The Bear in My Bed by Joyce Wan - OPTIONAL

The Bear in My Bed by Joyce Wan. PICTURE BOOK. Farrar Strauss Giroux (Macmillan), 2018. $17. 9780374300388     

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

When a little boy goes to his room one day he finds a big bear in his bed. The bear is up the mischief, making a mess, splashing water, eating books and he does not know how to pick up after himself.

A cute story that my grandchildren and I read together. They giggled and enjoyed the book and the pictures. We enjoyed reading about Teddy's adventures with the bear in his bed and in his room. 

Ellen-Anita   Librarian                                                                     

The Night Monster by Sushree Mishra - OPTIONAL

The Night Monster by Sushree Mishra, illustrated by Sanket Pethkar. PICTURE BOOK. Karadi Tales Company, 2018. $14. 9788181903310

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Avi is scared of the night monster. His sister suggests  Avi draw a picture of the night monster and lock it up in a box. He does, but he is still frightened. His sister suggests rewrite a letter to the night monster and say what frightens him. 

Avi writes a letter every night and in the morning he has a reply from the night monster. Will Avi still be frightened?"  

This is a cute book and I would recommend it to students that are scared of the dark and of monsters in the night. I read this to two of my grandchildren and we enjoyed the story and they especially liked the illustrations.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

T-Rex Time Machine by Jared Chapman - OPTIONAL

T-Rex Time Machine by Jared Chapman. PICTURE BOOK. Chronicle Books, 2018. $17. 9781452161549

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Two T-Rex dinosaurs time travel to modern Earth. They encounter fast food places and things are great. The food comes to them! They are having a great time, until noodles in the microwave explodes and the police are coming to arrest them.    

What might happen if two T-Rex dinosaurs time travel to life on Earth in today's world? Fast food, so many choices, microwaves, people . . . Cute story, cute illustrations and a fast and easy read. It is a story beginning readers can read on their own.     

Ellen-Anita, Librarian                                                                       

Lobos: A Wolf Family Returns to the Wild by Brenda Peterson –OPTIONAL

Lobos:A Wolf Family Returns to the Wild by Brenda Peterson. PICTURE BOOK. Little Big Foot (Sasquatch Books), 2018. $18. 9781632170842

BUYING ADVISORY: EL(K-3) –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This non-fiction book is the true story an endangered Mexican wolf family; starting with having pups in captivity and their eventual release into the wilderness. It features information about the wolves day to day lives, mostly the pups including lots of photographs and a simple map in the back.

Have you read the book series Scientists in the Field? This is like a lower budget version of that. The pages where words are presented are brightly colored. But I like to see more maps, charts, and fact bubble to catch readers attention and break up longer block of text. A bit more information about what is unique about these wolves, why they are endangered, why they are being bred for release, their former and current habitat would have been awesome.  

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Love by Stacy McAnulty –ADVISABLE

Love by Stacy McAnulty, illustrated by Joanne Lew-Vreithoff. PICTURE BOOK. RP Kids (Hachette), 2018. $18. 9780762462124

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL(K-3) –ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This book attempts to convey to the reader what Love is; what it looks, feels, and acts like. It accomplishes through words but also through the illustrations which show children in various situations like adopting a cat, kissing a new sibling, sharing with a friend, sharing, enjoying time with friends and family, and more. The illustrations are bright and vivid and would be easy to share with a group.

This is a fantastic book on a complex topic. It could easily be read to pre-k and kindergarteners as a jumping off point for brainstorming how they show love, when they feel love, what they think love is. The illustrations are fantastic. The book never once mentions valentines day –which I liked, that it didn’t pigeon hole showing you care to just one day a year.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler - ADVISABLE

The Hidden Life of a Toad by Doug Wechsler. PICTURE BOOK/NON-FICTION Charlesbridge, 2017. $18. 9781580897389

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH

Uncover the secrets of metamorphosis.  Watch as a toad begins as a tiny black dot and becomes a full grown toad.  

This informative non-fiction book is real photographs taken by Doug Wechsler himself.  He talked about the process and how long it took him to capture these images. He spent hours to capture the perfect image.  It does show the male and females reproducing but it’s done very tactfully.  The text is simple and informative. I found this book very insightful and fun.

Emilee, Library Teacher

A Pig Called Heather by Harry Oulton - OPTIONAL

A Pig Called Heather by Harry Oulton. 192 Pages CHAPTER BOOK Holiday House, 2013. $17 9780823432905

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

This Charlotte’s Web type story is the story of a pig named Heather and his friend Ila a little girl. Ila’s family moved from the country to the city and she desperately misses her pig and in turn Heather misses her. Heather becomes the marketing icon for the farm she lives in and unexpectedly gets a trip to London. Heather the pig is determined to find her long lost BFF.  She escapes from her captors and magically finds her friend.  

It’s a cute story but for me was too predictable.  The pig behaves himself much better than a normal animal would.  I don’t know any pig that would stay in a closet for hours. I was underwhelmed.

Emilee, Library Teacher

My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrantz - ESSENTIAL

My Heart is Laughing by Rose Lagercrantz, illustrated by Eva Eriksson, 119 pages. EARLY CHAPTER BOOK Gecko Press, 2014. $17 9781877579523

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Dani is a charming lighthearted girl who thrives on being happy.   This is a story of friendship, of friends moving far away, bullies in school, learning to solve problems and challenges when they arise, and the miracle of forgiveness.  

The stories and illustrations are delightful.  It reminds me of the Romona Quimby books but she has a more positive outlook on life.   This book has all the charm of a great story and extremely relatable to a kid.  The illustrations just add that extra greatness to the story.

Emilee, Library Teacher

Old Wolf by Avi - OPTIONAL

Old Wolf by Avi, illustrated by Brian Floca, 147 pages. CHAPTER BOOK. Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing Division), 2015. $17.

Language: PG (1 swear, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - OPTIONAL.

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Nashoba, an aging alpha wolf, struggles to maintain control of his hungry pack, while Casey, a computer game obsessed teen, longs to trade his computer hunting skills for the real thing. When their worlds overlap, Nashoba and Casey both learn that the other may not be what they had been lead to believe.

The beginning of the book seemed a bit simplistic, but as I continued, the suspense of Nashoba and Casey’s inevitable meeting drew me in. Unfortunately, the ending felt unsatisfying to me. It seemed rushed, convenient, and less developed than the rest of the book   My favorite parts of Avi’s book were the interactions between Nashoba and Merla the sassy raven, as well as the delicate pencil illustrations of Brian Floca scattered throughout the book. I would consider the PG ratings to be very mild PG. The mature content rating is due to issues relating to hunting and digital killing obsession. The violence rating is due to issues involving animal attacks and hunting.

Becci, High School Librarian

The Babysitter from Another Planet by Stephen Savage – OPTIONAL

The Babysitter from Another Planet by Stephen Savage. PICTURE BOOK. Neal Porter Books (Holiday House), 2019. $18. 9780823441471

BUYING ADVISORY: EL –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Two kids are left with an alien babysitter. At first they are nervous but soon realize that all the normal things they do –like brushing their teeth, are much more fun thanks to the alien babysitter. They even get to fly up to bed. Human babysitters are just too boring now. Features simple illustrations.

I thought this book was simple and plain, having an alien baby sitter could be much more interesting. The illustrations are quiet simple and not a style that holds my attention -except the cover, that is pretty great. The book has sort of a pre-k feel, but I think the concept might frighten younger readers and be kind of boring for older readers.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Hoo Hoo Who? By Mary Maier and Lauren Horton – OPTIONAL

Hoo Hoo Who? by Mary Maier and Lauren Horton. PICTURE BOOK. Building Block Press, 2018. $18. 9781944201142

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K, EL (K-3) –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

The reader arrives at a party, the host of the party, Owl, has broken his glasses. Now as each guest arrives, there are clues, and the reader is asked to identify the animal for Owl. When will the surprise party begin? Very large pages featuring unique illustrations.

I love a book where the narrator talks to the readers not to mention an animal guessing game. I think I would like this book more if the artwork was great –but its just kind of thrown together looking and kind of creepy if I am being really honest.  

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor - ADVISABLE

Fox the Tiger by Corey R. Tabor 32 pages. Beginning Reader Balzer/Bray (Harper Collins) 2018 $17 0062398695 

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Fox wishes he was a tiger. He likes that they are big and fast and sneaky. So, Fox paints stripes on himself, and tells his friends he is now Tiger, not Fox. 

 Children love dressing up and pretending to be something or someone else. Tabor's cute story takes it a step further. A beginning reader book, the simple story is enhanced by the adorable illustrations.

Lisa librarian

The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson - ADVISABLE

The House With Chicken Legs by Sophie Anderson, 272 pages.CHAPTER BOOK. Scholastic Press, 2018. $17 

Content: G      

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Marinka is destined to be the next guardian of the "Gate" that leads to the afterlife. She wants more, she wants to be with the living and she resents her Baba from keeping her tied to their house with giant chicken legs that has a tendency to get up and move when required to by the Gate. As the story progresses Marinka discovers some uncomfortable truths about herself and her fate. But she also learns the importance of her destiny and selfless service.

While I was reading the book a couple of my students commented on the subject which they had studied in Elementary. Even though they were in High School they expressed interest in the Baba Yaga myth.  I liked the story and the morale of the tale. When Marinka made selfish choices she and others paid the price, when she thought of others things went better.          

Lisa Moeller Teacher/Librarian

Invisible Jerry by Adam Wallace - ESSENTIAL

Invisible Jerry by Adam Wallace, illustrated by Guiseppe Poli. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Books, 2018. $18. 9781925335781            

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH    

Nobody notices Jerry, no matter what he does. People bump into him without apologizing. Nobody picks him to be on their team. Nobody laughs at his jokes. Then he meets Molly. She adds color to his life, she makes things fun and she is a great friend. 

This is a really cute, easy read picture book. I loved how the illustrations followed the story. To start with Jerry is sad and lonely. That is reflected in the illustrations. When Jerry meets Molly, his whole life brightens, and that is reflected in the illustrations as well. It has wonderful illustrations in watercolor. I recommend this books to anyone, and young readers can even read it alone. However, great discussions can come out of reading this story out loud to young children. I think it would even be a good read-a-loud to open a discussion on how we treat others.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Dreamland by Noah Klocek - ESSENTIAL

Dreamland by Noah Klocek. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2018. $17. 9780763694265

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Amelie loves bedtime and all the things that goes with it, even her dreams. Especially her dreams. Sometimes it is not an easy thing to find her dreams. She loves what happens when she falls asleep and can escape into the world of her dreams.

I found this to be a great bedtime story to prepare young children for going to bed. Going to bed is nice for Amelie and young children can be encouraged to find their own dreams and to talk about them. My two youngest grandchildren and I had a great time reading the story, looking at all the pictures and then talking about dreams. They loved the story and loved the idea of “looking” for their dreams.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian

Stewart's Best Pen by Stephen W. Martin - ADVISABLE

Stewart's Best Pen by Stephen W. Martin, illustrated by Karl Newsom Edwards.  PICTURE BOOK. Clarion Books, 2018. $18. 9780544867734

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

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Stewart and his favorite pen, Craig do everything together -  draw and write everything together, go everywhere together. That is, until one day Craig is gone! He searches for the pen everywhere. Dad even offers to let Stewart borrow his own pencil. Stewart is sad and misses Craig. 

This is a delightful story about friendship and favorite writing tools. I can identify with this story, as I, too, have a favorite pencil. My students will remember that I need “my purple pencil” when help is needed. Cute story. I liked it. The illustrations emphasize the story and help put feelings into it.

Ellen-Anita, Librarian                                                                       

The Clockwork Dragon by James R. Hannibal - ESSENTIAL

The Clockwork Dragon (Section 13 #3) by James R. Hannibal, 422 pages.  Simon & Schuster, 2019.  $18.

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger and fighting)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Now that Jack and Gwen know who is behind all of their problems and Jack’s Dad’s coma, all they have to do is prove it.  And escape from the Ministries in order to do it.  A trip to China comes first, along with a new ally and learning much more about his powers.  Defeating Ignatius Gall will take all of them and a lot of courage.

Jack finally really comes into his own in the third book.  I was sucked in and couldn’t leave until I was finished.  I am so hoping that there are more adventures for the Section 13 kids!

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

The Fourth Ruby by James R. Hannibal - ADVISABLE

The Fourth Ruby (Section 13 #2) by James R. Hannibal, 403 pages.  Simon & Schuster, 2017.  $17

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (some danger)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Jack’s father has been in a coma for a year now, and Jack is losing control over his newly discovered powers.  Jack and Gwen are framed for stealing the Crown Jewels.  Why would his mentor do that to them?  In order to clear their names, Jack and Gwen must escape the clutches of all of the Ministries and track down a famous missing ruby – heading straight into danger and deceit.

Exciting adventures and mystery await young readers.  A great addition to a collection where fantasy novels checkout well.  Similar to Chris Colfer’s and Derek Benz’s series in flavor.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Field Trip to the Moon by John Hare – ESSENTIAL

Field Trip to the Moon by John Hare. PICTURE BOOK. Margaret Ferguson Books (Holiday House) 2019. $18. 9780823442539

BUYING ADVISORY: EL –ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

A group of student astronauts goes on a field trip to the moon. One of the students is enjoying coloring and spending time away from the group and is accidentally left behind! The student takes out crayons and starts to draw, and soon has some unexpected company.

This is a great wordless book, I would totally add it to my collection! Its imaginative and tells a great story with its imagery. It would make a great jumping off point for an assignment on what life might look like on different planets, or what earth looks like from space, or what a student would like to do if they could take a field trip to the moon. Its creative and contains many little surprises –so fun!!

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

The Tall Man and the Small Mouse by Mara Bergman –OPTIONAL

The Tall Man and the Small Mouse by Mara Bergman, illustrated by Brigitta Sif. PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2019. $17. 9781536201680

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

This is the story of a tall man who fixes tall things, and a small mouse who finds small things. They live together, but don’t really know each other exists. One day the tall man is trying to fix the clock tower and can’t because he’s too big to get inside. The mouse helps out and they become friends. Features tall pictures ins subdued harmonious colors.

The illustrations in this book are incredibly adorable and unique. I would like to see more by this illustrator. The story itself could use some work. It has a great rhyming scheme about half the time and then abandons it and picks it back up later, which is odd. I am not sure readers will understand what a clock tower is, how a paper airplane broke it, and how the clock was fixed. 

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Catwad: It's Me by Jim Benton - ESSENTIAL

Catwad: It's Me by Jim Benton, 127 pages.  GRAPHIC NOVEL  Graphix (Scholastic), 2019.  $9.  Content: G  

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL – ESSENTIAL 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH 

Catwad is super grouchy because of his dim-witted friend Blurmp.  Blurmp looks at the bright side all the time and loves everything, especially pizza.  Catwad and Blumrp have hysterical adventures, such as visiting a gross hotel, Blurmp getting sick, and Catwad smiling so hard he turns inside out (very rare).  Although Catwad is grumpy and doesn’t have many friends, it’s fun to watch him interact with Blurmp.  

I think you should read Catwad because it made laugh out loud. I couldn`t stop reading it. Anyone who likes a good laugh, should definitely read this. The pictures in this book are hilarious.  

Student reviewer, Logan, 4^th grade.

Don’t Tell the Nazis by Marsha Furchuk Skrypuch - ADVISABLE

Don’t Tell the Nazis by Marsha Furchuk Skrypuch, 240 pages.  Scholastic, DECEMBER 2019.  $18.  

Language: G (0 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Krystia, her mother, and her younger sister live in a small Ukrainian village in 1941.  After the Soviets move out, they briefly think they are free, but then the Germans start moving in.  First military, but quickly many more Germans occupy homes that used to belong to the villagers.  Now the Germans want food and labor to be supplied by the villagers also.  Slowly but surely the Ukrainians feel their lives slipping away - anyone who even looks the wrong way might die, and if you happen to be Jewish, death will probably be sooner.

What I love about this is the intimate look at the insidious policies of the German military during World War II.  I bet Skyrpuch has several more WWII novels in her quiver, because the ones she has released recently have been on point.  

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen - OPTIONAL

Words on Fire by Jennifer A. Nielsen, 336 pages.  Scholastic, OCTOBER 2019.  $18.  

Language: G (0swears, 0‘f’); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: LOW

Audra and her parents live a poor, but loving life in a small village in Lithuania near the border with Prussia in 1893.  Her dad is away a lot with his peddling and Audra overhears her parents talking about secret plans the same night that the Russians arrest them and send them off to Siberia. Audra escapes and finds refuge with a group that secretly smuggles Lithuanian language books from house to house, village to village, and across the border, after Russia tries to abolish the language.  The Russian soldiers are vicious, and they are caught, they will probably pay with their lives. 

Nielsen writes with her normal aplomb.  The only reason this is rated optional and low is that the time period is obscure that will need to hand sell to help this find its audience.  I loved this look at a part of history that I have never read about before.  I hope all of us librarians can help it find its audience. There are some dangerous situations and some non-graphic deaths.

Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Little Fish and Mommy by Lucy Cousins - ESSENTIAL

Little Fish and Mommy by Lucy Cousins. BOARD BOOK. Candlewick Press, 2019. $9. 9781536206128.

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Little Fish is headed out for a day just with his mommy. They swim and play and explore together. The day is a perfect opportunity for them to grow in their love for one another.

This is the kind of board book I love--bright colors, rhyming text that reads aloud perfectly, and even a book cut into a fun shape to add interest for kids. My toddler loves fish and that is just a bonus in introducing this book to her. The relationship between mom and baby fish is super cute, and it makes this an overwhelmingly great choice for a board book.

Reviewer: TC

From An Idea to Disney: How Imagination Built a World of Magic by Lowey Bundy Sichol - ADVISABLE

From An Idea to Disney: How Imagination Built a World of Magic by Lowey Bundy Sichol, illustrated by C.S. Jennings. 99 pages. NONFICTION. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2019. $16. 9781328453600.

Language: G (0 'F'); Mature content: G; Violence: G

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This is a great nonfiction chapter book for elementary-age readers all about how Disney came to be one of the strongest brands in the world. The story begins with how Walt and Roy began the company and follows it all the way to the present day. There are illustrations and definitions of new words throughout, and big topics like stock prices and market value are even discussed on a level kids can understand. The book includes a timeline, source notes, and a bibliography at the end.

I really enjoyed this book--not only for the information but also for how it was presented. This is a great way to introduce young readers to larger economic concepts and do it in an interesting and fun way. I imagine this book will appeal to young Disney fans, and they'll end up getting a really great financial/business lesson out of it along with fun Disney facts.

Reviewer: TC

Island War by Patricia Reilly Giff - ADVISABLE

Island War by Patricia Reilly Giff, 208 pages, Holiday House. 2018. $17.00. 

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE 

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE 

Eleven-year-old Izzy has come to the island of Attu, off the coast of Alaska, with her mother who is studying birds. Fourteen-year-old Matt has come to the island with his father, who is secretly working for the US Government. The two get off to a very bad start, but when Japanese soldiers invade the island, capturing the whole village, somehow Matt and Izzy are left behind, and they have to learn to get along in order to survive. 

I was not familiar with this aspect of WWII - a territory of the US was invaded by the Japanese! Patricia Reilly Giff has written a gripping story full of suspense, danger and bird watching. The children are likable - Matt seems to be angry all the time, and Izzy struggles both with reading and self confidence, but there's a dog which is always a plus. 

Lisa Librarian

Frida Catlo (Wild Bios) by Courtney Acampora and Maggie Fischer –OPTIONAL

Frida Catlo (Wild Bios) by Courtney Acampora and Maggie Fischer BOARD BOOK. Silver Dolphin Books (Readerlink), 2018. $8. 9781684125586

BUYING ADVISORY: PRE-K –OPTIONAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

This is the mini biography of Frida Kahlo as told as though she was a cat. She is a Meowxican painter who specialty was paw-traits. She wore traditional clawthing. She was the first Meowxican artist to have a work purr-chased by the Louvre. Filled with bright illustrations of cheerful cats and dogs.

As an adult this was a fun and silly parody for a biography. But children really do take things like this is a bit literally. For example in the biography series Ordinary People Change the World, the main person is featured as a small bobblehead figure. Many teachers at my school bought the entire series. After being read this, second grade students at my school actually thought that Rosa Parks was a child when she rode on the bus, and that Martin Luther King Jr. was incredibly short. I’m not saying that young readers would think that Frida was actually a cat, but the imagery and creative wording certainly muddies the waters. My final opinion is that these are fun for grownups and a bit of waste for pre-k’s.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Quantum Mechanics by Jeff Weigel - ESSENTIAL

Quantum Mechanics by Jeff Weigel, 223 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL. Delacorte (Penguin Random), 2018 $13

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH

Rox and Zam love to work on their own project in the space junkyard. There is never the parts they need but they learn to get creative. When a real space ship, The Quasar Torrent comes to ask for help, their dad refuses. But Rox and Zam want a challenge and offer to help. They do such a great job that the captain keeps them. Quickly they find out they on a ship with space pirates who are fighting against a corrupt corporation. They are surprised to find that they like their jobs but there are many dangers and they must be creative to survive.

This was a fantastic graphic novel that fully fleshes out a whole world with many believable characters, motives, and subplots. I can’t believe that much is packed into 223 pages, I left feeling like I knew all of the characters and was rooting for them. Honestly it was like reading a great movie. I think student readers will love this book, it’s fast paced and has a ton of heart. I like that girls are mechanics. Upper elementary and middle school will enjoy this read. The illustrations are fantastic.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.

Big Trouble by Matt Forbeck - ADVISABLE

Big Trouble by Matt Forbeck, 122 pages. Candlewick Entertainment, 2018. $8.99

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

You are the main character of this story, and you have a lot of difficult decisions to make when a normal day is interrupted by giants attacking your home. Do you run, hide, or fight? Choose wisely, for it just might be the last choice you ever make.

Choose your own adventure books are the video games of literature, and the participation is what makes this book fun. A lot of the choices seem intuitive, but Forbeck also throws in a couple of seemingly random choices that keep things interesting. You never know what will be around the corner of your adventure.

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Into the Jungle by Matt Forbeck - ADVISABLE

Into the Jungle by Matt Forbeck, 122 pages. Candlewick Entertainment, 2018. $8.99

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

You are the main character of this story, and you have a lot of difficult decisions to make as you try to accomplish the task you left the comfort of your home for -- find Artus Cimber and the Ring of Winter he has. While you are in an unfamiliar land surrounded by unfamiliar creatures, your adventure will never be boring as you stick to your task, willing to risk death for the chance of your success!

Choose your own adventure books are the video games of literature. Having the opportunity to insert myself as a character of the book is a unique experience, and I enjoy the feeling I have of being more invested in the story. I deliberate over decisions as I attempt a two-fold mission: stay true to what I would do in real life and make decisions that will allow me to live in the end. Good luck, adventurer!

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

Seven Wonders of the Milky Way by David A. Aguilar - ADVISABLE

Seven Wonders of the Milky Way by David A. Aguilar, 75 pages. NON-FICTION. Viking (Penguin Random House), 2018. $18.99

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Space is a mystery, but scientists have been discovering amazing things that exist outside our planet—and even outside our galaxy! These seven wonders of the Milky Way are only a taste of what has yet to be found and understood.

While space and stars can seem like abstract ideas without the context we have for learning about things on earth, Aguilar uses comparisons and examples to help readers understand things larger than we have ever seen. The voice and content are written to be engaging, which is appreciated at every age. Aguilar also points out things we don’t know yet, encouraging readers to become those with potential to help expand knowledge of the universe. 

Reviewer: Carolina Herdegen

The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge -ESSENTIAL

The Jamie Drake Equation by Christopher Edge, 177 pages. Delacorte (Penguin Random),  2018 $17

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

BUYING ADVISORY: EL -ESSENTIAL

AUDIENCE APPEAL: MEDIUM

Jamie’s dad is a famous astronaut which is cool but he is gone a lot and lots of kids are interested in his dad, not him. His dads current mission involves sending out messages to contact possible faraway alien life so he is on the international space station. Jamie is lonely and wanders to a closed observatory, where a rouge scientist is trying to contact alien life a different way. There Jamie accidentally downloads something off the defunct Hubble Telescope (he thinks he is charging his phone). Things get stranger as the app seems to be talking to him. When something goes wrong with the space mission, Jamie will be the only one who can help.

This was a fantastic book, which sat more like slightly depressing realistic fiction than super exciting science fiction. There is a lot of interesting science in it and student readers would be intrigued. This book would actually make a great read-a-loud for a classroom, as there are many real life situations and feelings to discuss, STEM topics, and the possibility of alien life. It was a fully fleshed out world, with many sub characters and plots that made the story feel very real and interesting. I also really liked that it wasn’t overly long, at 177 pages, just right for upper elementary.

Reviewer: Stephanie MLS & Author.