October/November 2017

BIG CAT, little cat

Author: Cooper, Elisha

Illustrator: Elisha Cooper

Roaring Book Press, 2017

ISBN: 9781626723719

$16.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: I loved this book, that ostensibly is about a big cat who lives “alone” with its family until a kitten comes. It shows the little cat how to fit in: where to eat, where to sleep, where to go (the little box), ete. And then the pictures show how the little grows up to the size of the big cat. And then one day the big cat is gone, and “That was hard.” Everyone is sad. At this point we see the picture of the family, who is sad too. Then the big cat is alone….until a little cat comes. These simple black and white cats tell so much more about life in an endearing, real life way. White pages, simple cat drawings of a black cat and a white cat, with the text fitting to each picture make this a great way to teach text/picture relations and it is a timeless story of loss and renewal and “moving on.” I LOVED this book! Verdict: Simple pictures, simple text and big ideas: loss, "life" cycles, beginnings, mentoring.

Curricular Use: Would be good to use to show relation of text to illustration. Simple black and while throughout but the pictures convey action. Younger students will be able to "read" it to themselves without help.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

Hercufleas

Author: Gayton, Sam

Illustrator: NA

Clarion Books, 2015

ISBN: 9780544636200

$16.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grade 6: The story unfolds as a young girl, Greta, steals money from her town in order to buy them a hero that will finally be able to destroy the evil Yuk that has been pilaging their village and killing people. (Many heros have tried, only to be eaten by Yuk.) Greta goes to a famous hero shop where the store owner has his family of fleas type the hero contract. Baby flea, Hurcufleas, wants to go on an adventure, so he secretly hops onto Greta thinking he will return to his family shortly. However, Greta gets tricked into spending her gold on two villians. Hurcufleas and Greta must run for their lives and soon Greta believes that Hurcufleas is the true hero that will save her village. After several plot twists and turns, Hurcufleas is able to unite the village and together they defeat the evil Yuk. I originally picked up this book because I misread the title as "Hurcules." When I pulled it out of my box and saw "Hurcufleas" I groaned and wondered what I had gotten myself into. I was very pleasantly surprised at what a great fantasy adventure this is! Verdict: A fun fantasy adventure that reinforces the idea that persistance and teamwork can solve even the most daunting problems. A great read for upper elementary and even middle school students.

Curricular Use: Fantasy, Pleasure Reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, LIbrary Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Orphan Train Girl: Young Readers' Edition

Author: Kline, Christina Baker

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062445940

$17.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Told in alternating voice chapters, Molly is on thin ice with her recent foster home after she gets caught stealing a book from the public library. She must perform 20 hours of community service and her friend Jake gets her a job helping to clean the attic of the elderly lady, Vivian, whom his mom works. Vivian reminisces about the items as Molly goes through them and Vivian slowly tells her about her life and experiences with the Orphan Train, which is similar to Molly's in many ways. After her service hours are done, Molly finds she misses her conversations with Vivian and continues to visit her. Verdict: This young reader's edition of Orphan Train, is at just the right level for upper elementary and middle school students. It brings a difficult time in American history to light in an way that students will be able to relate to.

Curricular Use: Historical Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Real Friends

Author: Hale, Shannon

Illustrator: LeUyan Pham

First Second, 2017

ISBN: 9781626727854

$12.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: “Real Friends” is a graphic memoir that follows author Shannon Hale’s friendships throughout elementary school. It starts with Shannon starting kindergarten and befriending Adrienne, wonderfully capturing the joy of finding someone who gets you. As the years pass, Shannon deals with friends moving, the friend group expanding, being ostracized, and learning to make new friends again as an older kid. Shannon’s brilliant imagination is on display in the stories she develops both for play fun and as a coping mechanism when dealing with inevitable mean girls and a rough relationship with one of her sisters. The book also shows how integrated Shannon’s religion is in her young life.

The illustrations by LeUyen Pham, who also illustrates Hale’s “Princess in Black” series, are perfect. They are vibrant and full of life, and do a great job of showing the characters grow up while retaining recognizable features. The distinctions she makes between Shannon’s reality and her fantasy life are easily delineated. The book includes an author’s note. This is a must-purchase for elementary and public libraries, and many middle-school students would enjoy it as well. Verdict: The combined star power of Hale and Pham make a great graphic memoir that will be in demand with a wide range of readers.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Becky Standal, Youth Services Specialist, Longview Public Library

The Moon Platoon

Author: Kraatz, Jeramey

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062445971

$16.99

Grade 5: Space Runners book 1. Twelve-year-old Benny is thrilled when he wins a scholarship and a trip to the moon. He know the money will help him move his family from the Drylands to a real house in a city that has running water and a steady food supply, rather than living as caravaning scavengers. After his arrival on the moon, he begins to discover that all is not as it appears. The founder of the moon station, Elijah, seems to be keeping secrets. When the station is hit by asteroids Benny and his friends discover that the astreroids aren't typical space rocks, but have been engineered by aliens. When Elijah finally admits that aliens are coming to take over Earth as their new home. He wants the children to hide in the below ground bunkers until the threat passes and then they will start a new, larger colony of humans on the moon. Benny leads a group that wants to destroy the aliens before they destroy his family and Earth. Readers will eagerly be awaiting the next installment in the series! Verdict: This a is great introduction to science fiction for upper elmentary and middle school students. They will get hooked by the cool technology and will be cheering for Benny and his friends.

Curricular Use: Science Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Bad Seed

Author: Jory John

Illustrator: Pete Oswald

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062467768

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: A story of a sunflower seed that has gone bad. He's a baaaaaaaad seed! Though, he wasn't always like this, situations in his life changed his attitude and many other seeds and nuts are scared of him. However, he wants to make a change, and learns that even though he will mess up sometimes, he can still work on the little things to turn good. Verdict: I enjoyed this story very much because it showed that we all have a bad side and that even though we make mistakes, we can always learn and try harder. This is first children's book that I have read that doesn't necessarily sugar coat having issues, but is still a fun read with a good lesson.

Curricular Use: Social skills learning, enjoyable read, humor.

Reviewer: Christopher Anderson, Librarian/Media Specialist, St. Helens/Columbia Heights Elem.

Dive, Dive, Dive! Part 1

Author: Marz, Ron & David A. Rodriguez

Illustrator: Fico Ossio

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532140365

$17.95

K - 3: Skylanders Superchargers. Dive-Clops arrives at a flooded village and discovers that the evil Captain Blubberbeard is behind an underwater factory that is causing the flooding. Since Captain Blubberbeard has been unsuccessful at avoiding the Skylanders on the surface, he plans to build an underwater empire where the Skylanders can't stop him. The Captain's plans get challenged when Eye-Brawl arrives on the scene and readers will eagerly want to read the next installment to see what happens. Verdict: This is a fun, colorful graphic novel that will hold great appeal to Skylander fans!

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Sergeant Reckless: The True Story of the Little Horse Who Became a War Hero

Author: McCormick, Patricia

Illustrator: Iacopo Bruno

Balzer + Bray, 2017

ISBN: 9780062292599

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grade 6: This beautifully illustrated picture book tells the true story of a starving horse that was found by American soldiers while fighting in the Korean War. The soldiers feed and trained her, named her Reckless, and put her to work hauling ammunition for them. She had funny, quirky habits, and favorite foods, and worked just as hard as any human soldier during battles. While war is a serious topic, Reckless brought humor to a group of soldiers when they needed it most.

I also appreciated the author's note at the end which told what happened to Reckless once the war was over. Verdict: This is one of the best picture books I've read this year! The story is amazing and it will appeal to a broad audience - a read aloud for primary students and it will hold student interest all the way to middle school.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction Picture Books, Korean War, Horses

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Door Before

Author: Wilson, N. D.

Illustrator: NA

Random House, 2017

ISBN: 9780449816776

$16.99

Grades 4 - 7: Prequel to the 100 Cupboards series. Hyacinth has always known her family is different, traveling around and staying in different places, always following her dad's jobs. When her parents anounce they have inherited a house and will finally be settling down in a place of their own, all four children are thrilled. When they arrive, their dad's aunt Granlea is in the house and refuses to leave. Things become more complicated when they discover that Granlea has been messing with doors into other worlds and things have been entering this world that shouldn't have. Hyacinth's special knack for communicating with plants helps her escape the evil witch that is now after her, but has exposed herself to the Order in which her family had been hiding her from. Verdict: This is a fast-paced fantasy adventure that will keep readers turning the pages to the very end. They will be asking for the rest of this great series!

Curricular Use: Fantasy

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Secrets of the Sea

Author: Baker, Kate

Illustrator: Eleanor Taylor

Big Picture Press, 2016

ISBN: 9780763698393

$24.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: This is a fantastic book whose big, colorful illustrations take up one page on each two-page pair. The other side is devoted to the text; the name of that sea creature or plant. There are some pages devoted to life cycles of tiny organisms (a bryozoa or sea star, for example). It is filled with detailed scientific information like Latin names, size and species information, but there is also an “entry” in larger print that lends itself to lower grade read aloud. Some of the illustrations are renderings of microscopic views. Science teachers everywhere will love this book. What I really liked was its organization into “chapters” that are actually some of the ecosystems of the sea.-coral gardens, forests of the sea (kelp), etc. Each text page in that “chapter” has a little feature of text inside dashed lines, up on the edge of the page like a tab saying which chapter/ecosystem it is in. This will entrance readers of all ages and appeal to teachers of all grades as a read aloud. Verdict: This is an accessible source of scientific information for biology teachers; wonderful illustrated life cycles and microscopic views. Ecosystems and classification are covered as well.

Curricular Use: Good for student researchers, accurate scientific classification and systems information. Art teachers (microscopic illustrations, color), science teacher read aloud. This is a versatile book!

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

Among the Red Stars

Author: Katz, Gwen

Illustrator: NA

HarperTeen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062642745

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: This is a refreshing change from the apocalyptic, teenage angst, first world problems type fiction (which I really enjoy, don’t get me wrong!). Set in Stalin’s Russia during Germany’s move against them, we find teenagers Valka and Pasha. They live in a small town that converts coal to coke for the steel factories in huge ovens. Pasha is a shy wizard with all things radio and Valka is one of a very few female pilots in their small airport’s flying club. She dreams of being a famous aviator, but there is little hope of that. When the Hitlerites invade that all changes. Pasha is drafted and will eventually end up in the “meat grinder” which was “Operation Mars” in the Rzhev region where 100,000 Soviets were killed in three weeks. The story is told in simple first person narration, but also through the letters that Pasha and Valka write to each other as they serve. Valka ends up as a night bomber (the Germans called them Nachthexen, or night witches) in the 588th squadron. They both come home, when so many didn’t, but they are forever changed. The author explains what small liberties she took to create their story, but this is a wonderful book for your WWII enthusiasts, researchers and for any interested in Soviet Russia, where you could be whisked off to Siberia for saying the wrong thing out loud and officers carried sidearms to shoot their own troops who tried to retreat. Brutal, real and so engaging. I couldn’t put it down. Verdict: Excellent historical fiction; engaging outside reading for "history buffs" or girls looking for a strong female lead.

Curricular Use: Good supplemental reading for WWII lessons, as well as the role of women and the worker in Communist Russia. Also has great examples of the role of Russian partisans who worked behind enemy lines at great costs to themselves.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

What to Say Next

Author: Buxbaum, Julie

Illustrator: NA

Penguin Random House/Delacorte Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780553535686

$18.99

Grades 9 - 12: I love quirky characters, so this title hit the spot! Kit Lowell is hiding out from her friends. With a newly deceased father, she just doesn't have the energy for the pity that inevitably comes with the news, and, as one of the "popular" girls in the school, she has a number of people who are willing to pity her. Instead of dealing with the reactions to the second month anniversary of her father's death, she chooses to sit with David Drucker, a "socially awkward" guy who happened to be one of her father's former dental patients. David knows little about social niceties, and so he just baldly pronounces that he realize her dad is dead. It is David's unflinching embrace of reality that Kit finds soothing. David has spent a great deal of time observing his classmates. Armed with a notebook in which he records which people he can trust and which people must be approached with caution, David attempts to navigate the social landscape of high school. Told in alternating perspectives, readers are introduced to two completely memorable characters: a girl who is grieving a father who kept a lot of secrets and a boy who just wants to fit in. Equally memorable is Buxbaum's treatment of autism and the people who have it. David is a fully formed character who is highly intelligent and imminently vulnerable and his efforts to help Kit discover the truth about her father's death are as heartwarming as they are heartrending. Verdict: This is a title that is bound to be on several reader's choice award lists. It is not to be missed.

Curricular Use: This has great potential for use with RL.3 - Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Optimists Die First

Author: Nielsen, Susin

Illustrator: NA

Random House/Wendy Lamb Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780553496901

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: It all starts with a little glitter and Youth Art Therapy (nicknamed YART). Petula DeWilde knows the statistics for death by falling air conditioner. It's why she avoids streets that have housing with air conditioners. If that seems a little extreme, the truth is--Petula IS a little extreme, but she comes by it honestly. She killed her sister. At least, she feels responsible for her sister's death, since her sister choked on a button from the costume Petula made. That tragedy also defines the life of her parents, and is the root of her avoidance of her former best friend. Petula has been pretty content to stay on the outside of life, until she meets Jason of the bionic arm. Jason loves her quirks, and suddenly Petula finds herself taking all kinds of risks--even when she feels like her world is falling apart. This is a short book with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments despite the serious content. It truly is a coming of age story for a grieving late bloomer (which means there is an off the page sex scene). Verdict: This is an excellent book about grieving, healing, and life. Those who like realistic fiction with a love story that is secondary to the plot will love this book.

Curricular Use: There are strong themes related to finding resources, grief, guilt, and relationships. This would be a good point of discussion for classes that emphasize healthy relationships.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School Library

Dress Codes for Small Towns

Author: Stevens, Courtney

Illustrator: NA

HarperTeen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062398512

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Seventeen-year-old Billie McCaffrey has a lot going on in her life. A garage full of unfinished projects. A group of friends called the Hexagons who started a fire in the church youth group room--the same church where Billie's father is the minister. A father who is more concerned with community/church appearances and doing what is necessary to save his job, rather than he is about knowing, understanding, appreciating, and supporting his daughter. A confused sexuality--she likes Woods, Davey, and Janey Lee. Will kissing each of them really determine whom she like likes? A hurried-up plan to save the community's Harvest Festival, all while being a contestant in the Miss Corn Dolly competition. Author Courtney Stevens handles all of these issues and more with a writing style, plot development, and characters that are easy to to read and easy to relate to. There is minimal swearing and no overt sex scenes. It was refreshing to read about a group of teens who loved each other and who loved hanging out together, and even when they had conflicts, they figured out how to resolve them. I like that this book was multi-generational. Grandparents play such a vital role in children's lives. It's nice to read about grandparents who are not over-the-top eccentric or strange. Grandparents who are just normal and who are there for their grandkids. "Dress Codes for Small Towns" is not so much about dress codes, per se. It's about codes of conduct and spoken and unspoken expectations societies and communities have for each other. It's about doing what is right in your heart, because that's what really matters in the end. I enjoyed reading "Dress Codes. . ." I thought the book was well-written. The story moved at a pace that did not bog down the plot or the conflicts or the characters. The alternating POVs between Billie and Davey was a good way to learn backstory of characters. Verdict: "Dress Codes for Small Towns" is a Rock Recommended Read. I liked this book.

Curricular Use: Independent reading.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

How to Disappear

Author: Roat, Sharon Huss

Illustrator: NA

HarperTeen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062291752

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Vicky Decker suffers from severe "self" issues. Lack of self-confidence, lack of self-worth, and both are compounded by her severe social anxiety. Vicky hides in plain sight by wearing baggy clothing and blending into the background. Vicky's mother is not supportive or understanding. She doesn't try to figure out what's going on with Vicky, which just intensifies the mother/daughter conflicts.

Vicky's best friend, Jenna, moves to Wisconsin and makes new friends. Jenna says some horrible things about Vicky, so Vicky, in order to cope with her loneliness and isolation, invents Vicurious, her Instagram alter-ego. Vicurious wears a wild wig and snazzy sunglasses and Vicky Photoshops Vicurious into all kinds of pictures, like a Foo Fighters' concert, dancing with Ellen, etc. Vicurious becomes an instant hit, gradually attracting over two million followers, who seek out her words of comfort, inspiration, and caring. Vicky realizes she is not the only one who feels alone or ignored. She can't believe she is actually helping people out. Vicky and Lipton, who is such a sweet guy, start dating. Lipton is so kind and understanding with Vicky. She does not reveal her Vicurious persona to him, though. When the truth comes out, Lipton is upset, of course, that Vicky lied to him. She is so afraid he will not like the true Vicky, but he does. Meanwhile, Jenna is struggling in Wisconsin, and her struggles build to an intense climax in the story. Vicky uses social media yet again in a positive way to help Jenna, but this also reveals Vicky's true identity. Vicky and her mom work to strengthen their relationship. Vicky will start receiving the help she needs for her social anxiety. Jenna will receive help for her issues. I like that Vicky does not meet with negative social media backlash once her true identity was revealed on Instagram. It was wonderful to read a book without social media haters, shamers, and trolls. "How to Disappear" is a compelling book that not only teens can relate to and identify with. Verdict: Well-crafted story. Social anxiety meets social media with a compelling plot about timely teen issues. I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

Curricular Use: Independent reading. Discussions about the use and over use of social media, and how it can positively affect or change lives.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

Forget Me Not

Author: Terry, Ellie

Illustrator: NA

Feiwel and Friends, 2017

ISBN: 9781250096272

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8: Seventh grader Calliope has moved around a lot since the death of her father, based on whenever her mom breaks up with her current boyfriend. She has Tourette syndrome and her mom and original doctor have told her not to disclose it to others. She dresses oddly, hoping that kids will notice her clothes instead of her tics. Calli makes friends with her new neighbor, Jinsong, who is also the school's ASB president. Jinsong really likes her, but caves to peer pressure and doesn't really talk to her at school as he's embarrassed by her tics. The pressure mounts on Calli as she tries harder to control her tics until she has a big episode in class and she finally discloses her Tourette syndrome. Most kids see her in a new light and she begins to slowly make friends as Calli begins to accept herself. Mom comes home from a floral convention married to a new guy and Calli is ripped away from her new friends. However, this time Calli is more self-confident and better equipped for the new move. Verdict: A must have for middle school libraries! This is a heart-wrenching and heart-warming story that provides a powerful insight into the world of Tourette syndrome.

Curricular Use: Realism, Tourette syndrome Fiction, Self-confidence Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Advent of Ultron

Author: Zub, Jim

Illustrator: Woo Bin Choi, Jae Sung Lee, Min Ju Lee & Jae Woong Lee

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532140013

$17.95

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Advengers K book 1. Siblings Pietro and Wanda have been orphaned by a fire and are in search of a better life. Pietro wants to go to America, but Wanda isn't so sure. After getting taken in by a seemingly nice couple, things quickly go wrong when the farmer accuses Wanda of burning down his barn. Pietro's and Wanda's powers awaken and they are able to escape the mob. They are now referred to as the Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver. Next they are taken in by Magneto, who also has mysterious powers and wants to help them. When Pietro sees a photograph he questions who Magneto really is. Verdict: A fun introduction to Scarlet Witch and Quicksilver with engaging graphics. Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy this!

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels, Comic Books

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Pigs Might Fly

Author: Abadzis, Nick

Illustrator: Jerel Dye

First Second, 2017

ISBN: 9781626720862

$15.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grade 5: This full-color paperback graphic novel finds young Lily Leanchops fighting the old adage that pigs can't fly. Her father has been ignoring her suggestions to improve the failed flying machines. When Warthogs being scouting Pigdom Plains in their magic powered flying machines, Lily takes things into her own hands and successfully tweaks a plane so that it can fly without magic. She discovers that her dad's former apprentice is helping the Warthogs create an army of flying machines and they are planning on taking over the region, unless she can intervene. Verdict: Lily is spunky and determined! A perfect graphic novel for middle school students.

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Little Penguin and the Lollipop

Author: Bentley, Tadgh

Illustrator: Tadgh Bentley

Harper Collins, 2017

ISBN: 9780062560780

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Little Penguin takes the seagulls razzle dazzle lollipop and eats it. Seagull is very upset. Penguin wants to make it up to seagull. He finds another lollipop and gives it to seagull. The last picture shows that it was a whales lollipop. Verdict: The pictures were cute and it's a fun story. It even has a moral to the story.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray Elementary

Engineer It! Bridge Projects

Author: Bernhardt, Carolyn

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532111228

$18.95

Grades 2 - 4: This nonfiction book introduces students to the basics of bridge engineering. It discusses the parts, uses and types of bridges and then provides instructions for making five different kinds of bridges. The projects teach engineering skills and look like they would be fun to do. I also appreciated the photos that accompanied the materials needed list. Verdict: A good choice for hands-on learning about engineering for elementary students.

Curricular Use: Engineering, Bridges

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Noisy Farm: My First Sound Book

Author: Billet, Marion

Illustrator: Marion Billet

Scholastic/Cartwheel Books, 2011

ISBN: 9781338132205

$9.99

P - K: This little board book is reminiscent of the old See 'n Say toys from my childhood. Translated from the French, Scholastic has updated the title with buttons that allow tiny readers to identify the sounds made by six barnyard animals: the rooster, the cow, the duck, the pig, the sheep, and the horse. One feature that is especially nice is an on/off switch that preserves the battery. The illustrations employ bright colors and clear, simple lines which insures that the featured animal stands out. The last page includes a summary with thumbnail pictures of each animal that asks the reader to see if they can make the noise the animal makes. Verdict: This interactive board book is perfect for building print motivation and animal recognition while strengthening children's desire to play.

Curricular Use: This title works well with the Washington State Early Learning Guidelines (Birth - 9 months) domains of touching, seeing, hearing and moving around (Domain 3), communicating--specifically trying to copy sounds and follow simple requests (Domain 5), and learning about about my world--specifically show interest in animals and pictures of animals and use more than one sense at at time (Domain 6).

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Jodi Kruse, R. A. Long High School Library

The Jolley-Rogers and the Ghostly Galleon

Author: Duddle, Jonny

Illustrator: Duddle, Jonny

Templar books, 2015

ISBN: 9780763689100

$6.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: The town of Dull-on-Sea has been attacked by pirates and the city is in a panic. So, young Matilda calls on her pirate-friend Jim Lad to help them get rid of the ghostly pirates for good. But when she get trapped on their ship, will be able to escape in time? Verdict: The is a great transition book from picture books to chapter books. The plot is fun, has lots of action, and moves at a good clip.

Curricular Use: Great supplemental read if learning about pirates.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Librarian, Cascade/Monticello Middle School

Odell Beckham Jr. : High-flying Receiver

Author: Bowker, Paul D.

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532111471

$18.95

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Part of the Playmakers series. This biography chronicles Odell Beckham Jr.'s football career. From his high school career to the NFL, it covers the highlights of his playing. The interesting text provides enough detail without being overwhelming. Also includes fun facts, glossary and index. Verdict: Upper elementary and middle school students will enjoy reading about this popular NFL star.

Curricular Use: Football, Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Fakespeare: Something Stinks in Hamlet

Author: Castle, M. E.

Illustrator: Daniel Jennewein

Imprint, 2017

ISBN: 9781250101594

$13.99

Grades 3 - 6: Anti-reader Kyle loves to draw and is just sitting down for his favorite tv show when his mom agrees to watch a classmate, super-smart Halley, one afternoon. Things get worse when a mysterious box arrives and it is filled with old books! When Kyle gets mad and starts reading, he's thrust into the book along with Halley and his baby brother Gabe. They discover they are in the middle of Shakespeare's Hamlet and the narrator informs them they must get to the end of the story to get back home. Hamlet becomes a comedy of errors when they meet the character Hamlet and do their best to get him to rightfully crowned king. Verdict: This is a humorous introduction to Shakespeare's Hamlet for elementary students and sure to be a hit!

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Fakespeare: Star-Crossed in Romeo and Juliet

Author: Castle, M.E.

Illustrator: Daniel Jennewein

Imprint, 2017

ISBN: 9781250101624

$13.99

Grades 3 - 6: Becca is being tormented by her new stepbrother, Sam, in her friend's living room when she picks up a book from a strange crate. Sam grabs a note in the book and reads it then Becca, Sam and their dog, Rufus, are literally sucked into the book. They find themselves in the middle of the feud between the Montagues and the Capulets, over pizza ingredients, in Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The narrator informs them that they must reach the end of the story before they can go home. To make matters worse, Romeo is in love with a girl who is not Juliet and Sam and Becca must set the story straight or they'll never get home. Verdict: This is a fun twist on the classic story that is sure to have students laughing and wanting more.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Out!

Author: Chung Arree

Illustrator: Aree Chung

Henry Holt, 2017

ISBN: 9781627795531

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: This book really only has a few words in the entire book, but the pictures tell the story. A baby wants out of the crib so he keeps tell her dog Out!. She finally climbs out of the crib lands on the dogs back and they take off together and have lots of fun. Then they both climb back in the baby's crib and fall asleep together. Verdict: This would be a great story for the beginning reader. There are not many words but is still very entertaining.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Bravo! Poems About Amazing Hispanics

Author: Engle, Margarita

Illustrator: Rafael Lopez

Godwin Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780805098761

$18.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: I love this book. It is filled with tiny biographies of notable Hispanics from history to present day. Each has their own two page spread, one page filled with a picture the other has the “poem” (free verse biographies). The colored “drawn” titles and corner insets on the written page tie the two pages together, so it will be appealing as a picture book, but could serve as a jumping off point for beginning researchers. It will “live” on my Spanish books bookshelf in my high school library. Well done; covering activists, scientists, suffragists, pilots, authors, baseball players. This covers so many and does it so well! Verdict: Appealing non-fiction, definitely fits the diversity label.

Curricular Use: For students of Spanish classes, history and biography projects. This has multi-age appeal and has lists of more notable Hispanics in the back.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

Beach Party Surf Monkey

Author: Grabenstein, Chris

Illustrator: Brook Allen

Random House, 2017

ISBN: 9780553536102

$13.99

Grades 4 - 6: Welcome to Wonderland book 2. P. T. and his friend Gloria have just solved their first mystery and are enjoying the extra attention that it is bringing to his family's business, the small, dated Wonderland Motel. A huge modern hotel has gone in next door and its owner wants to buy the Wonderland and expand his hotel. When P. T. hides an up and coming teen star from a swarm of paparazzi, he gets the idea to try to get the movie crew to film their new movie at Wonderland. Soon the film crew arrives along with a movie star monkey, Kevin, and the motel is busy! The production is in jeopardy when Kevin goes missing and P. T. and Gloria jump into investigator mode to save the day. Verdict: A humorous mystery that will appeal to a wide audience. Perfect for upper elementary students!

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading, Mysteries, Humorous stories

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweman Middle School

Falcons

Author: Hamilton, S.L.

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532110023

$18.95

Grades 3 - 6: Part of the Xtreme Raptors series. This nonfiction text looks at multiple species of falcons, as well as their habitats, prey and anatomy. Large, clear photographs provide clear visual references for the accompanying text. I really appreciated that every photo also labeled the species in the photo. It would have been nice to have some pronunciation references for words that might be unfamiliar to students included within the interesting text. This would make a good resource for students doing research on falcons. Verdict: A great addition for elementary libraries. Also works for middle school students who need information at a bit lower reading level.

Curricular Use: Falcons, Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

How Is Chocolate Made?

Author: Hansen, Grace

Illustrator: NA

ABDO Kids, 2018

ISBN: 9781532100451

$NA

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Part of the How Is It Made? series. This oversized nonfiction book is on the larger size (lap size when opened), which makes is great for partner reading. The descriptive text simply explains how chocolate is grown and processed to make the delicious treat we love. Oversized photographs clearly show the steps in the process. Also includes a simple glossary and index. Verdict: This nonfiction book is a perfect read aloud for Pre-K and a good nonfiction book for younger readers, approximately second grade level. Who doesn't want to learn about chocolate?

Curricular Use: Beginning Nonfiction, Chocolate

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Heists

Author: Johnson, C.M.

Illustrator: NA

Full Tilt Press, 2017

ISBN: 9781629206158

$20.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Part of the Origins Whodunnit series. This nonfiction text gets students interested in the science behind some of the world's largest heists. It briefly defines heists and that basics of how law inforcement solves crimes, while going more indepth into several of the heists. Readers will certainly learn a lot from this book. The photographs and illustrations add further details. Also includes a glossary, quiz that checks for understanding, index and bibliography. Verdict: An interesting addition for elementary and middle school libraries!

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Heists

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Moon

Author: Hansen, Grace

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532100536

$19.95

P - K, Grades 1 - 2: Part of the Our Galaxy series. This oversized, nonfiction book makes learning about the moon interesting for young readers. It would also work as a read aloud for nonreading students. Interesting text in accompanied by large, full-color, engaging photographs. Includes a simple glossary and index. Verdict: A great addition to elementary libraries as a way to introduce the moon, as well as nonfiction books, to young readers.

Curricular Use: Moon, Beginning Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Sled Dog School

Author: Johnson, Terry Lynn

Illustrator: NA

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2017

ISBN: 9780544873315

$16.99

Grades 5 - 8: Matt struggles with math and with some kids at school teasing him about his family living off the grid (no electricity, having an outhouse, ect.) Matt's family has sled dogs and he loves spending time taking them out on the trails. When an opportunity comes up for extra credit in math, Matt must create a business. He decides to open a sled dog school to teach other kids how to run a dog sled team. Matt eventually gets customers and he quickly learns that teaching others is more difficult than he though. After many trials and errors, Matt gets two new great friends and a passing grade from the project. Verdict: A great story about persistence and overcoming stuggles. This will readily appeal to students who enjoy dog stories!

Curricular Use: Dogs Fiction, Friendship Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Wildebeest Migration

Author: Hansen, Grace

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532100338

$19.95

K - 2: This over-sized nonfiction book describes the basics about how and why wildebeests migrate in a way that makes it interesting and accessible for very young readers. Bolded words are included in the glossary. Action photos will keep readers turning the pages. Verdict: A great nonfiction addition for young readers.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Migration

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Orcas on the Hunt

Author: Klepeis, Alicia Z.

Illustrator: NA

Lerner, 2018

ISBN: 9781512433982

$22.99

Grades 3 - 6: This nonfiction book looks at many aspects of Orcas including their habitat, food sources, hunting techniques and other facts. The photographs directly correlate to the nearby text making the information fun and easy to understand. Verdict: Perfect for elemenatry students who are interested in orcas, but it will also work for middle school students who need a lower reading level.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Orca whales

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

The Smucker Family: Jelly Pioneers

Author: Hudak, Heather C.

Illustrator: NA

Checkerboard Library, 2018

ISBN: 9781532110856

$NA

Grades 3 - 6: This nonfiction book looks at the history of Smucker's family business of making jelly and other food products. It discusses its humble beginnings to modern day struggles and successes. Interesting text and colorful photographs of popular products will draw students into this book. Verdict: Fans of peanut butter and jelly sandwiches will enjoy seeing the history of one of their favorite foods!

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, biographies

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Greatest Moments in Women's Sports

Author: Kortemeier, Todd

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532111556

$22.95

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Part of the Women in Sports series. This nonfiction book focuses on seven famous women athletes and their incredible accomplishments within their respective sports. The text is interesting and easy to understand and the accompanying photographs make the athlethes come to life. Also includes a glossary, bibliography and index. Verdict: A nonfiction book that will appeal to athletic girls in upper elementary and middle school.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Women Athletes

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Volume 2: Knowhere to Run

Author: Isenberg, Marty

Illustrator: Marvel Animation

ABDO, 2017

ISBN: 9781532140716

$17.95

Grade 3 - 6: Guardians of the Galaxy: Volume 2. This hardcover, full color graphic novel finds the Guardians getting help from the Cosmos, the space dog, to rescue Star-Lord and Gamora from the evil Korath. Quill is determined to find out what is inside the box, Knowhere, and is shocked that it holds a valuable map to the Cosmic Seed. Great illustrations in this graphic novel and I appreciated that it has a brief synopsis of the previous volume on the title page. Verdict: An engaging graphic novel. I do wish the overall font size was bigger so that it would be more appealling to younger and/or reluactant readers.

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweman Middle School

Platypus Police Squad: Never Say Narwhal

Author: Krosoczka, Jarrett J.

Illustrator: Krosoczka, Jarrett J.

HarperCollins, Walden Pond Press, HarperCollins

ISBN: 9780062071705

$12.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Mischief is brewing in Kalazmazoo City. A Narwhal whale has shown up in the harbor, breaking docks, charging citizens, and sinking cruise ships. When the Platypus Police Squad is implicated for negligence in protecting the city, they may lose their jobs. Will the Platypus Police Squad rise to the occasion? And who's really behind the attacks? Verdict: This is a solid police detective story for kids that like mysteries.

Curricular Use: Just a great book for mystery/police lovers.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Librarian, Cascade/Monticello Middle School

Groot #6

Author: Loveness, Jeff

Illustrator: Brian Kesinger

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532140822

$17.95

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Guardians of the Galaxy: Groot #6. After being reunited, Groot and Rocket head to Earth to visit the places recommended by the other Guardians. While at a party, Groot connects with Jean, who helps connect him to an old friend through a shared memory. Verdict: Having read a few graphics and novels that contain the character Groot, it was freshing to finally have him say (even though he was thinking) something other than "I am Groot." Upper elementary and middle school students that are Groot fans will enjoy the finale of this series.

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Humanoid Robots

Author: Lindeen, Mary

Illustrator: NA

Lerner, 2018

ISBN: 9781512440126

$20.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grade 6: Part of the Cutting-Edge Robotics series. This nonfiction book explores a specific type of robot, humaniods - robots that look like a human body, and how these robots are designed to interact with humans. It showcases several humanoids and also includes a project for kids to make an artificial hand. Verdict: A great addition to elementary libraries to introduces different kinds of robots to students. The project looks challenging, but neat for those that stick with it.

Curricular Use: Robotics

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Arsenal FC

Author: Marthaler, Jon

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532111303

$22.95

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Part of the Europe's Best Soccer Clubs series. This nonfiction book explores England's Arsenal FC, from its beginnings to modern day play. It explains the league in which they play, championships they've won and popular/important players. Includes team file, timeline, glossary, bilbiography and index. Verdict: World soccer fans will enjoy this one!

Curricular Use: Soccer (Football), Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Hamstersaurus Rex vs. Squirrel Kong

Author: O'Donnell Tom

Illustrator: Tim Miller

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062377562

$12.99

Grades 3 - 6: Hamstersaurus Rex book 2. Things are starting to settle down at Horace Hotwater Middle School when Sam discovers a gigantic squirrel in the woods near his school. Sam has been know to exaggerate and none of his friends believe him. When one wing of the school is damaged, everyone blames class pet Hammie (aka Hamstersaurus) and Sam sets out to prove that Squirrel Kong is to blame, not Hammie. With the help of an old enemy Sam is able to prove that the giant squirrel is real and that Hammie is innocent. Verdict: This is a fun adventure that elementary and middle school students will enjoy!

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Pop-Up Shakespeare

Author: Martin, Reed & Austin Tichenor

Illustrator: Jennie Maizels

Candlewick Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780763698744

$19.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Adult: This full-color pop-up book will be a joy to Shakespeare fans, young and old. It provides a wealth of information about the plays. The pop-ups are also double-sided providing twice the illustrations and information. Verdict: This is a wonderful book! Due to its delicate nature, it's best for home or light use.

Curricular Use: Shakespeare

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Otis Dooda Downright Dangerous

Author: Potter, Ellen

Illustrator: Heatley, David

Feiwel & Friends, MacMillan, 2014

ISBN: 9781250011770

$13.99

Grades 4 - 5: Otis Dooda is the new kid at school. Fortunately he knows a few kids from Tidwell Towers, the building his family lives in. Before long, Otis has made friends with Perry and his dad, who are always testing out new toys (some dangerous some not). He has an arch nemesis in Sid Frackas the self-proclaimed lego genius. And he's even in the middle of a potential alien-invasion. Lots going on for this kid and lots of laughs as well.

Verdict: Hilarious book, great voice, and pure entertainment. Don't look for much depth here. For those who like My Weird School and Diary of a Wimpy Kid.

Curricular Use: Pure hilarious entertainment.

Reviewer: Katy Olson, Librarian, Cascade/Monticello Middle School

Eerie ESP

Author: Maurer, Tracy Nelson

Illustrator: NA

Lerner, 2018

ISBN: 9781512434040

$22.99

Grade 3 - 6: Part of the Fear Fest series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to ESP (Extrasensory Perception) by defining it, explaining its history and hoaxes, as well as describing who may have ESP. The engaging text and photographs may create more questions than answers, but this will certainly pique students' interest. Verdict: A fun addition to the supernatural section in any elementary library as it will certainly be checked out.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction, Extrasensory Perception (ESP)

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

All About Colds

Author: Potts, Francesca

Illustrator: NA

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532111174

$17.95

Grades 2 - 4: Part of the Inside Your Body series. This nonfiction book discusses multiple aspects of colds: what they are, how you get them and how to treat them. The information is very interesting and clearly explains all about colds. The accompanying photographs and charts/graphs add further details and explainations. I do wish the children used in the photos were older. This would make the book more appealing to upper elementary students. Verdict: This is a very informative book on colds and would be a solid addition to any elementary school library.

Curricular Use: Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Zoo Scientists to the Rescue

Author: Newman, Patricia

Illustrator: Annie Crawley, photographer

Millbrook Press, 2018

ISBN: 9781512415711

$NA

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: This nonfiction book follows the work of three zoo scientists that are working to save three different endangered species: orangutans, black rhinos and black-footed ferrets. The text is engaging and the clear, interesting photographs bring the stories to life. Also included are easy ways for everyone to help with conservation, glossary, bibliography and index. Verdict: Upper elementary and middle school students interested in animal conservation will really enjoy this.

Curricular Use: Endangered Species, Conservation

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Beast & Crown

Author: Ross, Joel

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062484598

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grade 5: Beast & Crown book 1. Boot boy Ji is tired of being a servant and anxious for freedom. His friends, Sally the stable girl, and Roz a lonely governess, are excited when Ji's secret friendship with the young noble, Brace, leads to an opportunity to leave the manor for the Diadem Rite that will determine the realm's new ruler, and rescue Sally's brother who was taken to work was a weaver. When they arrive at the Rite they do their best to help Brace get the crown from the water tree. But Ji is shocked when he grabs the crown and secretly learns he was meant to be the next ruler, but will not live by the monarch's rules. The crown then turns him and his friends into mythical animals and makes Brace the next ruler. The friends will need the help of goblins and orges in order to escape the deadly fate that awaits them. This is a fun fantasy adventure that will appeal to a broad audience. The one drawback is the wide mix of setting references: the kids are severants to nobles in a land of kings and queens, yet make references to their hacienda and tamales. Verdict: A fun introduction to a new series!

Curricular Use: Fantasy

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Dreams and What They Mean: Facts, Trivia and Quizzes

Author: Olson, Elsie

Illustrator: NA

Lerner, 2018

ISBN: 9781512434170

$27.99

Grades 2 - 4: Part of the Mind Games series. This nonfiction book introduces readers to the basics about what scientists know about sleep and dreams, as well as discusses the basics of interpreting dreams. Also included are two quizzes, directions for making a dream journal, glossary, bibliography and index. Verdict: A fun book that introduces the concept of dreams in an engaging way.

Curricular Use: Dreams, Nonfiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

There's Nothing to Do!

Author: Petty, Dev

Illustrator: Mike Boldt

Doubleday Books, 2017

ISBN: 9780399558047

$2017

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Frog doesn't know what to do today. He goes about asking his dad and all his friends. He doesn't want to do any of things they tell him. Finally his mom tell him that he doesn't have to do anything, just be and watch the clouds go by. He does this and comes up with a great idea, do nothing! Verdict: I liked the pictures and the expressions that the frog has. The story is something that most kids can relate to.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Blue Ethel

Author: Reinhardt, Jennifer

Illustrator: Jennifer Reinhardt

Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017

ISBN: 9780374303822

$17.99

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Ethel was an old fat black and white cat. One day she rolled and rolled on a sidewalk that had been drawn on with blue chalk. When Ethel was through rolling she was blue. She did not like being blue and felt awkward, until see met a pink cat who had done the same thing. Most of the time Ethel was black and white "unless another color caught her fancy." Verdict: The illustrations were very detailed, and caught the feelings of the animals. I loved all the colors win the book.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Lemons

Author: Savage, Melissa

Illustrator: NA

Crown Books for Young Readers, 2017

ISBN: 9781524700126

$16.99

Grades 4 - 6: Ten-year-old Lemonade, Lem for short, has been uprooted from her city life when her mom dies of cancer and the social worker takes her to live with her only blood relative, a grandfather whom she's never met. This city girl struggles with being "dumped" in a rural small town who's claim to fame is being Bigfoot country. She meets a neighbor boy, Tobin, who has his own Bigfoot investigation company and much to her dismay, her curiosity gets piqued. Lem struggles with getting to know her grandfather and misses her mom immensely. When she discovers Bigfoot tracks and hair, which a university professor's analysis shows is a yet to be identified primate, she gets hooked. Tobin is struggling without his father, a MIA Vietnam vet and his awkward friendship with Lem helps both of the heal. Verdict: This is a fun adventure! The true gem in this story is that it will be able to help children deal with grief after the loss of a close loved-one.

Curricular Use: Pleasure Reading, Grief Fiction, Cryptozoology Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Hero: Hurricane Rescue

Author: Shotz, Jennifer Li

Illustrator: NA

Harper, 2017

ISBN: 9780062560445

$17.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grade 3: Hero book 2. Labrador Hero is a retired search and rescue dog and Ben's best friend. Ben and his friend Noah are getting all set to ride out the upcoming hurricane when Ben worries that his other friend, Jack, will not take the storm seriously and really try to leave during the night travel to see his dad. Ben and Noah learn that Jack told a lie and left so they try to find him and his puppy, Scout, just as the hurricane hits. After an adventure they find Jack and Scout, as well a stranded group of Boy Scouts. With plenty of help from Hero, all get home safely. Verdict: This will surely be a hit with elementary dog lovers! It will also work well for middle school students who need a great story at a bit lower reading level.

Curricular Use: Dogs Fiction, Adventure Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Runny Babbit Returns

Author: Silverstein, Shel

Illustrator: Silverstein, Shel

Harper Collins, 2017

ISBN: 9780062479396

$19.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8: Runny Babbit is really Bunny Rabbit. In this poetry volume Shel turns many of the words around. In the beginning of the book it says, "Way down in the green woods where the animals all play, the do things and they say things in a different sort of way." So he continues throughout the book. It's fun and makes you stop to think what the words are suppose to be. Our students love Shel Silverstein's books and they will not be disappointed with this one also. Verdict: Shel has a way of making poetry very entertaining and funny.

Curricular Use: This would be great to use with the poetry unit.

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

Sitting Bull

Author: Strand, Jennifer

Illustrator: Photos: Corbis Historical/Getty Images

ABDO, 2018

ISBN: 9781532120275

$NA

P - K, Grades 1 - 3: Sitting Bull was a member of the Hunkpapa Lakota tribe. He spent his life trying to protect his people and their land. The white people tried to make them leave their land so that they could mine gold on their land. Sitting Bull refused. He and his tribe fought in a battle we know as the Battle of Little Bighorn. They won, but soon ran out of food and had to surrender. He was a great leader. Verdict: Even though this is a short easy nonfiction book it was very interesting, and I learned a lot about Sitting Bull.

Curricular Use: This would go great with the Native American unit.

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Librarian

Stick Dog Craves Candy

Author: Watson, Tom

Illustrator: Tom Watson

Harper Collins, 2017

ISBN: 9780062410948

$12.99

Grades 1 - 3, Grades 4 - 5: Stick Dog and his friends are scared and curious when they see two witches coming out of a house. They realize that their humans dressed up. They watch them and can see that they go up to houses and get candy from the humans that live there. They are really hungry and try to figure out how they can get some candy. Through various plans they are able to get some caramel apples and other candy. Verdict: I like the way that each dog has their own unique personality.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Tracy Robinson, Librarian, Robert Gray

What Girls Are Made Of

Author: Arnold, Elana K.

Illustrator: NA

Caroldrhoda Lab, 2017

ISBN: 9781512410242

$18.99

Grades 9 - 12: Nina learned from her mother that all love is conditional – even her mother’s. Now sixteen, she tries her hardest to make sure she meets the conditions of her boyfriend Seth: she has sex with him, however he wants, she doesn’t call him, and they don’t talk about Apollonia, Seth’s ex-girlfriend, who she humiliated to get him to break up with her. The book opens with Nina having a gynecological exam at Planned Parenthood and getting on the pill so they can have the condom-free sex that Seth desires. But when she makes a conditional misstep in a conversation they have while out on a date, Seth breaks it off with her anyway. Nina’s journey to self-care begins here, and her present-day narrative as she deals with the break-up, volunteers at an animal shelter, and has an abortion (she didn’t wait long enough after beginning the pill) is interspersed with accounts of her trip to Italy with her mother at fourteen, learning about the horrible sacrifices of the virgin martyr saints depicted in the country’s art, and her own short fiction. Her understanding of life and love is informed by the shelter dogs who give love unconditionally but don’t receive it, and in the martyrs’ sacrifices and violent deaths. The many elements come together to paint an absorbing portrait of a young woman trying to earn love, showing that girls aren’t just made of “sugar and spice and everything nice,” but can be messy and cruel. Details about Nina’s medical exam, sex, and medical abortion are explicit and frank, as are those about dogs that must be put down at the shelter. Arnold includes a personal author’s note at the end that is valuable to understanding her perspective while writing this story. Highly recommended for sophisticated readers. Verdict: Shortlisted for the National Book Award, “What Girls Are Made Of” is a stunning piece of YA literature.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Becky Standal, Youth Services Specialist, Longview Public Library

You Don't Know Me But I Know You

Author: Barrow, Rebecca

Illustrator: NA

HarperTeen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062494191

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12:

"You Don't Know Me But I Know You," Rebecca Barrow's debut novel, tackles a plethora of teen issues within 323 pages: alcohol use/abuse, partying, hooking up, bi-sexuality, lesbianism, teen pregnancy, abortion, adoption, parental neglect, anger, friendship, relationships, arguing, conflicting emotions, misunderstandings, etc. There's a lot going on in this book! Audrey, seventeen and pregnant, must decide, along with her boyfriend Julian, what they are going to do. Have the baby? Give it up for adoption? Have an abortion? Audrey and Julian have plans for their futures--going to art school for Audrey, going to music school for Julian. Can their plans include a baby? Is that realistic? Audrey and Julian spend time weighing their options. Meanwhile, Audrey is also fighting with her best friend, Rose, she's deciding whether or not to read a letter from her birth mom Amanda, she has said some horrible things to her adopted mom Laura, she has a huge art project to complete which must exceed her art teacher's expectations, and she doesn't want to limit Julian's future musical plans. Barrows delves deep into the emotions of her characters. Her writing style, plot development, and conflicts are relatable, especially to teen readers. I only wish she would have focused a little more on the after-affects of an abortion. The emotional impact, grieving, sense of loss, in addition to the practical reminder of not having sex for at least two weeks afterwards. I would have liked the adoption issues to be addressed in more detail, as well. While some of the passages in the book felt repetitive, overall, I enjoyed reading the book and look forward to Rebecca Barrow's next novel. Verdict: "You Don't Know Me But I Know You" is worth buying for a high school library. Well-crafted novel.

Curricular Use: Independent reading. Classroom discussions (like in a health class) on teen pregnancy and the options pregnant teens have.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

Wonder Woman: Warbringer

Author: Bardugo, Leigh

Illustrator: NA

Random House, 2017

ISBN: 9780399549731

$18.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Following hard on the release of the movie "Wonder Woman," DC Comics and Random House have created a partnership that will make librarians salivate. Readers expecting a reprisal of the movie are bound to be a little disappointed. This one is set in the current time period, although it opens on Themyscira with Diana bristling against the strictures and prejudice that come from being the created daughter of Queen Hippolyta. Enter Alia. Both of Alia's parents have been murdered, and Alia is the victim of an assassination attempt herself when Diana, ignoring the strict rules about bringing outsiders to Themyscira, jumps into the ocean to save her. Alia, it turns out, is a Warbringer. No matter where she goes, conflict and continued aggressive escalations follow her. Only bathing in a sacred stream in Greece will break the Warbringer curse. Alia's presence on the island of Themyscira immediately brings destruction and illness to the otherwise healthy Amazons, and Diana--braving an encounter with the Oracle--realizes that she must get Alia off the island. Diana's sense of responsibility compels her to help Alia break the curse. Like all of Bardugo's work, this is a complex text with strong world building and some unexpected plot twists. The movie and the book jacket will draw readers, but only the most persistent readers will stick with the story to its conclusion. This is the first of four books planned (Batman by Marie Lu, Cat Woman by Sarah J. Mass, and Superman by Matt de la Pena) in the DC Icons series. There is bound to be strong reader popularity given the marriage between popular superheroes and established YA Authors. Verdict: Purchase multiple copies of this strong superhero tie-in that is controversy-free enough for upper middle school students.

Curricular Use: This title lends itself best to independent reading, but there may be some potential historical discussions related to how we view history. There are at least two occasions when Diana provides an alternate perspective on history, and this can provoke discussion about how we view historical events as well as the idea that history is written by the "winners."

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

Far From the Tree

Author: Benway, Robin

Illustrator: NA

Harper Teen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062330628

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: After getting pregnant at age sixteen and giving her baby up for adoption, Grace decides to seek out her own birth mother. Her parents are supportive, but her birth mother is difficult to find. Instead, they tell her about her two half-siblings. Maya, also adopted as a baby, is fifteen, outspoken, and a lesbian. She has a younger sister, a “miracle” baby her parents conceived just after her adoption that Maya has grown apart from recently. Joaquin is seventeen and has spent his life in the foster system. The foster parents he lives with now want to adopt him, but Joaquin is reluctant due to an incident in his past.

“Far From the Tree” is told in the alternating third-person perspectives of Grace, Maya, and Joaquin as the three get to know each other, divulge their secrets and fears, and widen their ideas of what family is. The third-person narratives kept the characters a little distant to me, but the novel is still very touching and gives three meaningful stories of adopted teens. “Far From the Tree” is a solid recommendation for fans of “I’ll Give You the Sun” and other family-themed novels.

Verdict: This moving family story will have wide appeal in a YA collection.

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Becky Standal, Youth Services Specialist, Longview Public Library

Everyone We've Been

Author: Everett, Sarah

Illustrator: NA

Alfred A Knoff, 2016

ISBN: 9780553538441

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Addison is having memory lapses after hitting her head in a bus accident, and is also seeing – and talking to – a cute smiling boy who she soon learns isn’t really there. Her present day narrative alternates with “Before” chapters, which take place during the summer eighteen months earlier. In the “Before” section, Addison is having a romance with Zach, who works at his father’s video rental store (now closed), and as a reader you know very quickly that Zach is the boy she is hallucinating. It’s not a twist then when Addison learns that she had her relationship with Zach removed from her memory after a painful breakup, as a memory removal is treated as a twist in many similarly-plotted novels. Instead, what we get is an honest story about love and loss and moving on. “Everyone We’ve Been” is like a funny contemporary romance in the “Before” sections and a sad family drama/coming of age in the “After” sections, but it never feels uneven. Verdict: A touching and emotional story. Recommended for readers who like sad romance like "If I Stay" or "The Memory Book."

Curricular Use:

Reviewer: Becky Standal, Youth Services Specialist, Longview Public Library

Alex Rider: Scorpia

Author: Horowitz, Anthony and Antony Johnston

Illustrator: Emma Vieceli, Kate Brown

Penguin Random House/Candlewick Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780763692575

$14.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Beautiful graphics and a fast-paced graphic novel adaptation of Horowitz's "Scorpia" will entice a new group of readers who don't have to have read the original story to appreciate the plot. Alex has managed to attend a field trip to Venice with his prep school. Despite his absences tied to his activities with MI-6, he has followed a lead that he hopes will shed light on his father's death. In actuality, it puts him into contact with SCORPIA, an off-the-grid bunch of mercenaries that his father joined. On a tip from his arch-nemesis, Alex works to infiltrate SCORPIA. Once successfully in, he is given the mission of assassinating Mrs. Jones, one of the lead MI-6 operatives. His attempt is unsuccessful, but also puts him in the position of learning that the version of his father's death that he was given by SCORPIA is an incomplete one. The full-color artwork is beautiful and engaging and the story is told coherently. Though technically in eighth grade, Alex's character is depicted as a more mature youth, making this a graphic novel that has both middle and high school appeal. Verdict: This beautifully rendered adaptation is bound to be popular with students who love action and adventure.

Curricular Use: This fits the Common Core State Standards RL.9 - Analyze how two or more texts adress similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take. This also has potential for Visual Arts teachers to use in discussion of styles. Not all of the Alex Rider graphic novels are created by the same illustrators. This provides an opportunity to look at illustrators and how they are influenced by styles such as Manga.

Reviewer: Jodi Kruse, Teacher Librarian, R. A. Long High School

The Battlemage

Author: Matharu, Taran

Illustrator: NA

Feiwel & Friends, 2017

ISBN: 9781250076328

$18.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: The Summoner book 3. In this conclusion to the trilogy, Fletcher and his rag-tag group escape the ether world only to return to a kingdom on the verge of war. Family ties are strained as Fletcher is allowed to return to his childhood land with a group of dwarves to rebuild it. However, Fletcher's land is near the mountain pass that is vital to keeping the evil orcs out. The pass becomes compromised and Fletcher's group must put aside thier differences to slow the breach of the mountain pass and save the kingdom. Verdict: This is a great conclusion to the series, which is a hit with upper middle and high school students.

Curricular Use: Fantasty

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Frogkisser

Author: Nix, Garth

Illustrator: NA

Scholastic Press, 2017

ISBN: 9781338052084

$18.99

Grades 4 - 5, Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: When I started this book my first thought was “Oh no, too silly!” But once I got past the talking Royal Dogs who have keep princesses safe for generations and the evil sorcerer who was the step-stepfather to our sensible Princess Anya, I was soon swept up into the Quest. For Anya must leave her castle home to find the ingredients for the magic lip balm (retired Druid’s blood, witches’ tears, etc.) because that evil sorcerer has a penchant for transform unsuspecting suitors and anything that gets in his way as he tries to take over Anya’s kingdom. Her mother is gone and her stepmother is notably absent and she is left with a silly sister who screams when things go poorly. Before she can be sent across the world to private school, Anya finds the frog prince and leaves with her faithful Royal Dog companion, set to transform the prince back and figure out a way to avoid the sorcerer. Full of humor, tricky details about who Snow White really was, druids, witches and super annoying Heralds (all named Gerald) who broadcast headlines far and near, this is a light and pleasing read. I couldn’t put it down. Refreshingly lacking in bad language, or offensive content, this can be placed in elementary to high school libraries. Verdict: Good for anyone with a Nix collection; enticing material for outside reading.

Curricular Use: References to well-known fairy tales with surprise applications. Could be used for elements of "quest" comparisons. Fake news references could be read aloud from Gerald the Herald's proclamations. Good vocabulary, good reading.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

The Thing About Leftovers

Author: Payne, C. C.

Illustrator: NA

Nancy Paulsen Books, 2016

ISBN: 9780399172045

$16.99

Grades 6 - 8: Twelve-year-old Fizzy is really struggling since her parents' divorce. She had to leave her old home, school and friends. Her dad lives in her old house with his new pregnant wife and her mom is dating a man that doesn't seem to like Fizzy. Fizzy's only refuge is cooking and she is entering a magazine's cooking contest. When her mom announces that she's getting married, Fizzy begins to feel like a left-over; both of her parents have started new lives and neither seem really excited about have Fizzy around. When one of Fizzy's recipes get selected for the cook-off, she travels with her mom to the competition, where she finally comes clean to her mom about what she's been feeling. Verdict: While Fizzy's character is a bit overdramatic for me, students who see themselves in Fizzy's shoes will enjoy this story.

Curricular Use: Divorce Fiction, Pleasure Reading

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

This is How it Happened

Author: Stokes, Paula

Illustrator: NA

HarperTeen, 2017

ISBN: 9780062379931

$17.99

Grades 9 - 12: Genevieve Grace and her boyfriend Dallas Kade are involved in a car crash that kills Dallas. Genevieve is in a coma for five days before she wakes up. Genevieve cannot remember the details of the accident, which is being treated as a possible homicide, as the driver of the other vehicle, Brad Freeman, had a BAC of .083. Because Dallas was a YouTube sensation and a budding recording artist with his first album, social networks erupt with all types of posts, from well-wishes to Genevieve, to condolences to Dallas' family, to death threats to Brad. Social media manipulates the information (because there are not that many facts), bullies, accuses, and convicts Brad of Dallas' death. Genevieve, to escape the paparazzi camped outside her home, and to heal from her injuries, decides to spend the summer in Utah, with her dad and stepmom. This is a time for Genevieve to re-establish a relationship with her dad and to get to know her stepmom, Rachael. Genevieve volunteers at Zion National Park, where she meets Elliott, a park worker, who is the sweetest, most understanding guy around. Genevieve's memory of the night of the accident as well as the accident are restored, and she is horrified when she remembers the truth. She keeps the truth hidden, because she is afraid of being vilified on social media. Genevieve is a coward, but yet, I also have to remember she is a teenager, with the POV that she does not want people to hater her. It's not until Brad Freeman attempts suicide that Genevieve decides she must reveal what she knows. It won't be an easy process, she won't necessarily meet with automatic forgiveness, and she will face the wrath of bandwagon haters. "This is How it Happened" is a relevant and relatable book for teens, since social media is such a constant in their lives. With just a few keystrokes, lives can be irrevocably changed or ruined. By keeping secrets, lives can be irrevocably changed or ruined. Genevieve has so much processing and healing to do, but her family, best friend Shannon, and Elliott stand by her. Verdict: Very timely story. I enjoyed reading "This is How it Happened." Strong themes: loss, healing, truth, forgiveness, reparation. I felt the ending was too pedantic, though.

Curricular Use: Independent reading. Discussion on the use and abuse of social media, and how people are so quick to wrongly judge/convict/hate, without knowing the truth.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

Deadly Flowers

Author: Thomson, Sarah L.

Illustrator: NA

Boyds Mills Press, 2016

ISBN: 9781629792149

$17.95

Grades 6 - 8: Ninja book 1. Kata has been training to be a deadly flower, or ninja, as long as she can remember. She lives with a small group of girls with the brutal Madame Chiyome and is surprised when an older, obviously noble girl, Saiko, comes to train with them. Soon Kata is sent on her first mission, accompanied by Saiko. When Kata arrives at the castle she discovers her target is a ten-year-old boy, Ichiro, and when she hesitates to kill him, he awakens and calls out to his sister, Saiko. The alarm is soon sounded and Kata cannot kill him. She escapes with the trio to the only place she can go, Madame Chiyome's, knowing there will be much trouble caused by her failed mission. Soon demons attack the training school and the trio are forced to flee. Kata's training will be put to the test as she tries to get Ichiro and Saiko to the safety of their other uncle's kingdom while be tracked and attacked for a magical pearl that Ichiro gave Kata for safe keeping. It will be interesting to see where this series goes as this book has a satisfying conclusion. Verdict: An interesting read with strong girls characters.

Curricular Use: Pleasure reading, adventure

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School

Brave New Girl

Author: Vincent, Rachel

Illustrator: NA

Delacorte Press, 2017

ISBN: 9780399552458

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: Dahlia 16 is one of 5,000 identical girls who were created to work for their city. She has “sisters” who all look like her, have grown up with her in the dorms, eat with her and play with her. Theirs is a structured life, but the old-fashioned, inefficient ways don’t make sense in their world. Then she gets stuck on an elevator with Trigger 17 and suddenly she knows her feelings don’t fit their rules. As she stretches rules and is eventually caught the ramifications of her behavior and the knowledge that comes with it become starkly clear. If there is an anomaly all the identicals of that genome must be “retired.” Suddenly she is in a life and death race for information on why she is different and she and Trigger 17 must try to reach “the wild” outside the city. Fast moving, science fiction with romance; what could be better? Vague references to 'messy body fluid exchanges from the past' might make this for more mature middle schoolers, and there is some kissing, but that is about the extent of possible protests. Play on Brave New World with the title isn’t far off the mark; cameras watch everyone’s move in Lakeview and the hierarchy makes so much sense….until it doesn’t! Cliffhanger ending, I can't wait for the next book. Verdict: Great outside reading; short, accessible book that will engage many readers

Curricular Use: Companion of genetics discussions and current topics or with English classes reading 1984, Brave New World or other dystopian novels.

Reviewer: Lisa Sudar, Teacher Librarian, Mark Morris High School

On The Free

Author: Voorhees, Coert

Illustrator: NA

Carolrhoda Lab, 2017

ISBN: 9781512429138

$17.99

Grades 6 - 8, Grades 9 - 12: "On The Free" is an action-packed wilderness survival thriller. Four teens (Santi, Victor, Rico, and Celeste) have enrolled in the Bear Canyon Wilderness Therapy Program, designed responsibility and self-worth to teach kids from the juvenile justice system. Amelia is co-assistant to Jerry, the leader. The group embarks on a four-day backpacking trip through a rugged, remote wilderness area in Colorado. They hike at the 10,000-12,000 foot level, which is no easy feat. Torrential rains cause a massive mudslide one night, wiping out their campsite and killing Jerry, Rico, and Celeste. Victor, Santi, and Amelia must figure out how to survive on the remaining provisions they can scrounge together, while making their way back to the trailhead. Of course, it won't be an easy hike back. Amelia and Santi have injuries. Victor has ulterior motives, and promises the use of a satellite telephone if the trio hikes to his stepfather's even more remote cabin. There is no satellite phone. Santi steals a huge lump of gold that belongs to Victor's stepfather, which Victor had intended to steal. Shots are fired from Victor's rifle, and Santi and Amelia are on the run for their lives. No wilderness run for your life is complete without a bout of giardia and the threat of a mountain lion attack. The description and pacing of the story will keep readers interested. The back story of several characters helps to define who they are and why they are in the BCWTP in the first place. There is some swearing, and the deer killing scene might be upsetting for some readers. Overall, a well-crafted adventure story. I just wish the ending went a little farther. The ending was too abrupt. It left me wondering, "And then what happened?". Verdict: "On the Free" is an engaging book from beginning to ending.

Curricular Use: Independent reading. A discussion on wilderness survival skills.

Reviewer: Debbie Rock, Library Media Specialist, Kelso High School

Spill Zone

Author: Westerfeld, Scott

Illustrator: Alex Puvilland

First Second, 2017

ISBN: 9781596439368

$22.99

Grades 9 - 12: Spill Zone book 1. Addie has been taking care of her younger sister, Lexa, since being orphaned when a strange "event" destroyed or changed all living things within the city where they lived. They now live outside of the fenced off city, but Addie sneaks in to photograph the strange and wicked things that now live there and sells the photos for a living on the Black Market. Addie gets a life changing offer for a crazy amount of money. All she has to do is retrieve an item from the old hospital and then she will be able to move and get her sister the help she needs. After her mission, Addie returns home to find a local officer talking with her sister and then all of Lexa's dolls seemingly come to life. Verdict: It's too bad that language keeps this one for high school and above because my middle school students would otherwise be able enjoy this very interesting graphic novel

Curricular Use: Graphic Novels, Science Fiction

Reviewer: Debby Iverson, Library Media Specialist, Coweeman Middle School