The Angel Tree, written by Daphne Benedis-Grab, reviewed by Caroline Rabideau

Summary: Every year, in the center of town, in the middle of the night, when noone is around, it appears: the Angel Tree. The next day the town begins wishing. Each wish is written on a white slip of paper and tied to the tree. Wishes come and go, taken by town-members who can make those wishes come true. One by one each wish is pulled, and each wish is granted. But who is really behind the angel tree? This year, Cami, Lucy, Max, and Joe are on a mission to discover who is behind the Angel Tree. Their town has been so blessed, they want to return the blessings to the silent gifter. They will spend the month before Christmas using their best detective skills to discover who is behind the Angel Tree and, in the meantime, form a friendship that they never had imagined. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I can't say enough about how good this book is! Within the first 4 chapters, I was completely touched by each of the main characters. Joe, Max, Cami, and Lucy are so realistic and relatable. They are each struggling with something in their life and are desperate for a solution when they seek the help of the Angel Tree. Though they weren't friends when they started seeking answers about who was behind the magic of the Tree, by the end of the book, they have formed such a deep friendship. Individually, they each struggled with changes in their lives, but each one felt the joy of success. Together, they learned to appreciate and help each other as friends, and celebrated together when they finally discovered the source of their Angel Tree. 

Even though the book is written for children, I had no idea who was behind the tree until the very end. The Angel Tree was very well written, revealing clues and twists at just the correct moments to keep the reader hooked. As a librarian, I found is is often hard to find age-appropriate mysteries for my middle school readers, but I would highly suggest The Angel Tree. 

Also, my middle schoolers often wanted Christmas-themed books around this time of year, and The Angel Tree would be a wonderful and heartwarming book to distribute. Though it was a mystery, it was heartwarming, inspiring, and exactly what Christmas-readers are usually seeking at this time of year. 

Finally, I believe it is worth noting, this was a very easy read. I think this would be a great book for the middle-schooler who struggles with reading. It's got enough excitement and action to keep a quick pace. The sentences and paragraphs are often short, so they move quickly. And chapters are labeled like a Christmas countdown, so it naturally paces time for the reader. 

I would highly suggest this for ANY library, though I believe it will appeal best from upper elementary to middle school. Also, if your school holds a Giving or Angel Tree, this would make a great addition to your library. I think it would be a great introduction to a community event, or a great group Christmas read. Finally, if you're looking for a great Christmas novel to read with your family, this would be perfect. You could even read the chapter each day that corresponds with the day leading up to Christmas. Excellently written, I highly suggest The Angel Tree as a wonderful mystery or Christmas novel.

Round, written by Joyce Sidman, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Round is a book that follows a young girl as she explores the natural world around her and notices the many facets of nature that are round. She notices things that begin as round objects and change, like seeds and eggs, and other things that follow the reverse pattern, like mushrooms growing or rocks eroding in the ocean. She enjoys the movement of round objects, like nuts and seeds, and how easily they shift and roll. She points out the variable longevity of round things, like the fleeting moment of a blown bubble and the eternal nature of the moon and stars. She even discusses the ways that she can be round, like when she is in an inclusive circle of friends, or curled up in a blanket ball to read a book. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This unnamed girl loves round things and her joy and wonder at them is pervasive and infectious. The words are simple, but ponderous, creating a moment of discovery (or re-discovery) on every page as readers realize or remember the sheer number of round things found in nature. The printed texture artwork by Taeeun Yoo is a true companion to Sidman’s thoughtful words, embracing the full page with color and many lovely examples of roundness. The girl is featured on every page, but she is lovingly paired with three frequent companions - a man (presumably her father), a spotted dog, and a white goose - who accompany her through her adventures and activities. The text is simple and short enough to read to a very young child, who is starting to spot shapes in their world, but could also stretch up to an early elementary reader who is reading alone and/or beginning the process of making their own https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com observations about nature. An illustrated author’s note includes short, but factual explanations of why so many objects in nature are round, including brief notes about round objects being sturdy, expansive, balanced and mobile. This book is a delight to read and offers much for readers of all ages to learn and enjoy.

Under the Lilacs, written by E.B Goodale, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This beautiful story is about a girl who is feeling alone and neglected by her family and sets out to solve her problems. When her mom and sister both ignore her she runs away from home. But she does not run too far away. The girl builds her own house under the nearby lilacs where she feels she will be able to live and survive. But as she creates rooms for her sister and mom and they come to her in her new home she realizes that she has been found and is part of a loving family. Young children may see themselves, like the girl in the story, in feeling alone and neglected and have probably thought about running away from those people and feelings. When they see the girl's response to her situation and the results of her efforts they may feel some comfort. This book is a great book for talking about parents, emotions, lonliness, siblings and how all of it makes one feel. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a great book for discussing young children's emotions about family. Where do they fit in? How do they see themselves in the family? Do they feel neglected? Do they feel alone? What can they do to face those emotions?

Brown Girl Ghosted, written by Mintie Das, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Violet Choudhury sees dead people, specifically ghosts. No one else knows her secret except for her Nanny Dede. She lives in a small town in Illinois and desperately wants to blend in with her classmates. As one of the few people of color in town, this is no easy task. Much to her horror, Violet’s secrets are about to take center stage. Violet is an Aiedeo, a supernatural Assamese warrior queen. She bailed on her Aiedeo training after an accident that nearly killed her. When resident mean girl and head cheerleader, Naomi is murdered, the Aiedeo force her hand. Naomi is currently a bhoot, aka a ghost, more specifically a lost soul. Even as a bhoot, Naomi experiences a full range of emotions including anger. Until Naomi calms down a little, she is no mood to talk to Violet. Naomi’s memory of the events surrounding her untimely death is patchy at best. Violet has until Naomi is buried to solve the crime or she will be the next one to die. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Violet faces frequent acts of subtle and not so subtle racism because of her East Indian American heritage. She is sometimes mistaken for being Mexican, bi-racial or of Arab descent. Violet even states, “That’s the thing about racists---they hardly ever get their racism right.” People often tell her she looks just like Jasmine from Aladdin. She doesn’t. Even the guy she likes refers to her as exotic. Violet gently corrects the misunderstandings but it’s clear she is so over it.” Das shines a light on the daily experiences of people of color without preaching at her readers. Violet is just like every person who has ever struggled with finding their place in this world. She is funny, fierce, and most decidedly a bit of a freak. However, this is not a book for younger readers. It contains multiple depictions of under aged drinking and references to a sexual assault.

War Stories, written by Gordon Korman, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary: War-obsessed Trevor has grown up hearing his great-grandpa "G.G."'s heroic tales from his time as an infantryman during World War II, and is thrilled to have the chance to join the trip when G.G. is honored as the last surviving member of the unit that liberated the small town of Saint-Regine, France, from the Nazis. Chapters alternate between Trevor's perspective as he retraces his great-grandpa's steps from training in Fort Benning, Georgia, through D-Day and the liberation of Saint-Regine, and 17-year-old G.G.'s first-hand account of the same events in 1944. As Trevor, his father, and G.G. travel across Europe, they are met with a mysterious group protesting G.G.'s heroic return with claims of the "truth" about what really happened. Through G.G.'s war stories and their experiences on the trip, Trevor learns the truth about the chaos of war and the far-reaching impacts one person can have. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: "War Stories" is a gripping, emotional look at the actual experience of war, far from the glamorous stories and video games Trevor loves so much. Korman does not shy away from depicting the chaotic mess that made up World War II: From the rivalries and terrible food in basic training, to the cramped transport ships that brought the troops to land at D-Day, to their creeping progress through the hedgerows of France and the tragically avoidable deaths of his comrades, World War II through G.G.'s eyes is a loud, smelly, tragic journey. Readers will soak up details and vocabulary about World War II on the French front, including the bravery of the French resistance, the bocage war through the French countryside, and the confusion and mistakes that made up the Allied invasion on D-Day. This novel would be an excellent companion to a study of World War II, and some prior knowledge of the basic movements of the Allied troops is helpful in following some of their steps. Students studying any war can learn about the difference between the exciting stories and the day-to-day experience of being a soldier through "War Stories"

The Rooster Who Would Not Be Quiet, written by Carmen Agra Deedy, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: This uplifting book tells the story of the village of La Paz, which is full of noise, commotion and singing at all times. When people become dissatisfied with the constant hullabaloo, they fire the mayor and replace him with the only candidate who promises quiet, Don Pepe. Don Pepe’ quest for silence becomes more and more intense until, “even the tea kettles [are] afraid to whistle.” Seven years of quiet rigidity have passed, when a gallito (rooster) and his family move to town, and carry on crowing as roosters always do. The gallito becomes embroiled in a battle of wills with Don Pepe, who systematically removes the joys (his tree, his family, his food) from the gallito’s life in an attempt to silence him. But the endlessly optimistic gallito is always able to find some joy left, like the sun shining, that makes him repeatedly ask Don Pepe, “How can I keep from singing?” 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a beautiful message in a fun package with Spanish language exposure to boot. Eugene Yelchin’s illustrations are full of vivid color and tremendous expression. He captures the spirit and boldness of the gallito perfectly. Children will delight in seeing the gallito continue to sing and will shout along with the reader, “Kee-kee-ree-KEE!” (the Spanish representation of the rooster crow, similar to the English, “Cockadoodle-doo!”) As the rooster continues to find beauty and joy in a world that grows increasingly desperate, kids and adults alike will feel bolstered by the time-honored ideas of taking the optimistic approach and speaking for those who cannot speak for themselves, both of which are beautifully and age-appropriately conveyed. Cuban-born author, Carmen Agra Deedy, infuses the story with Spanish words and names throughout, offering opportunities for cross-cultural connections and possible incorporation into Spanish language lessons. This reader found herself with a tear in her eye as the rooster, having nothing left, still felt the urge to sing for those who could not lift their own voices, and my young listeners cheered as the villagers joined the rooster in song and ran Don Pepe (“the bad guy”) out of town. Add this book to elementary collections immediately. It is a delight.

Quiet Down Loud Town, written by Alastair Heim, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This cute story of noises and how they affect us should be a winner with young children. An anthropomorphic elephant is trying to sleep but hears a lot of noise through the window. And the elephant also hears more noise while trying to eat, walk and drink. He wants everyone to quiet down and makes sure they know how he feels. But then the town is too quiet and the elephant cannot sleep so he makes a lot of noise until HE starts getting complaints. The bold, colorful illustrations by Matt Hunt are fun and will be a hit with kids. The examples of onomatopoeia on the pages are essential to the story and are, of course, part of the illustrations. Young children will probably want to recite the words/sounds as the story goes along. A fun book with a cute theme. Recommended. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This will probably provoke discussions on sounds with young children. It will make for fun and lively discussions.

Helga Makes a Name for Herself, written by Megan Maynor, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Helga is a strong, fierce, ambitious young girl who loves to hear stories about vikings and especially her favorite viking, Ingrid. Her parents discourage Helga's ambition to be a viking warrior as she makes herself a helmet, a shield and a sword. And they press her to do her chores as she runs up steep hills to graze the sheep and chop wood for the farm. But Helga hears that Ingrid is looking for new warriors and her ship will arrive soon to recruit people. When the contests start Helga loses the first two but wins the last one and is asked, by Ingrid, to join her warriors. This is a fun, interesting story with great twists. Children will learn some history about the vikings (including a helpful Author's Note) and love Helga's drive and spunk. The parents come around in the end and realize that even a "farmer's dotter" can become a warrior. Helga's drive and determination to become a warrior are great examples for children regarding anything they want to accomplish. The illustrations by Eda Kaban are colorful and bold, like Helga, and perfect for the story. Higly recommended. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: The themes of drive, determination, ambition, family, adventure and history are well written and illustrated in this book and make the story very interesting. Helga is a girl who wants what she wants and fights for what she wants all the way. She is a great role model for all children. The viking background is so interesting and should provide many discussion topics. Some of the terms/words used will also elicit discussion with children.

Space Matters, written by Jacque Lynn, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is the story of spaces between things in this huge, diverse world. The text, by Jacque Lynn, and illustrations, by Lydia Nichols, show that words are spaced apart in sentences and buildings are spaced apart in cities. And the consequences if these things are not spaced apart. The author also looks at big spaces such as the sky and seas and how they can fill up with snow and blue water. This look at spaces in the world is interesting and illustrated with great examples that young children will understand. It should evoke some fun discussion about spaces and have the wheels turning in young minds. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great way to talk about something that would not occur to young children. It is a great conversation topic with endless possibilities.