the "Mechanica" series. Nicolette (Nick) has established a workshop in the village through her own mechanical skills and the mysterious dark properties of ashes that she inherited from her mother. The people believe that Nick is engaged to Fin, the prince of Esting, in this "after" happy ending Cinderella story. After an attempt on Fin's life, Nick uncovers the hidden plot by Fitz to spur the king to go to war with Faerie using soldier automatons, even ones impersonating Fin and Nick. When a cryptic letter from her beloved housekeeper arrives for Nick requesting her assistance in Faerie, the Nick, Fin and Caro make the treacherous journey by airship with Nick' s menagerie of automatons hidden on board. As the fey in Faerie evaluate Nick and company's trustworthiness, dark secrets are revealed that force Nick to make some heartbreaking decisions. The interconnectedness between the three friends/lovers may be confusing for those who have not read the first book. In this installment, the three share a bed throughout their time in Faerie and it is clear the three have a loving bond, but nothing sexual is discussed. Some readers may find navigating the pronouns for Faerie folk a bit challenging. Fans of the first book and steampunk will enjoy the details and abilities of the automatons, airships and the adventure that ensues.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cornwell, Betsy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780544319271

Price: 17.99

The Vanderbeekers of 141st Street

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 17, 2017

Review

It's a few days before Christmas and the biracial Vanderbeekers family with two parents, five kids ranging from ages 4 to 12, and a menagerie of animals are given the terrible news that their landlord, Mr. Beiderman, will not be renewing their lease to the Brownstone apartment in Harlem. Mr. B. has been a recluse during the six years that family has lived there and no one in the family has met his face-to-face. Drawing on their individual strengths and talents, the children try in their different and comical ways to influence his decision to change his mind. As the deadline to move looms, information about "the Beiderman's" recent past changes the motives in the children's actions and influences the predictable tear-jerking outcome. Attending a first eighth-grade dance, sibling conflicts and past family tragedy are weaved into the warm and cozy relationship that the Vanderbeekers have with each other and the close knit neighborhood around them. This would be a perfect read aloud for the holidays. Fans of the "Penderwicks" series should add this title to their reading list.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Glaser, Karina Yan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544876392

Price: 16.99

No Good Deed

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2017

Review

Connolly presents a modern day time-travel tale that puts a twist on the Robin Hood Legend. While on a break from the Archery Olympic trials, U.S. citizen Ellie goes exploring in the ruins of Nottingham Castle and finds herself in the medieval time of Prince John and the fingered as an outlaw by the Sheriff of Nottingham. As Ellie flees from one escalating situation to another, various characters are introduced that correspond to the characters surrounding the Robin Hood legend. Medieval clothing, code of knights and the poverty conditions of the villages are explored in detail. Adventures, medieval politics and hints of romance make this a light-hearted time travel romp that ends with a happily ever after promise. Readers looking for explanations for the time travel enigma will be disappointed.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Connolly, Kara

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385743938

Price: 17.99

Judy Moody, Tooth Fairy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 2, 2017

Review

This is the eighth installment in the Judy Moody and Friends series. The layout is for new readers with three longer chapters, large font and Madrid's color illustrations on full page spreads throughout the book. Third grader Judy Moody begins to question whether the tooth fairy is real when on the playground her friend overhears a fifth-grader saying that they don't exist. Judy enlists Stink and his wiggly tooth to prove that the tooth fairy exists. After a few attempts, the tooth pops out and is strategically placed under his pillow that night with Judy secretly waiting to see the tooth fairy. Luckily for Judy, when it seems like the tooth fairy did not come and the parents are informed for the first time, the tooth fairy makes an appearance the next night. Readers who still buy into the tooth fairy will be allowed to further their own narrative with this story line. Content includes the tooth fairy's going rate for a tooth as $3.70 and Stink having plans to buy a raffle ticket with his earnings.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McDonald, Megan

Illustrator: Madrid, Erwin

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763691677

Price: 12.99

I Like the Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

This picture book sized easy reader for the newest reader is designed for success. The theme is animals found on the farm. The various animals pictured include cat, kitten, cow, calf, dog, pup, pig, piglet, hen, and chick. The last sentence brings it back to the title. The repetitive one sentence per page begins with the phrase "I like the..." and a small picture above the sentence and a full page photo on the opposite page that correspond with the animal named in text provide clear support. The layout is uncluttered and the children pictured have various skin tones.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Rotner, Shelley

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: I like to read/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823438334

Price: 14.95

It's St. Patrick's Day!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 6, 2017

Review

This is a non-fiction book focused on St. Patrick's day for early readers. This book is in a series entitled "It's a Holiday!" Readers will learn that there was a religious man who lived in Ireland named St. Patrick and Ireland celebrates the holiday. No other information is provided about the background for the celebrations. The focus is on parades, dancing, foods eaten and turning the Chicago River green. The photos are clear and crisp. One photo of a parade in Japan shows a child in a Valentine's Day costume which could be confusing to a new reader. The layout includes a table of contents, a pictorial for symbols and a picture glossary. The last page provides an index, three other titles about holidays and photo credits. Two of the books suggested were from different publishers which were refreshing. Although there is not enough information for reports, new readers interested in practicing their reading skills will find this useful for that purpose. A note to educators in the beginning of the book, direct them to the few critical thinking questions inserted in bubbles in a few places during the text.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Sebra, Richard

Illustrator: ,

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512425611

Price: 25.23

Pizza Mouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is an easy reader in the larger picture book format. The mouse narrator explains that no one likes mice, but so what? He lives in the city and looks for food. When he finds a whole piece of pizza, he decides it's time to take it back home. Going home means negotiating the subway and slipping into the hole in the subway wall that has little mice waiting for daddy. The text consists of one or two simple sentences per 2 page layout. The large pencil and digitalized illustrations with the many details a city backdrop would provide overwhelms the small amount of text that a new reader must decode. At times it has a find-and-seek quality for both the mouse in the illustration and the text. Although Garland provides a mouse's perspective on human feet, the styling of the feet seems a bit odd especially when the mouse is trapped by feet while holding a piece of pizza. The layout lends itself more to a wordless picture book than to one for new readers.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Garland, Michael

Illustrator: Garland, Michael

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: I like to read/Holiday House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780823437610

Price: 14.95

It's Halloween!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is a non-fiction book focused on Halloween for early readers. This book is in a series entitled "It's a Holiday!" Halloween is identified by date and season, starting in Europe and is a time for costumes and candy. Trick-or-treating is explained and decorations are described. Full page photos match the one to three sentences per 2 page layout. A note to educators in the beginning of the book, direct them to the few critical thinking questions inserted in bubbles in a few places throughout the text. The layout includes a table of contents and a picture glossary for the words: costumes, decorations, glow and harvest. The last page provides an index, three other titles about holidays and photo credits. The three reference books suggested are from different publishers which is refreshing. Although there is not enough information for reports, new readers interested in practicing their reading skills will find this useful for that purpose.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sebra, Richard

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512414301

Price: 25.32

The Princess in Black and the Mysterious Playdate

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 8, 2017

Review

This is the fifth book in the Princess in Black chapter book series for readers in grades 2-4. In this episode, Princess Magnolia aka the Princess in Black has planned a playdate with Princess Sneezewort. Before the playdate begins, Princess Magnolia is secretly followed by a sneaky monster who likes to eat goats. When the Princess in Black is summoned, Princess Sneezewort is inspired to become a secret superhero princess also; and Princess in Blankets is born. In a declared secret hero playdate, the sneaky monster is hog-tied by secret hero ninja skills. After bringing the monster to the Goat Avenger, who sends it to Monsterland, the three engage in the customary victory dance. Pham's bright and colorful illustrations appear in each large font chapter. Princess Sneezewort is not a white character. Unfortunately, the printing of the colored illustrations are not uniform for her skin color throughout each spread. When Princess Sneezewort is in her closet, her skin tone appears white. Nevertheless, fans of this series will want this funny, girl power title.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hale, Shannon Hale & Dean

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780763688264

Price: 14.99

In Darkling Wood

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

In this British import, the modern world of heart transplants and cell phones intertwine with the magic of fairies and World War I as Alice and her estranged family members are confronted with painful memories and decisions made in their past. High schooler Alice has been sent to stay with her brusk paternal grandmother Nell, who she doesn't remember, while her younger brother Theo undergoes a heart transplant. Alice is drawn to the Darkling Woods on Nell's property and meets a mysterious young girl who tries to persuade Alice to believe in the fairies living there in order to help save the Wood. Nell is planning to clear cut the Wood, which the villagers are opposed to, making Alice's transition to the local school difficult. Interspersed in this modern time narrative are long, newsy letters from an unnamed sister to her brother serving in the WWI. Multiple layers of family pain and drama are revealed as Alice navigates the protests at school, her conflicting feelings for her father and the promised revenge of the fairies if the Wood is destroyed. Readers will understand Alice clearly through her first person narrative and through her pragmatic perspective on the difficult situations she has to confront. Give to readers who like some magic with their historical fiction.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Carroll, Emma

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Delacorte press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780399556012

Price: 16.99

I Love Dogs

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 13, 2017

Review

This title is part of a Pets are the Best series that is focused on owning and caring for dogs. Readers will learn about the responsibilities of getting a pet dog. Feeding, exercising, playing, training and taking the dog to the veterinarian are described in simple, clear sentences with accompanying photos. This series provides critical thinking questions in bubbles scattered throughout the text. There is a page that identifies dog supplies that are need with a picture and a word balloon for each. A picture glossary defines the words: exercise, groom, kennels and veterinarian. Each picture is a small version of the photo used within the text. The back matter includes an Index, three books from other publishers as suggested reading and photo credits. Dog lovers will be inspired to try out their reading skills on this title. Suggested for purchase by libraries looking to add books for the beginner reader in their nonfiction section.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Kenan, Tessa

Illustrator: , stock photographs

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Bumba Books/Lerner Publications

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: library binding

Binding Quality: excellent

ISBN: 9781512414141

Price: 24.94

Trolled

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: November 15, 2017

Review

This is the third book in the Enchanted Files series that mixes modern day situations with the Enchanted Realm where fairy tale and mythical creatures live. As in the previous books, the story is revealed through various letters, journal entries, text messages and academic matter from Enchanted Realm professors. This installment in the series brings Alex and Angus the Brownie back from the first book in the series, although it is not necessary to read the other books to be entertained by this one. Ned Thump is a security guard at Grand Central Station in New York City. Secretly, he is actually the troll princess Nettie from the Enchanted Realm who was rejected by the human Prince Gustave Fredrick. When Alex's cousin Cody, who has the strange skill of farting rose scents, wants to interview Ned Thump for a school project, the encounter between them reveals secrets that demand a trip to the Enchanted Realm. Troll prophecies,talking cats, special magical devices and underground tunnels will delight fantasy and fairy tale lovers in this Shrek mashup. Readers will also learn some about the real tunnel dwellers under New York City in the process.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Coville, Bruce

Illustrator: Kidby, Paul

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780385392594

Price: 16.99

Sputnik's Guide to Life on Earth

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 13, 2017

Review

Set in Scotland, this reads as comical realistic fiction that happens to have an alien as the main character. Prez lived with his granddad until grandad's dementia made it unsafe. Prez now lives at the Children's Temporary Accommodation. He is unsure where his granddad is living and has not spoken a word since. For the summer, Prez is sent to the noisy, loving, Blythes family on a farm in the country for the summer. When the doorbell rings one evening (the Blythes don't have one), Prez comes face-to-face with Sputnik, who wears goggles, a yellow backpack and a kilt. Sputnik is an alien who is able to read Prez's mind. He is on a mission to help Prez save the planet by finding 10 reasons to save it. Sputnik, who appears as a dog to everyone else, creates mischief and mayhem as gravity is bent, front loaders become light-year speed vehicles, hay bales float and TV remotes change the time continuum. Underlying Sputnik's comical antics and the witty discourse of the Blythes is a heartfelt story about finding a voice and a home connection when life's circumstances provide otherwise.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Boyce, Frank Cottrell

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Walden Pond Press/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062643629

Price: 16.99

I'm Smart!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

This is the ninth entry in the popular "I Stink" books series. School bus tells readers the power in the red stop sign when it flips open in traffic and the red lights blink. School bus loves the job because of all the children and how the bus keeps them safe. Readers are challenged to count the stops on the bus route, but there is only three. A car gets pulled over by the cops when it drives past the stop paddle and the bus driver must engaged all the children on the bus in a round of 20 questions when there is a construction stop. Although the brightly colored illustrations provide a variety of perspectives of up close bus parts to the large driving area with the bus on a hill, the book as a whole does not provide the same depth as other books in the series. Vehicle enthusiasts and preschools looking for transportation theme stories will be the most likely readership for this story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

McMullan, Kate

Illustrator: McMullan, Jim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062449238

Price: 17.99

What Are You Waiting For?

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: December 29, 2017

Review

A badger greets a bunny with the question "What are you doing up so early?" To which the rabbit answers "I'm waiting". Such begins a full day of a game of 20 questions. The exchange is subtly humorous at times, reflecting that banter of playmates as they go through the day watching a caterpillar, drawing in the dirt, walking in the woods and experiencing nature. Badger doesn't want to miss it and the bunny wakes him up just in time to see what he was waiting for. The Moon! Mcphail's illustrations created with pencil and pastel on toned paper provide a gentle touch to the story without sacrificing the expression of the animals during their play. The font color delineates who is speaking which makes this an easy on the eye read for a story time when character voices are employed. It will also be useful for new readers who are taking turns with an older reader.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Menchin, Scott

Illustrator: Phelan, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626721524

Price: 16.99

The Truth about Happily Ever After

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

College-aged Alyssa is returning to her summer job as a Cinderella princess for the second season at a fictional amusement park, which replicates Disney's franchise, in anticipation of rekindling last summer's romance with Jake. As the predictable story line goes, her unrealistic expectations of her relationship with Jake leads to a breakup that forces her to confront her interactions with friends, her life goals and the possibility of a real relationship with good guy Miller. The character growth that Alyssa eventually experiences is slow in developing due to the first half of the novel building the perceptions of the fairy princess and the stereotypical sorority sister persona with detailed minutiae. The second half provides a more in-depth treatment of Alyssa's step and missteps of her friendship-turn-romance with Miller. Although there is some underage drinking, there is nothing sexually graphic about this light, predictable romance.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Cozzo, Karole

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250127976

Price: 17.99

The Mouse and the Motorcycle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 5, 2018

Review

It was refreshing to re-visit Ralph the inquisitive, dare devil mouse living with his family in the Mountain View Hotel. Behind the knothole in room 215 is the worried mother mouse and the issues that any family with adventurous children/ mice must figure out. In the weekend that Keith and his toy motorcycle stay, Ralph grows up into a responsible mouse. Written in 1965, it was satisfying to have a few of the culture references remain true such as Disneyland. This updated version provides back matter consisting of a discussion guide, a quote guessing game and the first two chapters reprinted with original art by Louis Darling. Libraries or teachers looking to replaced their well-loved copies will want this reprint.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Beverly

Illustrator: Rogers, Jacqueline

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062657985

Price: 16.99

Midnight at the Electric

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

Recommending for Cream Consideration. It is 2065 and as sixteen-year-old Adri Ortiz prepares for her coveted place on the mission to populate Mars, she must make connections and stay with her only documented family member in Kansas during this last portion of her training. Lily, her 107 year old distant cousin, opens her home and unknowingly provides Adri with a mystery of familial connections through the letters and experiences of Catherine during the 1934 dust bowl and Lenore in England during the early 1900's. Catherine is desperate to find a way to save her younger sister from suffocating dust and Lenore must balance the need for friendship with loyalty during World War I. Each character and the hopeless they overcome and difficulties that they face are fleshed out in alternating chapters that slowly untie the stories into the linear connection that binds them all together with one long living Galapagos tortoise that resides at Lily's farm. Anderson provides readers with a vast array of settings, social constructs and decisions of the heart in a succinct writing style that lingers long after the last page is read.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Anderson, Jodi Lynn

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062393548

Price: 17.99

Hats Off to You!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 8, 2018

Review

The four fun-loving and ethnically diverse friends from Beaumont's "Shoe-la-la" are back and now focused on finding the right hat. While playing dress up in the attic, the rumpus of a playdate spills out to the street where there is a fair going on and boutique with hats. In quick, easy rhyming text, the girls try on all the different exotic hats in the booth, even Frou-Frou the dog gets involved. They each purchase a plain looking hat and the action is taken back to the attic where secret embellishments turn into a special Mother/Daughter party in the back yard. Perfect for readers loving sparkle and caring.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Beaumont, Karen

Illustrator: Pham, LeUyen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545474238

Price: 16.99

How to Disappear

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: January 10, 2018

Review

Vicky's only friend Jenna moved 2 months ago and Vicky is left to negotiate high school through the paralyzing fear and self-regulating thoughts that keep her from making new friends at school. When Vicky accidentally overhears Jenna's negative perception of their relationship, she turns her hurt into a new creative outlet. On Instagram she creates a new persona called Vicarious and blends pictures of herself in crazy wigs and outfits from the comfort of her bedroom with famous scenes and activities. Over the course of a few days her own campaign for placing herself in chaotic social situations inspires multiple followers to support her #alone thread. Vicky feeds off this safe attention and starts gently exploring school relationships until her real life relationship with Jenn takes a life threatening turn and Vicky must do something drastic like revealing who she really is in order to save her friend. The topic and Vicky's character will appeal to a wide range of readers.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Roat, Sharon Huss

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062291752

Price: 17.99

Stick Dog Craves Candy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

This is the 7th installment in the popular Stick Dog series for readers in grades 2-4. It is Halloween and Stick Dog and his four dog friends explore the neighborhood seeking out things to eat. They problem solve various situations in true dog thinking ways. Following little humans dressed as witches they get a chance to experience candy, caramel apples and a home that has left a help-yourself bowl of treats on the porch. Caramel apples. Really? Each dog has it's own strengths and weaknesses that Stick Dog tries to humor as they solve each situation. The book design is that of a hard cover memo notebook with illustrated rubber bands holding the book together. The large font and doodle-styled stick drawings are presented on the college ruled pages. The short subject matter and the use of white space are perfect for younger readers. Two chapters of the next installment of Stick Cat are presented in the back.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Watson, Tom

Illustrator: Grosvenor, Charles

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062410948

Price: 12.99

The Case of the Counterfeit Criminals

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

This is the third installment in the Wollstonecraft Detective Agency series. Stratford provides readers a preface where the inaccuracies of the historical facts are explained to mesh with his fictionalized characters of Ada Bryon Lovelace, the world's first computer programmer and Mary Shelley, author of "Frankenstein". The medical views of bloodletting by leeches are the focus of keeping Ada hostage in her own home in this episode. All the characters from the second book are there ready to do her bidding as it becomes apparent to Ada that various criminal connections with a kidnapped dog, a counterfeit dinosaur display and mesmerized clown-white faced burglars are all connected. Some of the reasoning that Ada uses comes from the first case in the first book. The connections that Ada makes do not seem plausible and the back matter that explains each historical character will add confusion due to the changes made by the author so that the characters fit into the Wollstonecraft world. A preview of chapter 4 from the next book in the series appears in the back.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Stratford, Jordan

Illustrator: Murphy, Kelly

Illustration Quality: fair

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: mystery,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385754484

Price: 16.99

Duck, Duck, Dinosaur and the Noise At Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

The unlikely siblings, two ducklings and their green dinosaur brother Spike, are back in their second adventure. The nighttime routine and learning to sleep in their own bed, or nest, is the challenge of the evening. Each time they finally get settled in, they are woken up by a loud "Grrore". Solving the problem of the frightening sound becomes the adventure as the three repeat the same pattern of share a story, snuggle and fall asleep. Spike's fearfulness provides the humor in the cadence of the words and in the stylized illustrations. Perfect for a comical story time around the theme of sleep.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

George, Kallie

Illustrator: Vidal, Oriol

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062353177

Price: 17.99

Old Macdonald Had A Farm

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 6, 2018

Review

The classic Old Macdonald song gets a refreshing upgrade with the whimsical, scraggly stylized watercolors by Grimly. As the smiley, pointy-toed farmer surveys his chickens, turkey, ducks, donkey, pigs, cow and sheep he gathers them up for a parade through the vast fields and ends at the barn which houses--a bear! The second read of this classic song will show the hidden surprises that Grimly adds to the action. A chick's eye peeks out of an unhatched egg while a rat licks his chops. The cat gleefully watches the farmer hug his turkey while the rat's tail hangs out of the cat's mouth. Grimly includes a two page explanation with black and white photographs about his own history with the song. The music for the song is also included. The end pages feature a collage of all the animals in the story and the various animal sounds them represent. A perfect addition for story times.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Grimly, Gris

Illustrator: Grimly, Gris

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Orchard Books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338112436

Price: 17.99

Under Rose-Tainted Skies

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Seventeen-year-old Norah has become agoraphobic from Obsessive-compulsive disorder which keeps her from attending high school, having face-to-face social interactions, being touched and venturing outside. When good-looking, self-confident and socially-connected Luke, moves in next door and happens to catch her trying to "fish" her delivered groceries off the porch without going outside, a new hope of a relationship blossoms for Norah. Written in Norah's underlying humorous and self-deprecating voice, she reports all the ways her silent disability keeps her from enjoying the romance that begins to form, whether she is in therapy, frozen from panic or enjoying the morning through the open front door. Although some readers may not feel that the ending is realistic, those who enjoy romance will still be satisfied. Gornall has drawn on her own experiences with mental health and this is her first novel. Looking forward to seeing more from this author.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Gornall, Louise

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Clarion Books/Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780544736511

Price: 17.99

Pip Bartlett's Guide to Unicorn Training

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: February 13, 2018

Review

Lovers of glitter, unicorns, stubborn invisible sheep and other magical phenomenon will enjoy this series about Pip Bartlett and her amazing gift of understanding what magical animals say. In this second book in the series, Pip and her friend Tomas are getting the privilege of attending the Triple Trident, a county fair for magical creatures, and assisting with a Rockshine. The Rockshine are part of the Glimmerbeast family and they are sheep that turn invisible when afraid or in unfamiliar places. The good news for Tomas is that their "hair" is hypoallergenic. Before the kids even get to start their duties, they have to help calm down Regent Maximus, the not-so-typical unicorn from book one. He is afraid of most everything and Pip seems to be the only one to help solve his various dilemmas. The busy day at the Triple Trident also includes a mystery to be solved. Pearce and Stiefvater provide a delightful compilation of various magical animals described by Pip and illustrated by Stiefvater in full page encyclopedia-style. Most suitable for fantasy lovers in grades 3-5.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Maggie Stiefvater, Jackson Pearce &

Illustrator: Stiefvater, Maggie

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545709293

Price: 9.99

Ribsy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2018

Review

This is a revised copy of the original 1964 edition. The original illustrations by Louis Darling are used and the only new feature is a rambling six-page letter by Cece Bell to the reader. Ribsy is Henry Huggin's beloved mutt who usually wears a collar. When Ribsy is scratching at a pesky flea, Henry removes his collar. When they family goes to a shopping center, leaving Ribsy behind in the car, Ribsy accidentally hits the new electronic window button and he gets out. This initiates a string of adventures that Ribsy goes through while he tries to locate his lost family. Little girls, smelly bubble bath, funny costumes and a high school football game become obstacles as Ribsy tries to find his way back home. Bell's letter to the reader presents a slightly confusing take on reading Ribsy. Bell explains how the book "Ellen Tebbits" by Cleary made a connection with her, but Bell has only recently read about Ribsy. Unsure if new readers will struggle through the letter which is presented at the beginning of the book to dive into Ribsy. Libraries looking to update their collection will find the original illustrations still perfect for the story.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cleary, Beverly

Illustrator: Darling, Louis

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062652409

Price: 16.99

Zenn Diagram

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 2, 2018

Review

Eva is a seventeen-year-old math whiz who tutors struggling math students and uses her paranormal skill of reading a person's belongings as a way to diagnose what may be blocking the person from learning. Her paranormal ability, which she calls fractals, keeps her from touching people because of the sensory overload and darkness that she sees. She plans to pursue the neurosciences in college to find out why she has these visual hallucinations. Eva was orphaned by a drunk driver and adopted by her aunt who now has three-year-old quintuplets of her own. The quintuplets provide comic relief as a dark, mysterious connection is revealed to Eva when she begins tutoring Zenn Bennett. Zenn becomes the main attraction for Eva and his life circumstances implausibly connects to hers in a tragic way. This is a feel good, first romance with some paranormal and some non-necessary rough language that still made this reviewer cry at the end.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Brant, Wendy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: KCP Loft/Kids Can Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781771387927

Price: 17.95

Let's Pretend We Never Met

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Over school break, sixth-grader Mattie Markham has moved with her family from a small town in North Carolina to an apartment building in Philadelphia because her grandmother needs help as her memory fails. Mattie makes an instant friendship connection with smart, creative and quirky Agnes who lives next door. Agnes is in the same class at school, but when school starts up, Agnes reputation at school and her anxiety-driven quirkiness, OCD or autism spectrum behaviors, make Mattie feel unsure of how to have friends at school and keep a friendship with Agnes at the same time. Mattie navigates first boyfriends, first kisses and eventually bridges gaps between friends. Walker provides 5-8 grade readers a model of how to open themselves up to those who may be different and thoughtful ways to balance conflicting friendships. Mattie's voice is authentic and the layers of issues are handled in age-appropriate way.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Walker, Melissa

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062567161

Price: 16.99

The Wood

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

The Wood behind Winter's house has always dictated her father's life and now with his disappearance it dictates hers. The Wood is a portal for time travelers and Winter's ancestors are the secret protectors or guardians of the wood. Her required task, which she is physically not able to deny to the determent of her school assignments, of assisting lost travelers to their current portal is becoming difficult because the wood has been poisoned and the sinister darkness is becoming life-threatening, even to those who cannot see the magical areas of the wood. Winter finds herself challenged and at the same time attracted to Henry, a time traveler from eighteenth century England. He knows too much, takes too many risks and distracts Winter with his charming ways. Fans of time travel, suspense and fantasy will enjoy this dark and creative tale.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Bobulski, Chelsea

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250094261

Price: 17.99

Nerdy Birdy Tweets

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 6, 2018

Review

Nerdy Birdy (2015) is back with his small brown body, huge glasses and huge love of video games. He is best friends with the very different Vulture, who enjoys eating dead things. When Nerdy Birdy discovers Tweetster, his addiction to his new social media friends places his friendship with Vulture on the back burner. The cartoon illustration layout varies between full page spreads and graphic comic frames. The text is placed around the page with lines indicating who is speaking and other times without word bubbles. Davies illustrations are hilarious and will engage a group. This is a cautionary tale about social media pitfalls for younger readers. Although the content would provide fodder for conversations with 3-5 graders, the topic of social media may be premature in most preschool settings. Nonetheless, parents will get a chuckle from this picture book.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Reynolds, Aaron

Illustrator: Davies, Matt

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Neal Porter/Roaring Brook Press/

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781626721289

Price: 17.99

The Art of Feeling

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

High-schooler, Sam (Samantha), was in a traffic accident six months before which killed her mother and left her with constant pain and a need for crutches. Her father and her two older siblings each avoid the pain of loss in different ways, none of them healthy. When Sam meets Eliot, who has a congenital condition where he is not able to feel pain, she becomes protective of someone else for the first time. Eliot places himself in the whipping boy position in a drug deal gone wrong that entwines Sam's attention and ultimately helps expose who was responsible for killing her mother. The heaviness of depression, drug addiction, and the pain of grief are balanced against Sam's sarcastic first person voice and her challenges for the normal everyday high school friendship situation. Due to the rough language, graphic bullying and teen drug/ alcohol use, suggest to more mature teen audiences.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Tims, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPERTeen/Harper Collins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062317353

Price: 17.99

Rappy Goes to Mars

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

Rappy the dinosaur is back in this fourth adventure that takes him from the school yard to outer space and back. At recess, a UFO hovers over the school yard and Rappy is beamed up into the spaceship and zipped into space by a skinny green alien named Janet. Rappy finds himself selected to marry her and he escapes by rapping until she returns him to earth. The layout of this I Can Read! Level 2 with help is 5-8 small sentences per page that utilize some difficult vocabulary that may be sounded out due to the rhyming scheme. At times the rapping works, at other times it seems to be trying too hard. Get ready to help readers sound out these vocabulary words: hovered, enormous , `astounded, vomit and diarrhea (which rhymes with idea in the text, but it actually appears first.) On the title page, parents who will be reading the book are encouraged to Rap It. Suggest to those who are fans of the other books.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Gutman, Dan

Illustrator: Bowers, Tim

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062252692

Price: 16.99

Sheep Won't Sleep

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 9, 2018

Review

Cox has knitted up a colorful way to introduced young readers to counting by 1, 2s, 5s and 10s. Clarissa is having trouble falling asleep so she envisions 10 white sheep jumping over a stile. It hasn't put her to sleep, but has added 10 nosy, busy sheep to her room. The sheep suggest counting pairs of alpacas which are "as colorful as Clarissa's basket of yarn." And so the pattern goes to llamas and yaks. When she gets to counting yaks by 10 she gives up the counting and starts unwinding them until she has a huge ball of yarn that she knits into an afghan by morning. This is a clever way of presenting this math concept. Cuneo's brightly colored illustrations were created by pen and digital ink. They show all the various animals in miniature, adding to the charm.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Cox, Judy

Illustrator: Cuneo, Nina

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Holiday House

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780823437016

Price: 16.95

Love, Triangle

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 27, 2018

Review

Circle and Square's friendship is challenged when Triangle starts doing things with them. Their routine at lunch, the library and partnering for school science projects are changed by Triangle's presence and interests. Circle and Square become competitive and at odds. Triangle confronts them and they are able to move to a trio. This simple story line is embellished with multiple eye-rolling geometric puns and Shea's diagram-type artwork adds whimsy and character. A fun way to introduce some geometric concepts to a younger group that can also provide discussion material for social situations.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Colleen, Marcie

Illustrator: Shea, Bob

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062410849

Price: 17.99

Here We Are Now

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: March 30, 2018

Review

Sixteen-year-old Taliah has spent the last three years writing notes to music rock-star Julian Oliver, introducing herself as his daughter. She has not received any response in that time, and now he is standing on her front porch asking her to come with him to visit her dying grandfather whom she has never met. Over the period of five days, Taliah is introduced to the people and the emotional baggage of her father, extended family, and the persistent and intriguing boy next door. During this time of self-discovery about music, friendships, forgiveness and new beginnings, the backstory of Taliah's Arab Muslim mother and absent music rocker father are interspersed. Warga expertly provides readers one perspective on the Arab Muslim immigrant experience through Taliah's mother story line. The parallel story lines provide different time period settings around the same themes of romance, being true-to-self and life consequences. Recommend for teen collections.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Warga, Jasmine

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Balzer & Bray/HarperCollins

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062324702

Price: 17.99

The Silver Mask

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 8, 2018

Review

This is the fourth installment in the dark fantasy collaborative series by Black and Claire. This is not a stand-alone title due to the dual identity of the main character that underlies the story's action and the various character's motives. Callum is in prison and is broken out by a surprising cast of characters who each have different plans for extorting his power and his destiny. New relationships blossom in the Magisterium students group and Aaron is tragically brought back from the dead with devastating results. All the action takes place outside of the school. Fans of the series will want this installment, as it answers some question about Callum's relationships and extends the action of the student group into the future with another cliff-hanger ending. Suggest the series to readers looking for magic in a school setting.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Holly Black, Cassandra Clare

Illustrator: Fischer, Scott

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545522366

Price: 17.99

Unschooled

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

George and Lilly are different in many ways but are best of friends. In alternating chapters, they describe their school day experience when their fifth grade class is challenged during Spirit Week. The principal has decided to encourage school spirit by splitting the fifth grade class into teams. George and Lilly's hopes of being on the same team are dashed. As team leaders for the opposing groups, the best friends are challenged to figure out where their true loyalties lie. The ever-increasing seriousness of the pranks and outlandish rumors about what the prize will be propels the two teams to break school rules and sometimes endanger their team mates. Although the dilemma presented in the story line provides examples to younger readers about consequences and may be read as humorous, the pranks and the adult character's reactions to the situation seem over-the-top and slightly disturbing.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Woodrow, Allan

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781338116885

Price: 16.99

I Never

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

Starting her junior year of high school with her parent's splitting up was a distraction that Janey wasn't expecting. Track team, debate team and good grades have always been her focus. Then on top of that, Luke Hallstrom, senior track hunk, has started to notice her. In this deliciously steamy, play-by-play of first love and the sexual experience, Janey and Luke work through their relationship with the help of Janey's close friends including a shopping trip for condoms. Comparable to Judy Blume's Forever for today's teens. A sweet and sexy romance.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Hopper, Laura

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328663788

Price: 17.99

Lost Boys

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 9, 2018

Review

It is 1982 during the Iran/Iraq war and twelve-year-old Iranian Reza has lost his father from war and now his uncle, the only one family member who supports his musical talent, has been arrested and killed for being part of the resistance. His mother, in the strict Muslim tradition of the Ayatollah, has forbidden any music except religious music and daily tells him how proud she will be when he dies as a martyr in the war. When a recruiter for the war comes to Reza and his best friend Ebi's school, they both sign up for different reasons. Taken to a camp to be trained, they are considered disposable and their company of young boys is marched out before the soldiers with guns to detonate the mines. After recuperating from his injuries, Reza is relocated to the "best"of the POW camps for children. His obsessions with locating his best friend and his love of music are discovered and secretly supported by an aid worker. Reza's first person narrative provides simple and clear perspective of the possible questions that individuals may have faced during that time. Although this is a fiction work, as noted by the author, the historical setting will provide younger readers a springboard to research more. Suggest this to the older reader due to strong language and war content. This title has been chosen for the Maine Student Book award list for 2018 6-8th grade readers.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Rosenblatt, Darcey

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Henry Holt and Company/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781627797580

Price: 16.99

Crafty Cat and the Crafty Camp Crisis

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: April 10, 2018

Review

In this second installment of the series, Birdie, an elementary student who is a lover of crafts, is in her Crafty Cat day-dream packing her box for a day at Monster Craft Camp. As she walks out her front door she becomes Birdie and her friend Evan meets her, after using her bathroom, to walk to school. It is Saturday, which is only stated in the summary on the back book cover, and the school bully Anya is at the camp to repeatedly squash Birdie/Crafty Cat's excitement of each craft activity. Birdie uses her Crafty Cat persona to work out her emotions and spin disappointments in a positive light. A commentary narrator's voice appears in colored text boxes as transitions for Birdie's decisions and explanation steps in some of the crafts. Although the art is in a stagnate cartoon line drawing form with round heads and bubble eyes in pale flat colors, the dialog, action marks and narrator comments gives an overall sense of frantic to the story line. Seven Monster crafts that are done during the camp are explained in detail in the back. A majority of those suggest copying the template to a larger picture, for example 200% which might stop some crafty cat readers from trying to make their own versions. Note to Publisher: on page 88 the word filed should be filled.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustrator: Harper, Charise Mericle

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: :01 First Second

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781626724853

Price: 13.99

The Real McCoys

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Fourth grader, Moxie McCoy, is confident in her detective skills, just like her favorite mystery novel heroine, when the school's special owl award is stolen the day that the winners are to be announced. Moxie must team up with her smart, detail-oriented younger brother, whom she sometimes speculates may not be a "real" McCoy, to wade through the numerous red-herrings and help solve who was the culprit. The busy collage-type layout matches Moxie's rambunctious character perfectly. Family and the love of reading are the crux of this fun read. Text appears in standard paragraph form, in text bubbles, across walls, and in balloon dream sequences. Title has been chosen for the 2018-2019 Maine Student Book Award reading list.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Swanson, Matthew

Illustrator: Behr, Robbi

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: {Imprint}/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250098528

Price: 16.99

Murder, Magic, and what we wore

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 8, 2018

Review

Set in Regency England. While coping with the sudden news that her traveling father has been murdered,recently orphaned teenager, Annis Whitworth discovers that she can make garments change with "glamour" magic into useful disguises. She refuses to succumb to the expected paths of being a governess, maid or convenient wife by opening a shop rumored to provide "glamour services" when her initial goal to become a spy for the war office, like her father, is thwarted. With the help of her maid named Millie and under the secret protection of a spymaster, Annis tries to navigate the dangerous ways of a spy while sewing ballgowns. All the main characters are female and the thread throughout this historical mystery/fantasy novel is a "poking fun at" gender expectations with real historical figures making appearances. An entertaining read for historical fiction or mystery readers in middle grades and high school.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Jones, Kelly

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,historical fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780553535204

Price: 17.99

The Memory Trees

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: May 21, 2018

Review

This 2017 title would have been a recommendation for the cream committee, but the deadline was missed. Wallace pulls readers into the complicated, dark past that the orchard in Vermont holds over the odd but resilient generations of women in sixteen-year-old Sorrow's family. In a desperate attempt to reconcile her lost memories to the truth surrounding her sister's death, Sorrow comes back to the orchard to spend the summer with Verity, her clinically depressed mother, and Perseverance, her mute grandmother. All the horrific stories surrounding her Lovegood ancestors and their feud with the next door Abrams family emerge as Sorrow meets the Abrams girls in town. Wallace seamlessly tells the story of each generation and the pain suffered as the modern day story of unfolds. The Lovegood family names are a standout dark touch. The black and white illustrations of the two family trees provide a necessary map to each developed generational story line. Themes of mental illness, treatment, trauma, and suicide all intertwine in this dark, suspenseful piece.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Wallace, Kali

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062366238

Price: 17.99

Suitors and Sabotage

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

It is the early 1800's and Imogene Chively, having had a season in London, is receiving two handsome brothers at her country place to decide if Ernest, the elder, would be a suitable suitor for her hand. As with all properly contrived meetings, Imogene naturally hits it off with Benjamin, his younger brother. While Imogene and her friend Emily help each other regulate their flirting in a respectable manner during their planned outings with the brothers, it becomes apparent that something or someone has a sinister plan toward Benjamin. As the matchmaking group moves from place to place, falling ruins, bucking horses, wasps and a sinking skiff provide low-key melodrama in this regency romance. The focus of the novel stayed on the movements of the group from place to place and the lack of character development made it easy to not get emotionally invested in the story.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Anstey, Cindy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Swoon Reads/Feiwel and Friends

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250145659

Price: 17.99

Samantha Spinner and the Super-Secret Plans

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 11, 2018

Review

Ginns has found the winning answers to a fast-action, puzzle-solving romp throughout the world with this first novel in a planned series. The Spinners, a slightly eccentric family, must change their routine when Uncle Paul, and his strawberry waffle making skills, quietly disappears. Eleven-year-old Samantha is determined to solve the puzzles around her beloved uncle's disappearance, even after he only leaves her a rusty, red umbrella while her siblings and even her dog are left comically over-the-top, gigantic gifts. Samantha and her brother put sibling fighting aside when they embark on a trip to unknown places on the Magtrain, a fast-moving underground magnetic train. Their amazement of arriving in France is cut short when ninja shuriken stars start whizzing past. Thank goodness for week old baguettes! As they travel and find themselves in Egypt, glimpses of Uncle Paul pervade the different clues and facts along the way. The book's layout includes factual information pages scattered throughout that foreshadow various places with secrets. Fishinger's black and white illustrations provide some clues and other times comical parts of the story line. Ginns has provided many puzzles throughout the book with a chapter of super-secret answers in the back. The website provided puts another layer of enjoyment into the mix. This will have wide appeal from "Captain Underpants" lovers to "Chasing Vermeer" fans.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Ginns, Russell

Illustrator: Fisinger, Barbara

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Delacorte Press/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524720001

Price: 16.99

The Serpent's Secret

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 12, 2018

Review

Dasgupta spins an original adventure tale with a strong female protagonist that blends modern day appeal with traditional characters found in West Bengal, India stories. Kiranmala never liked being called an Indian princess by her parents. She just wanted to be like every other sixth grader in Parsippany, New Jersey, even if she was Indian. That changed on the day of her twelfth birthday when her parents disappear, a rakkhosh demon destroys her house and she is saved by two Indian Princes on winged horses. Kiranmala is rushed into the underworld of Indian mythologies, demons, and snakes in this exciting adventure. Her surprising biological heritage and the heart felt bonds that she has with her New Jersey family are all intertwined with dangerous magical creatures, witty/laugh out loud dialogue and intriguing back stories. There is lots of action, friendship building and plenty of demon goo as Kiranmala accepts that she is an "Interdimensional Demonslayer". Something for everyone. Many of the folktale characters that appear in the story are explained in more detail in the author's note. A second book in the series is promised in the back matter.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Dasgupta, Sayantani

Illustrator: To, Vivienne

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338185706

Price: 17.99

Shatter

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2018

Review

This is the sequel to Pike's political, drug-related power title called Glitter. This is a sci- fi look at 22nd century Versailles. Sonoma-Versailles is now a corporation owned kingdom where Danica has become a teenage queen. She is acutely aware of her position as a pawn in both the drug lord Reginald's Glitter empire and King Justin, her murderous husband's greedy plans that will destroy the world economy. Using her new found power as queen and her tech/coding skills, she balances on the edge of addictive power and losing herself in the fight to free herself and the love of her life Saber, the technologically imprisoned slave. The different levels of betrayal and plans intertwine with the company's framework in a charade of global magnitude. Suspenseful at times, the well-developed story line and past history of the betrayal of the world works into the minute details of the palace. Reader may want to begin with the first novel to understand the deep bonds and dangers that Danica faced before taking the throne.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Pike, Aprilynne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: science fiction,romance

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781101933749

Price: 17.99

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 18, 2018

Review

Recommending for Cream Consideration. Lucy was struck by lightning when she was 8-years-old leaving her with a type of brain damaged called acquired savant syndrome but what she calls "supercomputer brain". Her number skills are beyond college thought and keep Nana and Uncle Paul entertained. On the downside, Lucy has a few obsessive compulsive traits from the accident that has kept her reclusive. Nana has agreed to let her attend college classes on the condition that she attends one full year at East Hamlin Middle School and make one friend. Lucy finds that her life becomes complicated, friend and bully filled and exponentially fulfilling. McAnulty has captured Lucy's voice in a clear and believable way in her world view, in her friend interactions and as she fights to appear "normal". Prepare to laugh out loud one minute and require a tissue the next. Fans of "Wonder" by Palacio and "Out of my Mind" by Draper will have this flying off the shelf.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

McAnulty, Stacy

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524767570

Price: 16.99

The Science of Breakable Things

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 24, 2018

Review

Recommend for Cream Consideration. How far must one go to help find the cure for someone you love is depressed? That is the life questions that are challenging Natalie as she begins seventh grade. Take science class for instance. Mr. Neely has given her class a year-long science assignment of the scientific process. Natalie struggles to find the right question to pursue for her class project while at home all the unanswered questions swirl around her since her botanist mom has stop going to work, talking with Natalie and coming out of the bedroom. Natalie's first person voice provides the confusion and misunderstanding that family members experience when someone they love seems out of reach. She experiences the abrupt change in her daily routine and endures new moments of dreaded silence with her therapist dad who is trying to be both parents to her. With help from her two friends, who provided comic relief and clarity, and with a direct suggestion from Mr. Neely to try the Egg Drop Competition, Natalie navigates with mixed success the new emotional terrain that depression has created at home. Keller uses the different steps of the scientific process as the chapter headings, with various lists, footnotes and "cool" scientific illustrations by Neonakis that complements and parallels Natalie's new home life. Just like eggs, many things break in Natalie's world, but her friends and the love of her family help cradle the positive, just like in the egg drop competition. Keller has provided a diverse set of characters in a realistic and heart-felt story of hope in mental illness.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Keller, Tae

Illustrator: Neonakis, Alexandria

Illustration Quality: very good

Publisher: Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524715663

Price: 16.99

Winterhouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: June 25, 2018

Review

Puzzle lovers will be quickly pulled into the mystery surrounding Winterhouse, a luxury hotel, and the unusual family lineage of Norbridge Falls, the owner. Orphan Elizabeth Somers, comes home from school to find her guardians gone on a trip they can't afford and a train ticket for her to travel to Winterhouse by herself for Christmas break. Even on the way, mysterious and unusual premonitions and unique strangers spark Elizabeth's imagination. She meets Freddy Knox, who is her age and is there on his own. They find they share a love of word puzzles, scavenger hunts and inventions. Elizabeth finds that she is drawn to strange midnight happenings in the vast hotel library and engages Freddy's reluctant help. The pacing becomes slow at times with the minute to minute details of the day and actions by Elizabeth, but those looking to find out what will "happen next" will stay for the full reveal. Each chapter's heading contains a ladder poem and the black and white illustrations by Bristol add to the quirkiness and darkness of the puzzling magic.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Guterson, Ben

Illustrator: Bristol, Chloe

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Christy Ottaviano Books/Henry Holt/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,mystery

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250123886

Price: 16.99

If You Don't Have Anything Nice to Say

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: July 5, 2018

Review

This is a cautionary tale about public shaming on social media that could be taken from the current headlines. After posting a tweet that she believes to be witty, Seventeen-year-old Winter Halperin goes to bed and in the few hours that she is off line the internet world calls her out on her racist tweet. Her ability to get a job is hampered, her college acceptance rescinded, her past spelling bee title is stripped and her friendships are seriously ruined. As she navigates how to fix her reputation and tries to explain her misunderstood racial comment to her closest friends, she agrees to go to a retreat called Revibe that promises to assist her in claiming her emotional identity back. The retreat provides the plot for half of the story. Although it may be a real thing, the concept, counselors and their expectations seemed somewhat "hokey". The various characters at the retreat provide essential steps along Winter's journal to understanding or a least apologizing for the insensitivity of her tweets. Readers will get a clear picture from the various pariticipant's stories of how one could be targeted by internet users. The romance Winter begins with one of the Revibe participants, who is in a wheelchair from a suicide attempt, is sweet, but left open ended in the story which is not satisfying to a romance fan.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sales, Leila

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374380991

Price: 17.99

Holly Jolly Summer

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Being the mayor's daughter in Christmas, Kentucky has always been the glue for Darby and her widowed father. When her first kiss happens in front of townspeople and tourists amidst the annual Snow globe display, the summer is quickly labeled a disaster for her. Darby must take a maintenance job at the rundown Christmas-themed park to make amends while finding her role as first daughter challenged by her father's potential girlfriend. As she perseveres through the messes on the pavement and the disgruntled reactions of park staff members, she slowly earns acceptance in the "misfit" band of friends. It is a summer of unsuspecting romance, new friendships and daughter growth for Darby. Romance fans will enjoy this beach read with a Christmas theme.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Stewart, Tiffany

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780374305758

Price: 17.99

Love & Other Train Wrecks

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Ammy has had enough of relationships in her family. She is heading out to her father's second marriage without her mother's permission or blessing. Taking the train, ignoring the passengers around her seemed like the perfect plan until Noah claims the seat next to her. Noah is on a quick trip, with a bouquet in hand, to surprise his ex-girlfriend and win her back. Ammy and Noah's world becomes entwined when the train stops on the tracks during a snowstorm. As they both are desperate to get to their destination they decide to leave the train and find the bus stop. In a 24-hour period, where the weather gets worse, their travel decisions take wrong turns and they must depend on strangers to assist them, the romance of life comes crashing in. As they share pieces of their lives while stranded, an unexpected twist in their family circles jeopardize that anticipated future. A satisfying, yet realistic romance that has a pesky snowstorm thrown in.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Konen, Leah

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062402509

Price: 17.99

The Sky at Our Feet

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 17, 2018

Review

Readers are taken on a once-in-a lifetime excursion in Central Park through the first person voice of Jason Riazi. After American-born Jason learns that his Afghanistan Mother's visa expired and is living in the US illegally, he panics one day when he sees her being interviewed by men in suits at the laundromat. He rushes home, grabs money, a snack and his Aunt Seema's address in New York City and runs away from their New Jersey neighborhood. He gets himself to Penn Station, and then Jason faints and wakes up in the hospital. In his fear, he pretends to have amnesia. There he meets Max, a girl with her own secrets, who wants the chance to see the zoo in Central Park. They execute an escape plan and with naïve bravado, they traverse New York City. Max has been waiting in the hospital for a surgery to help her epilepsy. Jason learns some of her fears and quick tips about helping her while they locate the zoo that he has to put to use when she does have a seizure on the sidewalk. Each child's adventure comes to an end safely, and their friendship endures beyond the ending of the story. A timely story that provides adventure, family, differences and a few helpful hints on how to help someone having a seizure.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Hashimi, Nadia

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780062421937

Price: 16.99

Class Action

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Choose Library District

Review Date: September 18, 2018

Review

When sixth grader Sam has to put off building a tree house with his Dad again, he puts a halt to the barrage of homework by protesting during class. Now expelled, he rallies the help of his retired lawyer neighbor, a diverse mix of school friends and his sister to persuade the school system to stop the pressure of homework. As they file case after case to appeal the court's decisions, Sam and his friends, along with readers, learn various court cases that have influenced children in the school system. Although the storyline is somewhat over-the-top, this is an enjoyable read which imparts much food for thought. How do we spend our time? Are we learning to our potential? What motivates teachers, schools, students, even parents? Recommended for middle grade collections and social studies/civic teachers.

Overall Book Score: very good

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About the Book

Author:

Frank, Steven B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Book Type: Choose Book Type

Genre: realistic fiction,historical fiction

Audience: grades 4-6,grades 7-9

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781328799203

Price: 16.99

Out of the Blue

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 23, 2018

Review

Recommending this title to the Cream Committee. The falling Beings started plummeting to earth all around the globe a few weeks after seventeen-year-old Jaya's mother died. Her father's obsession with finding one lands her and her younger sister on a Being finding quest in Edinburgh. While out by herself, Jaya witnesses a falling Being, the only one of 87 to land alive, and is able to hide her in the absent landlord's apartment. Jaya enlists the help twin siblings, Allie and Calum, who she had seen the day before as they were publicly protesting one of the Being-centered cult groups. Protecting the Being, they name Teacake, proves to be frustrating, enlightening and amusing for the three while Teacake tries to assimilate and heal her broken wing. Along the way, Jaya is forced to confront the romantic loss of her girlfriend, the loss of her mother and how grief has changed her. Each character, aside from Teacake whose origin and world remains a mystery, is fully developed and adds to the theme of loss whether it be relationship, loss of parent, chronic illness, or family roles. Cameron does not offer an answer to the Teacakes origins, but provides an interesting take on what earthlings envision angels to be that will stay with readers after the pages of the book fly shut.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Cameron, Sophie

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Roaring Brook Press/Holtzbrinck Publishing/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: fantasy,romance,realistic fiction

Audience: grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781250149916

Price: 17.99

The 78-Story Treehouse

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2018

Review

This is the sixth installment in the popular Treehouse Adventure series imported from Australia. The comical slapstick of Andy and Terry and the layout of large "Where's Waldo" style illustrations with a few lines of text is the same as the other books. In this episode, Andy and Terry are making a movie. Within the first few minutes, the director named Mr. Big Shot cuts the part of narrator leaving Andy without a role in his own movie. This places Terry in the spotlight, as well as a monkey named Mel Gibbon, and Andy begins to question their friendship. While Andy tries to fill the time with a few of the absurd activities around the treehouse, he eventually finds himself kicked out of his home altogether. The movie is plagued with clone Andys, movie-idea-stealing spy cows, and a possible chip thief. Andy and Terry are able to patch up their friendship when it is revealed that the cows did indeed steal their movie. A funny, comical, fast-paced illustrative novel for graphic novel fans and younger readers who enjoying carrying around larger books. Perfect.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Griffiths, Andy

Illustrator: Denton, Terry

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Feiwel and Friends/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250104854

Price: 13.99

The Penderwicks at Last

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 25, 2018

Review

This fifth and final installment of the popular Penderwick series, finds sixteen-year-old Ben and eleven-year-old Lydia the sole siblings of their blended family of six living at home. Everyone is getting ready for a trip to the mansion Arundel Hall, from the first book in the series, to celebrate Rosalind's wedding. There are chickens, dogs, Cagney's daughter Alice, Batty's memories, potential ghosts and an upset Mrs. Tifton. Compared to the other books in the series, the story line is light on depth and lacking in substance. Due to the wrapping up of memories and gathering of the older characters by the mention of their names, readers unfamiliar with the series may want to start with an earlier book to understand the bonds they have with each other. Fans of the series will want to read this one for closure, but may find their interest waning.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Birdsall, Jeanne

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Borzoi Book/Alfred A. Knopf/Random House

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: realistic fiction

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9780385755665

Price: 16.99

Bug Girl Fury on the Dance Floor

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: September 27, 2018

Review

This is the second book about Amanda aka Bug Girl and Emily her superhero partner. Emily still has not figured out what her power name should be and it makes her insecure. Amanda had thought that the girls seemed to bond over the summer but now that middle school has resumed, Amanda feels ignored and snubbed by Emily. What is worse, the new girl Geri has become the new school bully. As their supermoms go on retreat, the two girls and newly named sidekick Vincent are left to figure out a cryptid mystery in the town's sludge filled lake, the bad cooking in the school cafeteria and why some of their classmates start missing school. An extreme amount of energy is focused on what the characters outfits and Emily s inability to be real friends with Bug Girl. Each chapter starts with a fun bug fact and Syed's comic-style illustrations are scattered throughout. Although the characters are in middle school and the vocabulary is challenging, the book packaging reads for a younger audience. Bugs, girl power and superheroes, unite!

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sarah Hines Stephens, Benjamin Harper

Illustrator: Syed, Anoosha

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: {Imprint}/Macmillan

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy

Audience: grades 4-6

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781250106636

Price: 14.99

Drawn from Nature

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 2, 2018

Review

Recommending this nonfiction book for cream consideration. In the introduction Ahpornsiri explains how the various seasons of the year come to life and fade in a cyclic way and she challenges the reader to look "beyond the surface...". A table of contents lists how each season is broken down to two page spreads that discuss standout moments for each season. Awakening of trees in the Spring and hares hopping, crickets chirping and the action by the water's edge in the Summer, deer behavior and migration in Autumn and bare branches and a how foxes keep snug in the Winter. A few paragraphs on each page provide a narrative for the particular illustration. Each page is richly illustrated by Ahpornsiri's spectacular collages of pressed petals and leaves that correspond to each season. The collages are in the shapes of the various animals, fungi and background fauna that are a delight for the eyes. Every piece of each illustration is created from a plant, according to the note from the artist in the back matter. A glossary is also included, although references are not. Artists, crafters, wildlife enthusiasts and hide-and-seek fans will all appreciate and pour over this beautiful offering.

Overall Book Score: excellent

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About the Book

Author:

Ahpornsiri, Helen

Illustrator: Ahpornsiri, Helen

Illustration Quality: excellent

Publisher: Big Picture Press/Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book nonfiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3,grades 4-6

Binding Type: reinforced trade binding

Binding Quality: very good

ISBN: 9780763698980

Price: 22

Rocket the Brave!

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

Rocket the spotted puppy is following a pink butterfly up the hill, around the pond and to the edge of the woods. After Rocket identifies that he is scared and wants to be as brave as the butterfly, he follows it into the forest and doesn't feel scared anymore. This easy reader is written for the young new reader since the text is in a large font with a sentence or two per page. The large amount of white space and matching of text description to illustrative action is perfect for the beginner reader. There are a few dialogue quotes for variety. Dog lovers will enjoy this adventure with Rocket.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Hills, Tad

Illustrator: Hills, Tad

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: schwartz & wade books/Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781524773465

Price: 12.99

A Peaceful Garden

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

This is a gentle, purposeful book about cultivating a garden. Two unnamed cats take the reader through all the steps of preparing, planting and harvesting a garden. Readers are interactively asked if they have a hat, rake, and bucket. Do they like carrots, peas and lettuces? Signage is put out, as rabbits feast on the carrots, and offerings of daisies and a little saucer of water for the bees are suggested. This is a complete process of planting a garden in a gentle, friendly way. Pierce's watercolor illustrations provide many details of the gardening without being chaotic or busy. This book will most likely bloom while being read together. The end papers picture various items found in the garden with their word in stylized script.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

London, Lucy

Illustrator: Pierce, Christa

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: HARPER/HarperCollins Publishers

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780062297471

Price: 17.99

Bears and Blossoms

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

This is the seventh book in the bear series. Spring is here with all the blossoming trees and the bears decide to have a picnic and fly their kites. As Big bear anticipates eating the bread he just slathered with honey, the wind whips it out of his hand and blows the bears with their kites up over the trees. Big Bear must leave his treat to gather the air-borne bears and bring them to safety. Most of the rhyming couplets work although a few are forced. Use this story about cuddly bears during a spring-themed story time.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Parenteau, Shirley

Illustrator: Walker, David

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780763697556

Price: 15.99

Sleepy Bird

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 3, 2018

Review

The ever-emotional, high maintenance Bird is back in this fourth book about sleep or as bird is finding, not sleeping. Bird is not tired. He goes to fox who offers a snuggle of his blanket. Bird goes to Beaver, who suggests reading a book (warning major product placement of the other bird books). Rabbit offers Bird his stuffed cat. "Are you trying to give me nightmares?" reacts Bird. Raccoon suggests singing a soft lullaby and Sheep suggests the obvious. When none of these work for him he runs into the forest and has the customary meltdown. His faithful friends come to put him to sleep (which works only for a few minutes). Although parents who have a bird in their household may choose this for the commensurate humor, this one seems to lack the charm of Bird's bad attitude that the first book in the series provides. In the bold black-stroked illustrations and dusty purple color scheme, Bird seems to read more irritable and unrelenting than usual.

Overall Book Score: fair

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About the Book

Author:

Tankard, Jeremy

Illustrator: Tankard, Jeremy

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre:

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338157857

Price: 16.99

Jack B. Ninja

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

McCanna and Savage bring the high kicks, mission suspense and death-defying leaps of an action ninja movie to the preschool set in this rhyming picture book. Jack B. Ninja goes on a secret mission, finds the secret treasure, trips a wire, and ends up being surrounded by Ninjas. All is well because it is his family celebrating his birthday. The twist at the end will be approved by all budding ninjas since the characters stay ninjas throughout, no dream sequence here. Savage's illustrative style of large characters on wide expansions of space provides the right touch of danger in dark and shadowy colors. Singular images in the background like pagodas, pond lilies, bridges and bamboo stalks suggest the setting. McCanna's text flows smoothly in the rhyming scheme while clearing describing Jack B. Ninja's actions and reactions. Young ninja fans will jump for this one.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

McCanna, Tim

Illustrator: Savage, Stephen

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Orchard books/Scholastic Inc.

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: adventure

Audience: preschool

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9780545917285

Price: 16.99

Wordy Birdy

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 6, 2018

Review

An omniscient narrator, with the side comments from Wordy Birdy's three very patient friends, describe how the brightly-colored and self-centered Wordy Birdy obsessively talks from the minute she gets up in the morning. The problem or morale in this picture book is that Wordy Birdy never stops to listen to the answers of her plethora of questions or observations. Only when she comes face-to-face with a bear is she able to stop the talking and react, and only after extreme interference run by Rabbit, Squirrel and Raccoon her three amusing and sarcastic, albeit loyal, friends. The humor stems from the friend's reactions to Wordy Birdy and the adult readers will commiserate with the friends if they have a Wordy Birdy of their own. Mottram's brightly colored detailed illustrations provide the added layer of expression and the use of large white dialogue bubbles, that many times take over the two page spreads and make the reader hunt for the single sentence text by the narrator, accentuate the intrusive nature of Wordy Birdy's verbose habit.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Sauer, Tammi

Illustrator: Mottram, Dave

Illustration Quality: good

Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers/Penguin Random House

Book Type: picture book fiction

Genre: fantasy

Audience: preschool,grades k-3

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: fair

ISBN: 9781524719296

Price: 16.99

Bright Burns the Night

Reviewed by: Sheila Dube - Springvale Public Library, Springvale, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: October 9, 2018

Review

In this fantasy twist on Swan Lake, Larson brings her duology to a satisfying conclusion. It is ten years since Queen Evelayn of the light's conduit stone was cut out. She has spent those years as a swan except for once a year when she is forced back into her human form by the King Lorcan. It is now time for the many vows and bonds the characters have made in the first book to be fulfilled. Romance, loyalty and betrayal result from the layered consequences that Evelayn and Lorcan have been forced to accept while protecting their kingdoms from forces beyond the immediate evil Mathair Damhan. This sequel did not seem to have the "information dump" that plagues some series. Secondary characters are developed and the suspense of the quest and the action it requires does not overtake the depth of Evelayn's confusion and growth in her role as Queen. It was not necessary to read the first book to understand and enjoy this female powered fantasy.

Overall Book Score: good

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About the Book

Author:

Larson, Sara B.

Illustrator: ,

Publisher: Scholastic Press/Scholastic, Inc

Book Type: chapter book fiction

Genre: adventure,fantasy,romance

Audience: grades 7-9,grades 10-12

Binding Type: trade edition

Binding Quality: good

ISBN: 9781338068788

Price: 17.99