The Notorious Virtues #1: The Notorious Virtues written by Alwyn Hamilton reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Honora "Nora" Holtzfall is the daughter of Walstad's most powerful heiress. When her mother is found murdered, Nora is thrust into the Veritaz Trials, a high-stakes competition for family power and magic, where she faces off against her cousins. Enter Lotte, the illegitimate daughter of Nora's aunt, who is pulled from a convent to join the fight for the Holtzfall legacy. As Nora seeks the truth behind her mother's death, she must navigate a web of betrayal and danger, all while contending with a growing rebellion against her family's control. Magic, rivalry, and secrets abound in this gripping tale. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Middle school appropriate. I enjoyed this a lot. It felt like the Borgia family meets The Inheritance Games meets Little Red Riding Hood. The world building was interesting and the story struck a nice balance between reader desires and being unpredictable. Will eagerly read more. Thanks to Viking Books for Young Readers for the ARC.

Over the Moon written by Natalie Lloyd and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Twelve-year-old Mallie lives in Coal Top where the boys work in the mines and the girls work as servants for the families down in the valley. With Pa injured, the family in debt, and Mallie's beloved younger brother in danger of being sent to the mines, Mallie jumps at the chance to earn the money to save her family in a dangerous competition, even if it means braving the monsters in the forest, the Dust which covers the sky and makes people emotionally sick, and the rich town bully. Mallie also becomes embroiled in dangerous secrets behind the town's leadership and the origins of the Dust itself. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The mining town setting works well for a fantasy novel and invites educators to make comparisons with the real history of what life was like in a mining town. The main character Mallie uses a prosthetic. This is not the focus of the story but Mallie does discuss issues such as how people condescend to her, pity her, how her old prosthetic doesn't fit right anymore, or the color of the prosthetic itself. This could open up conversations about accessibility. The fantasy world building was vivid and engaging.

The Ravens #1: The Ravens written by Kass Morgan and Danielle Paige, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Vivi Devereaux has moved around her entire life, never knowing what it feels like to belong. When she gets a chance to go to Savannah's Westerly College and escape her mother's tarot card scams, she jumps at the chance, despite her mother's cryptic warnings. When Vivi is invited to pledge for the elite and exclusive Ravens sorority, she finally feels she might belong. But the Ravens are not just a sorority--they're a sisterhood of witches. Standing in her way is Scarlett Winter who doesn't seem to think Vivi has what it takes. Scarlett Winter comes from a long line of prestigious witches and has struggled to live up to her family's high expectations. Now a painful secret from her past could cause Scarlett and the entire sisterhood to lose everything. The story blends the bonds of sisterhood with paranormal suspense, keeping readers swinging between sweetness and horror. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: While set in a college sorority, the story steers clear of more adult topics and what shines through is the strong bond of sisterhood. Concepts of magical ethics revolving around topics such as mind control are lightly touched on, which could open up conversations with students. Teachers could also use the Greek life concept to discuss how Greek and other classical cultures have influenced culture today. Main character Vivi is white, Scarlett is black, and the supporting characters are indicated as diverse. The sorority aspect combined with the paranormal aspect made for a fun read.

The Puppet's Payback and Other Chilling Tales written by Mary Downing Hahn and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: These 10 short stories have something for every horror reader. The suspense, the triggers (dolls, ghosts), and the main characters' choices will reach those who like scary stories. Some of them are rooted in irresistibly eerie situations: the undead, hide and seek in cemeteries after midnight, and witches. This book is for those who like to write scary stories to get some great ideas from Hahn's afterward and for those who really don't want to be terrified, but like suspenseful stories. Most of these characters live through these stories which made it better for more of my students. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: My students say they love scary books. They always ask for more. (I fear they are not truthful when they swear they don't get scared. I bet parents will tell me a different tale.) I use reviews to add horror to my libraries as the genre it is not my jam. I had not seen this one before and though I despise being scared, I thought a short story collection was more attainable for me. I am glad I did. This is a great addition to a school collection in elementary or middle schools. Mary Downing Hahn is a consistent writer of horror for kids. I like that in this collection of short stories, she also adds a bit about why she got into this line of work.

Things We Couldn't Say written by Jay Coles and reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Gio’s life is tough. His dad drinks too much and disapproves of both Gio’s love of basketball over church and his coming out as bisexual. His grades are poor partially due to near constant racism within his classes. And his birth mom, who abandoned him and his brother when Gio was nine, has unexpectedly reached out and asked to see him. Fortunately, Gio has support in his stepmom, his two best friends, Ayesha and Olly, and his new basketball teammate and neighbor, David. As Gio and David become closer, romance begins to blossom, but Gio isn’t sure he can handle anything new while he is trying to navigate his feelings about his mom. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: There is a lot to unpack in Things We Couldn’t Say, which at times made the narrative feel cluttered and slowed the pace of the novel. Gio is a likeable character, and his problems at home and school are depicted with sensitivity and realism, but there were times that the book felt more like a list of issues than a story. Gio’s new-found relationship with his mom, in particular, was understandably fraught with tangible emotion, but missing narrative components that helped the reader understand Gio’s intense reactions. Consequently, Gio’s decision about his relationship with his mom at the end of the story may feel confusing or abrupt to readers. The bright spots in this book were definitely in the friendships and romance. Ayesha and Olly were excellent side characters, and display the devoted and honest friendship that we wish for all kids. David joins this circle of friends, eventually becoming a love interest that helps Gio to balance his feelings and find some joy in his life. The sensitive and heartfelt way that they relate to each other as they go through challenging moments is a high point of the story and a beautiful model for teens navigating first love. A possible addition to collections where books heavy on social issues and trouble at home are popular.

Rebellion 1776 written by Laurie Halse Anderson and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: From bestselling author Laurie Halse Anderson comes a engaging middle-grade historical fiction novel, "Rebellion 1776." Set during the chaotic spring of 1776, the story follows thirteen-year-old Elsbeth Culpepper, who finds herself alone and struggling after her father goes missing amidst the Siege of Boston. As the city grapples with the tumult of the Revolutionary War and the devastating smallpox epidemic, Elsbeth must navigate her new reality while seeking employment to avoid an orphanage. Having survived smallpox as a child, Elsbeth takes a job caring for a wealthy family awaiting inoculation. The narrative beautifully intertwines her personal challenges with the historical context of the time, showcasing the public’s fear of inoculation and the fight for survival against an invisible enemy. Elsbeth’s resourcefulness and humor shine through as she develops relationships with those around her, including the conflicted Hannah Sparhawk. Anderson’s attention to detail in depicting the era and the struggles faced by her characters offers readers a poignant look at resilience and courage during a time of upheaval. "Rebellion 1776" is a powerful story that connects historical events with the personal journeys of young individuals. 

Straignt Talk for Librarians: This is a great new release for book discussions or reading circles to encourage students to explore the Revolutionary War and the smallpox epidemic. Lots of  interactive programming options can be implemented, such as history-themed escape rooms or project-based learning activities where students research and present on topics related to the book. Incorporating primary source documents, such as letters from the era, can deepen students' understanding of the time period. Additionally, hosting author study sessions focused on Laurie Halse Anderson's works can inspire students to engage with historical fiction. 

I loved this book!  I put off reading it for a little bit because I knew it was going to be an emotional rollercoaster. When I started, I could not put it down!  I really loved the perspective from just an average person.  Elsbeth was just focused on surviving the day and not really invested in politics.  Boston was not filled with freedom zealots like a lot of stories portray.  There were people who would be affected by war in many different ways.  War is hard and dangerous.  Lots of men died fighting for one side or the other.  Disease took men, women and children.  I imagine it was a pretty wild time to be alive.  I appreciate how the author wrote the story to focus on hope and resilance, despite the dire circumstances.  This is a perfect book for any middle school library.  I would even say that it will find a lot of readers at the high school level, especially if there are a lot of historical fiction and Laurie Halse Anderson fans.  Thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing and NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy.  This book is out April 1, 2025!!!

Mouseling's Words written by Shutta Crum and illustrated by Ryan O'Rourke, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this charming picture book by Shutta Crum, Little Mouseling embarks on a delightful adventure beyond the nest, driven by a love for words. Inspired by the scraps Aunt Tilly brings from the Swashbuckler Restaurant, Mouseling ventures into a library filled with words and faces an unexpected challenge—a cat. Using clever tricks, Mouseling escapes the cat's grasp and discovers that reading aloud can forge a friendship. With whimsical illustrations by Ryan O’Rourke, this story celebrates the joy of reading and the magic of words, encouraging young readers to embrace their literary journeys. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a great read aloud, emphasizing the rich language and playful phrases. Following the reading, activities such as word scavenger hunts can be organized, where students search for words in books around the library. Additionally, discussions can focus on the importance of friendship and sharing stories, encouraging students to read to one another or even to pets. This engaging story serves as an excellent springboard for promoting literacy and a love for libraries. Shutta Crum is a bi-peninsular author, spending half the year in Michigan and the other half in Florida. Her connection to Michigan is significant, as it not only serves as her home base but also influences her writing and storytelling. The diverse landscapes and communities of Michigan inspire her creativity and provide rich settings for her narratives. As a retired librarian, she has a deep appreciation for literature and education, which is reflected in her engaging children's books.

Wolfie Monster and the Big Bad Pizza Battle: A Graphic Novel written and illustrated by Joey Ellis, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: Wolfe and his monster brothers, Jackson and Roy, own Magik Cheez Pizza. There’s a new pizza place in town run by Lord Mudpant and he has taken over all the other stores in town. He wants their pizza store too. Lord Mudpant has evil plans to turn the town into zombies and take their money. He is not going to let these brothers stop him. It’s up to Wolfie to get to the bottom of his deceit. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Entertaining, colorful artwork, and humorous. Every page was illustrated with interesting detail. Great for teachers to get a low level reader interested in reading. Elementary students were very interested in reading this book over my shoulder. A lexile of 430 makes it well suited for elementary students or struggling middle school students. Highly Recommended

The Frog Book written and illustrated by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The Frog Book offers an engaging exploration of various frog species through vibrant illustrations and intriguing facts. It introduces readers to the unique characteristics, habitats, life cycles, and behaviors of frogs, including the alarming fact that many species are endangered. Organized into sub-topics like "What is a frog?" and "Finding a mate," the book invites curiosity and wonder. A table at the end provides additional information about the frogs discussed, making it a valuable resource for young learners. With its combination of art and science, this book captivates readers while educating them about the fascinating world of frogs. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The Frog Book is a great book to fit into a variety of library programming. It is a good book for themed storytime sessions, focusing on environmental awareness and biodiversity. Interactive activities such as scavenger hunts can help students find specific information within the text, enhancing their research skills. Additionally, librarians can encourage students to create KWL charts to track their prior knowledge and new learnings about frogs. This book can also serve as a springboard for informational writing projects, allowing students to delve deeper into their favorite frog species and present their findings creatively. Overall, it’s an excellent book for fostering curiosity and learning about nature.

You Owe Me a Murder written by Eileen Cook and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Seventeen-year-old Kim finds herself in an unexpected predicament during a school trip to London with her ex-boyfriend, Connor, and his new girlfriend. After their breakup, Kim is less than thrilled about the trip but hopes to make the best of it. On the flight, she meets the daring and adventurous Nicki, who listens to Kim vent about her heartbreak. In a moment of dark humor, Nicki suggests they create a list of reasons to kill each other's tormentors: Kim's ex-boyfriend and Nicki's controlling alcoholic mother. Initially brushed off as a joke, the situation escalates when Connor is mysteriously killed shortly after their arrival in London. Nicki, who appears to have a sinister agenda, blackmails Kim into fulfilling their "deal." As Kim navigates the suspenseful twists and turns, she grapples with trust, morality, and the lengths one might go to escape their problems. The story blends psychological suspense with an unreliable narrator, keeping readers guessing about the truth behind the events. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book could be a good choice for a book discussion group and there is plenty to talk about on themes of morality, trust, and the consequences of actions. This book would lend itself to a writing workshop where students craft their own suspenseful narratives, inspired by Kim and Nicki's story. This book could be a part of a display incorporating elements of psychological suspense or thematic reading lists. This book not only promotes literacy but also engages students in meaningful discussions around real-life issues. This book is an excellent choice for readers seeking an engaging and suspenseful murder mystery that will keep them on the edge of their seats. It's a good purchase for a high school library.

Marked written by Laura McCaffrey and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In a dystopian society, sixteen-year-old Lyla dreams of becoming an inventor, aspiring to rise above her miner parents. However, her ambitions take a dark turn when she is caught in the illegal Shadow Market and is tattooed as a criminal, known as being "Marked." Expelled from school, she is given a choice: spy on her childhood friend Gill, who is on the verge of joining the Red Fist gang, a group fighting against the oppressive barons. As Lyla embarks on this dangerous mission, she grapples with her feelings for Gill and the moral dilemmas of loyalty and betrayal. The story is enriched with comic-style zine illustrations featuring her favorite heroes, Pirate Jackman and Lady Captain, which provide background on Lyla's world. While the book explores themes of class disparity and rebellion, it also highlights Lyla's internal struggles and relationships. The narrative is fast-paced, filled with action, and raises thought-provoking ethical questions, making it an engaging read for young adults. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A reading group can be established to explore dystopian literature, comparing this book with other titles in the genre, which will encourage critical thinking. This would also be a great book to introduce if there are any zine-making workshops. This not only promotes creativity but also engages students in storytelling and world-building. Collaborating with art teachers for visual storytelling projects can enhance students' understanding of character development and plot structure. This book is a good choice for a fun read in a high school library. It will appeal to readers of dystopian fiction.

Dear Dumb Diary (Deluxe) #19 Dumbness is a Dish Best Served Cold written by Jim Benton

Summary: Jamie Kelly returns in this super-deluxe, full-color edition of the "Dear Dumb Diary" series, bringing her trademark humor and quirky observations to life at Mackerel Middle School. In this installment, Jamie, along with her friends Isabella and Angeline, embarks on a mission to make money through a food-related venture. Despite their initial struggles with ideas like smart nutrition plates, they eventually strike gold with a unique salad dressing that captures attention and earns them some cash. The book is filled with Jamie's hilarious thoughts, colorful illustrations, and relatable middle school drama, including themes of friendship, financial awareness, and overcoming challenges. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Middle school students will enjoy this book for its humor, engaging illustrations, and the relatable antics of Jamie and her friends. The lighthearted narrative tackles real-life issues, such as financial struggles and the importance of creativity in problem-solving, making it both entertaining and educational. The diary-style chapters, though presented in a novel format, maintain a fun and easy-to-read flow, appealing to fans of similar series like "Dork Diaries" or "Diary of a Wimpy Kid." The vibrant illustrations enhance the storytelling experience, capturing the attention of young readers. Overall, Jamie's adventures and her humorous take on middle school life resonate with students aged 10 and up, encouraging them to embrace their own challenges with laughter and creativity.

My Brilliant Idea written by Stuart David, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Meet fifteen-year-old Jack "The Jackdaw" Dawson, a high school student with a knack for coming up with wild ideas. During a daydream in class, Jack conceives the ultimate plan: to create an app that prevents students from zoning out, thinking it will bring him fame and fortune. To make this vision a reality, Jack seeks the help of Elsie "Greensleeves" Green, a brilliant programmer who harbors a deep-seated dislike for him. In exchange for her assistance, she demands an outrageous favor. As Jack navigates these increasingly absurd demands, he finds himself caught in a web of schemes involving his parents, uncle, cousin, and classmates. The story unfolds with a blend of humor and chaos, showcasing Jack's charming yet misguided optimism. While readers may initially struggle with the British slang and pacing, they will find Jack's journey relatable as he grapples with his parents' contrasting expectations. Ultimately, "The Jackdaw" is a comedic tale of friendship, deception, and the trials of adolescence, culminating in unexpected revelations and a satisfying conclusion. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: By organizing a book club, students can discuss Jack's entrepreneurial spirit while exploring their own ideas for app development. Librarians can facilitate workshops where students brainstorm and pitch their app concepts, mimicking Jack's attempts, while encouraging critical thinking about ethical implications in technology. This book is a good choice for independent reading. I think it can appeal to both boys and girls with an interest in technology. The author is interesting in that he is a Scottish musician, novelist, and co-founder of Belle and Sebastian, now fronting Looper and authoring seven novels and a memoir. I think this was his first and only YA book.