Goddesses of the Underworld #1: Hekate - The Witch written by Nikita Gill, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Hekate is a novel in verse retelling of the Greek goddess Hekate's journey from a child of war to a powerful witch goddess. Born amidst the conflict between the Titans and Olympians, Hekate is forced into the Underworld for safety. Raised by Styx, Pallas, Charon and Hades, she navigates the macabre realm, seeking her purpose. As she uncovers her powers, Hekate realizes her unique ability to end the immortal conflict. The book is written in evocative verse, exploring themes of empowerment, identity, and resilience. Through Hekate’s eyes, readers experience the beauty and brutality of the ancient world, while she discovers her strength and destiny.  Readers will also see Hekate falling in love with Thanatos, which was a favorite part of the story for me.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers interested in mythology and magic will love this book. I was not sure that I wanted to jump into a novel in verse, but I loved it! I appreciated the themes of empowerment and self-discovery, and the vivid imagery of the Underworld. The book offers a fresh perspective on a lesser-known goddess. I think readers will be able to explore diverse perspectives, understanding the complexities of identity and power. I also think it's good insight into the feelings of a war refugee who has lost loved ones and seen violence. It's a quicker read for readers looking for a "short" book.  It's a great next step for Percy Jackson fans. The cover art is beautiful.  The black reflects the darkness and death of the Underworld. I did look up why the title is spelled Hekate instead of Hecate and it turns out that the "k" is closer to the Greek translation.  The author is a Irish, Indian writer, living in the south of England. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Great addition to any high school library. 🖤A sprinkle of politics, romance, and Greek mythology.

Fabulous Creatures: Legendary Animals from Around the World by Cornelia Funke , translated by Anna Schmitt Funke and illustrated by Ruby Warnecke, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This is a beautiful picture book by Cornelia Funke, featuring vibrant illustrations by Ruby Warnecke. This book introduces young readers to 19 mythical creatures from diverse cultures. The book starts off with a Qilin "that reveal themselves where things are just and peaceful."  It follows with an Egyptian Phoenix, a Balinese Barong, a Aotearoa (New Zealand) Tumu-Rai'i Fenua who is tasked with teaching humans to live in peace and harmony.  My favorite is the Thunderbird, which might be the most North American mythological creature. Each creature is brought to life with anecdotes and colorful, imaginative illustrations. The book fosters curiosity by providing cultural and historical context without overwhelming detail, making it an engaging read for children aged 4-12. The illustrations, with their whimsical and vibrant style, enhance the storytelling, allowing readers to explore the enchanting world of mythical creatures. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is perfect for fostering global connections. The book’s approachable style and vivid imagery make it both educational and entertaining. Young readers will enjoy discovering new creatures and learning about different cultures, sparking their imagination and encouraging further exploration into mythology and folklore. The book aligns with the IB Learner Profile by encouraging students to be "Inquirers." It fosters curiosity and promotes exploration of global cultures and myths. 

All teachers can use this book to discuss diversity, cultural understanding, and the art of storytelling, creating opportunities for students to develop critical thinking and appreciation for different traditions. It's a great addition to any library's mythology section and sure to be popular. This book could kick off a larger cultural research project, where each student would get a different mythical creature from a different culture/country to research.  Students could also have fun with a Creature Comparison Chart (and learn a research skill).  Finally, all ages could have fun with a Mythical Creature map, where students could utilize a large world map to locate where each mythical creature is said to originate.  This can help them visualize the global diversity of myths.  So many ideas from this one book!  As an adult, I enjoyed the collaborative process outlined in the notes at the end of the book.  So fun to have the insight as to how to book came to be.

This book's expected publication date is March 31, 2026 by NorthSouth Books.  Thank you to the publisher for a advance review copy.

Selma: the Story of a Stellar Spider written by Tini Malina and translated by Tammi Reichel, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Selma - The Story of a Stellar Spider" by Tini Malina is an adorable picture book about a little spider with big dreams. Unlike her family, Selma doesn't spin webs to catch flies. Instead, she weaves artistic creations, capturing the beauty of the world around her. Despite criticism, Selma follows her passion and climbs to great heights, both literally and figuratively. Her journey is about being true to oneself and pursuing dreams, culminating in an extraordinary web that reflects her unique vision. This story, with its beautiful illustrations, encourages children to embrace their individuality and creativity. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I loved this picture book!  The color palette and the illustrations are really unique. The story of Selma teaches kids the importance of staying true to oneself, even when others disagree. The vibrant and playful illustrations enhance the narrative, making it engaging for young readers. The unexpected twist at the end adds excitement and reinforces the theme of embracing differences. IB PYP librarians will love that the book promotes Learner Profile attributes such as being open-minded and reflective. Teachers can use it to discuss the value of creativity, perseverance, and respecting diverse perspectives. It encourages students to think independently and pursue their passions. Any school librarian can use this book to spark discussions about creativity and individuality. It can be featured in a display about art and self-expression, or included in a storytelling session to inspire young readers to think about what makes them unique.  There are lots of crafting opportunities to go along with this book.  Students can make their own web designs on black construction paper using white crayons.  There could also be all kinds of spider crafts like this one or these ones.  I think this could also pair well with a math lesson on patterns.  At the high school, it would be interesting for German language learners to compare this book to the original written in German.  All in all, a great purchase for any level school library.

The expected publication date for this book is March 24, 2026.  Thank you to NorthSouth books for an advance copy of this book.

Time to Split written by Daniel Fehr , illustrated by Raphaël Kolly , translated by Marshall Yarbrough and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Time to Split" by Daniel Fehr, illustrated by Raphaël Kolly, is a charming picture book about a frog who lives a routine life in a greenhouse. Frog wakes up, takes a bath, takes a stroll, drinks banana juice and remarks on his life being "Simply marvelous!" He sees the outside world and can tell when seasons change. He considers leaving, but has plenty of reasons why staying is better. Each day is the same until Bird arrives, bakes muffins, and introduces Frog to new experiences. After Bird departs for winter, Frog reflects on his life and decides to take a risk and try to make muffins. Little does he know this small risk will lead to an even bigger opportunity.  This story encourages readers to discover new things and find courage in new adventures. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers will enjoy "Time to Split" for its humor, delightful illustrations, and engaging story. The expressive artwork brings Frog's adventures to life, while the narrative gently encourages curiosity and exploration. Young readers will relate to Frog's journey and the joy of discovering new experiences. Librarians in a IB PYP school will notice that the book aligns with the Learner Profile traits by fostering curiosity, open-mindedness, and risk-taking.  In class, students could create their own stories about trying new things, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences. Any school librarian can use this book for a read aloud. Then focus on themes of growth and discovery. A fun activity after reading the story could include students writing or drawing a new adventure for Frog.  What happens after he leaves the greenhouse?  Where does he go next?  For a super exciting day, there could be muffins!  There could be a class discussion of the ingredients and the baking process, just like Bird did with Frog.  Then students could enjoy muffins together.  The illustrations are beautiful.  They are soft and earthy, but adorable and appealing to any reader who loves animals.  This book is also super high quality.  The binding, the paper, the cover.  This book should be able to withstand lots of circulation.

What's for Dinner? written and illustrated by Larysa Maliush, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this delightful picture book, Big Gray Wolf encounters a lost baby bunny named Bunkins in the woods. According to Wolf Rules, he should eat the bunny, but Bunkins' innocence and a note promising a delicious meal for his safe return challenge the wolf's instincts. Navigating a series of humorous and challenging situations, Big Gray Wolf decides to take Bunkins home, pondering the ethics of his choices along the way. The story is enriched by Maliush's captivating illustrations, which depict a charming cast of characters in a moonlit setting. This tale of unexpected friendship and moral dilemmas explores themes of kindness, generosity, and questioning societal norms, making it a captivating read for both young children and older readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This beautifully illustrated book offers a whimsical story of friendship and ethical decision-making. Children will enjoy the humorous interactions between Big Gray Wolf and Bunkins, as well as the rich, dynamic artwork. The characters are engaging and relatable, inviting children to explore themes of empathy and kindness. The story's gentle suspense and humor make it an ideal bedtime read, captivating young imaginations while subtly introducing complex themes. If you are in a IB PYP school, this book aligns with the IB Learner Profile by fostering traits such as empathy and critical thinking.  Students can explore how Big Gray Wolf embodies caring and reflective traits as he navigates his choices. All elementary school librarians can feature this book in story time sessions, focusing on its themes of kindness and friendship. It can also be part of a display on empathy, encouraging children to think about different perspectives. The engaging story and illustrations make it a perfect addition to any school library collection, inviting young readers to linger and explore.  I loved it!  Highly Recommended.

Our LIBRES group received an advance copy of this book.  Book is set to be published March 17, 2026.  Thanks to NorthSouth books for a copy.

The King of Kazoo: A Graphic Novel written by Norm Feuti, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: King Cornelious is frustrated that he has no accomplishment unlike the kings before him. His daughter, who knows magic, comes to him to share what her familiar, a bird, allows her to see from its eyes. There is a problem on the mountain just outside the kingdom. When she brings this curiosity to the king, he dismisses her. He shows her his new car, created by his clever worker, Torq. Torq is very creative and capable, but never gets credit. When an explosion happens in the mountain, something must change. Off they go in the car to find the problem and solve it to save the town. King Cornelius is hysterically small minded and his daughter and Torq are needed to give them a chance to discover the musings of an evil wizard and to stop him from destroying the town. This graphic novel is adorable throughout. There are fun characters me along the way, but it is the goofy antics of the king that save the day. It is lovely that in the end, the king discovers that credit needs given when people deserve it. Kindness and compassion as well as humility are wonderful traits to share. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The creativity and fun never end in this one from the town, to the swamp, to the mountain and back again Norm Feuti has held my attention. I am certain that he will entertain my students in my elementary school, as well. I don't typically read graphic novels aloud, but I might have to show this one off with my 3rd graders as I have several in those classes that I think will beg to check this one out for themselves. I especially loved how he explains newspaper comics, his job, in his bio at the end of the story.

The Last Voyage of Poe Blythe written by Ally Condie, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Poe Blythe is an orphan growing up in The Outpost. On her first voyage away from The Outpost, her mining dredge is attacked by raiders and the love of her life was killed in front of her. Two years later, Poe lives solely for vengeance, having created a brutal armor for the dredge that takes the lives of any who would attempt to take the ship. Setting out on the dredge once more, this time as its captain, Poe finds herself on a mission whose goals she doesn't understand with a crew she doesn't trust in a land where the raiders are lying in wait. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: While this story is set in the same world as Ally Condie's Matched trilogy, it functions as a standalone and no knowledge of the Matched trilogy is necessary. 

What is interesting about this novel is the complexity of the characters and their motivations. There are no clear "good guys" in this conflict between The Outpost and the raiders because both sides have been fighting for so long that no one's hands are clean. Answers to what is really going on (why DOES the Admiral need the gold? Why do the raiders want the gold?) don't come easily. For those who are looking for more realism, the story is unpredictable and original. It is also worth noting that the protagonist refreshingly does not immediately abandon her revenge to fall into the arms of the first good looking male character--Poe's story is very much rooted in her grief. 

Educators could easily draw parallels between many events in the book and real life history, such as the kidnapping of indigenous children and subsequent placement into boarding schools, the destruction of the environment caused by the colonizers, the difficulty of creating peace between warring groups when both sides have done harm to the other, and how grief can fuel anger.

Sarah Bernhardt: The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar written by Catherine Reef, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Sarah Bernhardt was a French actress who was the world's first celebrity superstar. This account follows her life from birth to death, with black and white photographs included. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: While many professional reviews list the book as appropriate for 7th grade and up, educators should be aware of frank discussions and explanations of French courtesans. Additionally, the dense text sparsely broken by photographs makes this more appropriate for older readers. While the life of Sarah Bernhardt is fascinating and the reader is left wondering at her magnetism and mystique, the writing style does not lean into sensationalism but relies more on a plain factual account style. This, again, caters to older readers. Finally, readers may find themselves confused by the placement of some photographs in relation to the text. In one notable instance, the author describes on the lefthand page Bernhardt's famous sculpture housed in the National Museum of Women in Arts in Washington DC but the photograph does not appear on the righthand page--the reader instead sees a photo of Bernhardt wearing pants and must turn the page to see the photograph of the artwork. That aside, the reader walks away with a sense of Bernhardt's mystique and a desire to dig out old black and white films to try to see Bernhardt perform for themselves. 

Bernhardt was alive through a great deal of important European history events, such as the Franco-Prussian war and WWI. She travelled the globe extensively and rubbed shoulders with important historical figures such as Mary Todd Lincoln, George Sand, Chopin, Edison, and more. Educators could also easily use Bernhardt's life to discuss the evolution of theater from vaudeville, to the professional theaters, to silent film. Bernhardt was an expert at staying in the forefront of public attention, with stunts like sleeping in her own coffin or claiming that she saved Mary Todd Lincoln's life. This could lead to interesting discussions about propaganda and advertising. 

Recommended for high school collections with strong theater or film programs.

The Thirteenth Cat written by Mary Downing Hahn, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Twelve year old Zoey is excited to spend the summer with her Aunt Alice in her beautiful new house next to the overgrown forest. She quickly makes friends with local girl Lila and both girls become convinced that the mean neighbor Miss Dupree is a witch. Miss Dupree has bunches of mean cats as well but one sweet and friendly kitten. When Zoey sees the kitten being bullied by the other cats and sees how malnourished it is, she becomes determined to rescue it and keep it. But Miss Dupree is not about to let the cat go. Using her witchly powers, she turns Zoey and Lila into cats! Now Zoey and Lila must figure out how to outsmart the witch and the other cats to return to human before they lose their human memories. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Books by Mary Downing Hahn are generally a popular choice in upper elementary school and lower middle school for horror fans. Fans of Erin Hunter's warrior cat books will also love this story, especially the parts where Zoey and Lila navigate being cats. 

Miss Dupree makes her money as a fashion designer. She uses her magic to transform the cats into girls at night, forcing them to work in a sweat shop creating the designs (which themselves are stolen from one of the other cat-girls). As such, educators could tie in lessons about sweat shops and the fashion industry.

A Baby Like You written by Catherine Thimmesh, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This board book is larger sized and delightfully engaging. The full page + color photographs of newborn babies are described along with the same with a human baby. First breath, transporting babies, eating habits, learning to play, walk, and communicate. The pages opposite the color photographs have two parts: one that is details about the animal baby and the act they are experiencing or learning from their parents while the other gives greater details in smaller font at the bottom half of the page. I really like this format as the top could be what is read for months before an older child may want more information. This book essentially grows with your baby and that would make it a lovely gift for new parents. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: As a teacher of young children I especially love the size. I read aloud to a class of about about nine 2.5 to 4 year old special education students. The size of this book makes it more approachable for my visually impaired students, the lovely photographs of all kinds of babies will most certainly engage my students, and the thick soft cover and the thicker pages will allow those of my students with the dexterity to turn the pages themselves to have that option. These are all very important considerations for me for this particular group of students!

Girl, Goddess, Queen written by Bea Fitzgerald, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this fresh retelling of the classic Hades and Persephone myth, Persephone, frustrated with her role as the goddess of flowers and an unwanted arranged marriage, takes control of her destiny. She willingly descends into the Underworld, escaping the constraints of Olympus. Using the rule of hospitality, she secures temporary safety and begins to transform the Underworld, challenging the divine order. Her relationship with Hades evolves from wary tolerance to mutual trust, with Hades depicted as a kind but wounded figure. Persephone, claiming her new identity, agrees to marry Hades to prevent being forced into another unwanted union. The novel combines modern dialogue and humor with themes of empowerment and agency, appealing to young adult readers. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Oh man!  I loved this retelling of Hades and Persephone. There are themes of autonomy, identity, and challenging societal norms. The story's humor and banter make it accessible for teens, while the character development provides opportunities for discussions on personal growth and empowerment. The novel's modern elements, like dialogue and character dynamics, can spark conversations about adapting classic tales to contemporary settings. Zeus is portrayed as a terrible father who is looking to pretty much sell his daughter. I would recommend this book to high school readers.  It has a little bit of romantic spice to it because Hades and Persephone DO have a honeymoon ;)  This is a next step up for students who love Percy Jackson.  The River Styx has a unique portryal and Persephone is trying to help the lost souls by bringing some life into the Underworld.  However, this has some unforseen consequences in the still living world. It has quite the feminist twist. This series was originally published in the UK and is having a US release.  This is the first book of a planned series.

Codebreakers #1: The Wish Ring Cipher written by Alexandra Ott, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This story follows Emma Avery, a newly diagnosed autistic girl, as she transitions from her comfortable and small school, Sterling, to Afton Academy, a new environment with more tailored support programs and a lot more students. At Afton, Emma meets Nate, a popular classmate who shares her love for codes. Together, they join the Codebreakers, a group focused on deciphering mysterious codes in a nearby ghost town that lead to magical objects. As they race against rivals to find a wish-granting artifact, Emma faces challenges of trust and friendship. This captivating middle-grade novel blends mystery, magic, and the journey of self-discovery. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is rich story that intertwines themes of friendship, autism, and code-breaking. Emma's transition from Sterling to Afton Academy highlights the importance of supportive educational environments for neurodiverse students. It is a good book to discuss neurodiversity, encouraging empathy and understanding among students. The detailed exploration of ciphers can also be an engaging way to introduce problem-solving and critical thinking exercises in the classroom. While some may find the pace slow, the depth of character development and the intriguing plot make it a worthwhile read. The author is neurodivergent and she wrote it in a way that would have appealed to her in middle school.  A lot of reviewers are not liking the detailed explanations of the code breaking strategies, but I think will appeal to those students who are really into it.  I like that Emma found some friends that did not judge her because she was expecting to be judged and labeled as soon as she got to her new school.

The Secret Astronomers: a Novel in Notes written by Walker, Jessica, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In "The Secret Astronomers," two high school students, Copernicus and Kepler, forge an unexpected friendship through an 1888 astrophysics textbook found in the library of Green Bank High School, West Virginia. Copernicus, grieving her mother's recent death, moves from San Francisco to live with her grandparents. Struggling to fit in and find solace, she begins writing letters to her deceased mother on the pages of the oldest textbook in the library. To her surprise, she receives a response in the form of a sticky note from Kepler, a fellow student known for her academic excellence and aspirations to be the first in her family to attend college. As the girls exchange notes and drawings, they uncover a shared mystery linked to Copernicus's mother and strange events that occurred in the late 1980s. Their correspondence reveals hidden secrets and helps them confront personal challenges while bringing them closer together. The story is enriched by the illustrations meticulously crafted by debut author Jessica Walker, turning the textbook's pages into a canvas for their evolving relationship. This novel not only explores themes of friendship and family but also highlights life in Appalachia, the absence of modern technology, and the power of human connection. The unique format and compelling narrative invite readers into a world where two seemingly different lives intersect through creativity and curiosity, ultimately bridging the gap between them. 

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is such a fun take on young adult fiction with its engaging mix of narrative post-it notes and art. The book's style allows readers to delve into the characters' thoughts and emotions, making their connection feel authentic. Teachers can use this novel to explore themes of grief, friendship, and identity with students. The intriguing mystery and artistic elements provide opportunities for creative projects, such as students creating their own mixed-media stories or junk journaling. The book also encourages discussions on the impact of family and community, making it a valuable addition to any classroom. Overall, it's a captivating read for those who enjoy character-driven stories with a touch of mystery.  It's a very unique book that I really enjoyed reading. It will be a great addition to our school library.