Technically, You Started It, written by Lana Wood Johnson, reviewed by Kalie Mehaffy

Summary: At Haley's school, there are two Martin Nathaniel Munroe II (cousins), and when one of them texts Haley about a school project, she thinks she knows which one she is texting. What starts as a casual text exchange about a school project turns into a full blown friendship - one that is only over text. As they become closer, Martin begins to realize that Haley does not know which Martin Munroe she is texting; and Martin struggles with how to tell her which Martin Nathaniel Munroe II he actually is - a decision that could lead to a disaster. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book was a quick and delightful read. The entire novel is written as a series of text message exchanges, which allows for a quick reading experience. It is very easy to tell who is talking - Haley's texts are always in a slightly darker bubble on the right, and Martin's texts are always in a lighter bubble on the left. I think that this book is wonderful for a student who struggles with reading - particularly the girls. I do agree with the review, this novel will be much easier to understand if the reader is already familiar with a texting format. One thing that I appreciate about this novel is its diversity. Although there are no character descriptions, the characters do have brief, but blunt conversations about their sexuality. They do not go into detail, but they do frankly state their sexuality in their conversations. This is something that is still a bit rare to see, especially in young adult novels, and I know that there are students in my schools would benefit from seeing. I think that students would benefit from seeing how the author uses the two characters to show how easy it is to misunderstand things in a conversation - especially one that is not face to face - and how those misunderstandings could be resolved. I am not sure if it has strong curriculum ties, although this novel could certainly be used as an example of how to write dialogue, and how dialogue can aid greatly in character development. Overall, I would love to have this book in both my middle and my high school, I think it is a great book to include in a reluctant readers section.

What Happens Now, written by Jennifer Castle, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Ari has a life filled with responsibility and sadness. One summer, she and her best friend Kendall spy a cute boy at the lake. Ari creates a wonderful fantasy world for the boy who is quickly becoming her new obsession. When the summer ends, Ari assumes that is the end of it. He will forever be the one that got away. The first half of the book is set during the first summer. The second half of the book is set during the following summer. A chance encounter introduces Ari to her fantasy boyfriend, Camden. They start dating and Ari finds herself pulled into Camden's tight-knit circle of friends. Camden inhibits a world of wealth and unimaginable freedom. Ari raises her younger sister while her mom works as a nurse and her stepfather struggles to keep their small art supply store in business. Ari learns Camden loves her favorite fandom, Silver Arrow. Unfortunately, Camden’s favorite cosplay is her least favorite character from Silver Arrow. As the summer progresses, Ari questions the depth of her love for Camden. Is she in love with her fantasy version of Camden or the real Camden? Does she even know who the real Camden is? Would Camden still love her if he knew her darkest secrets? 

Straight Talk for Librarians: What Happens Now looks like a lighthearted beach read. The cover looks like a vintage postcard. Do not be fooled. Ari is dealing with some very grown-up issues. Her mom and stepfather have drifted apart as her mom buries herself in work. Ari is almost solely responsible for caring for her younger sister Danielle. Ari is still struggling with the depression and dark thoughts that led to her suicide attempt the year before. Ari is not the only character struggling with depression or mental health issues. What Happens Now tackles some serious issues that many teens face without coming across as trite or overly simplified. The novel is recommended for students in high school due to content. The novel contains references to sex and underage drinking. The novel works best as entertainment reading. I highly recommend this novel.

The Funniest Man in Baseball: The True Story of Max Patkin, written by Audrey Vernick, reviewed by Judy Hauser

 

Summary: This is a fun book about a real person named Max Patkin who was a baseball "clown" starting in the 1940s. The author describes how Max loved baseball and wanted to be a great pitcher. He pitched in minor league games but had injuries that affected his career. After World War II, Max figured out how to stay in the game by clowning with the players. He became well-known for his funny antics and worked for several decades. I don't know if young children will be able to understand some of the time period references. Explanations about WWII and famous names in baseball will be necessary. Maybe it won't matter because the story is enjoyable and inspirational. And if young children like baseball that may be enough to hold their interest. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Max's story mostly takes place in the 1940s-60s so it will take some discussion with young kids to talk about these time periods. Also, some famous baseball players from the past are mentioned and that will mean nothing to young children. 

Hands to Heart: Breathe and Bend with Animal Friends, written by Alex Bauermeister, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is the perfect book for young children during this historic period of time. Everyone, even children, need suggestions on how to relax. The author of the book is also a yoga therapist for children. She describes moods and yoga moves in rhyming text and they will be easily understood by children. The illustrations by Flora Waycott are also perfect for the story. As the animals illustrate the yoga moves, and what a great way to show the moves, the text describes what to do. The author is recommending the yoga moves "Whether your mood is soaring high or low" and "Whether your breath is flowing fast or slow." Young children will not only enjoy the book and the illustrations but may benefit from these relaxing, stretching, yoga positions! 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A good book for not only talking about yoga but how to relax during stressful times.

Donkey Egg, written by James Stevens and Susan Stevens Crummel, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a cute story about Bear, Hare and the donkey egg. Grumpy old Bear wanted fine, big crops on his old farm but he lacked the motivation to get started. Hare visited one day and gave Bear a surprise - a donkey egg. The donkey egg was actually a watermelon but Bear did not notice and soon became motivated to grow a donkey! He nurtured the donkey egg by keeping it warm and safe and even providing some much needed fun. Alas, the donkey egg did not hatch. The egg eventually rolls down a hill, crashes, splits open and reveals itself to be a watermelon and not a donkey egg! The story ends up nicely because Bear, with Hare's help, plants the watermelon seeds and gets his big, beautiful crop after all. The illustrations are great as is the rhyming text. Young children will enjoy the story's humor, friendship, enthusiasm and wackiness. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Young children will enjoy the wacky donkey egg story and how Bear was tricked into believing. The ending is fun.

Life Hacks For Kids, written by Sunny Keller, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Upper elementary and middle school aged children will enjoy this book if they like craft projects. Sunny Keller is a young teen who hosts a YouTube show on crafting. If young people enjoy her YouTube show they will probably want to read this book. Sunny goes through many "life hacks" or craft projects step-by-step. All of the projects do seem pretty easy and use few items to complete. Some of the projects require adult help if, for example, an oven is involved. Sunny also answers questions about her life in the book and young readers will enjoy finding out more about the young author. She mentions her, and her family's, vegetarianism and supports recycling. This book will be popular with the young crafting crowd! 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The book is full of doable craft projects for young people. Perhaps some of these projects could be completed by a classroom of students. The book is strictly for fun and crafting.

Ultrabot's First Playdate, written by Josh Schneider, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: I love this book! Children will love this book! It brings together friendship, technology, sci-fi, shyness and fun. Ultrabot, a huge robot, lives with the professor. One day the professor tells Ultrabot that Becky, from next door, will be visiting for a playdate. Ultrabot has all the feelings that a young child would have about this situation: will Becky be mean and take all the toys? But Becky turns out to be fun and friendly. She teaches Ultrabot how to bounce a ball and draw a cat. Ultrabot wants another playdate but the professor has another idea. Ultrabot will go to Becky's house to play the next time. The story is cute, poignant and fun. The illustrations are excellent. Ultrabot is gigantic but that does not scare Becky at all! A great book to teach young children some important lessons in a fun way. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book about conquering fears, friendship and fun with some technology thrown in.

Santa and the Goodnight Train, written by June Sobel, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a very nice story celebrating the Christmas for young children. It is fun, lively, colorful and includes diverse characters. The rhyming text works well with the theme of getting on the goodnight train and heading to the North Pole. Kids and anthropomorphic animals prepare the train on Christmas Eve. Many fun Christmas symbols are illustrated in the book, by Laura Huliska-Beith, including reindeer, gingerbread, candy canes and a sleigh. The North Pole is depicted with cute elves running around preparing to see Santa who is back for another year! This is a cute book and young children will enjoy the story and the illustrations. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a non-religious book about Christmas for young children.