Brightly Burning, written by Alexa Donne, reviewed by Carrie Conner

Summary:  The earth has been plunged into an ice age and the global powers (and the super rich) now live in spaceships orbiting safely above. This teenage science-fiction romance is a reimaging of Jane Eyre. Stella is a teen orphan and an engineer on a failing ship until she gets a job on the luxurious private ship, the Rochester. Moving ships means better water rations and food quality, but working for Captain Hugo brings many mysteries as well. In her position as a governess for his younger sister, Stella grows closer to Hugo and discovers there is more going on with his position of power within the fleet. Torn between her heart and her conscience, Stella must decide if her true place is with Hugo or her former shipmates of her own class.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Skillfully mixing science fiction with a classic story, this adaptation will be more enjoyable for those familiar with Jane Eyre and open to a reimagining.  A comparison with the classic would be a natural curricular connection for High School. This book is more romance than science-fiction, but elements like environmental disasters, survival of the species, population control, disease, and vaccines are discussed in realistic terms. Power/class structure and abusive governments are also themes. There is mild sexual content limited to kissing only, some violence, use of alcohol, and very limited strong language. There is some diversity present, but in minor characters. However, gender roles are equitable and Stella is a positive role-model as a skilled engineer while also maintaining a conscience and self-sacrificing for the greater good.
 

Amber and Dusk, written by Lyra Selene, reviewed by Carrie Conner

Summary:  As a baby, Sylvie was abandoned in the darkness of the Dusklands and raised by the Sisters of the Scion to repress her legacy, the ability to create illusions. But in the Amber City where the sun never sets, the Empress reigns and legacies live in a lavish palace. Sylvie travels there determined to take her rightful place among these powerful elites. Instead, when she arrives, she is made sport of as the Empress sets a wager to see if the poor orphan Sylvie can earn her place at court. As "Mirage", Sylvie must learn courtly manners and how to display full control of her power under the guidance of Lullaby, a kind female singer, and the sponsorship of Sunder, a handsome rich male legacy with the power to cause pain with a touch. Political intrigues and revolution threaten as Sylvie must learn where her illusions come from and where she truly belongs. This is the first in a duology.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  While the writing is overly descriptive, this is a solid story from a first-time author. The chemistry between Sylvie and Sunder builds nicely yet remains appropriate for younger readers. The political intrigues keep you interested. Violence and death do occur but the description is not graphic. There is mention of substance abuse by one character and frequent drinking of wine by the aristocracy. The myth-building to explain a world divided into dark and light by the actions of the sun trying to destroy the moon out of jealousy is inventive and symbolic. The story arch of a poor orphan and an evil Empress gives you opportunities to discuss morality, abuse of power, corruption, coup d'état vs. revolution, and different types of governments. However, the magical aspect is central to this coming of age story. Give this book to readers who enjoyed stories like Graceling and Shadow and Bone.
 

Into the Bloodred Woods, written by Martha Brockenbrough, reviewed by Carrie Conner

Summary:  In a fairytale kingdom, twins Ursula and Albrecht are born to a king and a queen who can spin grass into gold. Ursula is a "werebear", part of a small population of shapeshifting "werebeasts" feared for their abilities, removed from families as children, and kept in cages at night. As the firstborn, Ursula should rule, but the jealous and fearful Albrecht has other ideas. When the king divides the kingdom to allow both his children to rule, Albrecht instead seizes everything by force, sending Ursula and the surviving "weres" into the forest. In a book told from multiple perspectives, familiar fairy tale characters are woven together into feminist interpretations. Blending Ursula the Bear, Goldilocks, Rapunzel, Hansel and Gretel, the Pied Piper, Little Red Riding Hood and numerous others, readers will find familiar plots pieces and elements weaving this story together. However, expect a darker twist more Grimm than Disney in this gruesomely violent tale.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  While the fairy tale element is well-done and historically accurate, the level of physical and descriptive violence towards animals and people should be noted as a caution. References to rape, sexual violation, and explicit torture are included pushing this title to a higher age level for YA.  Inclusivity is present with characters of different races as well as an LGBTQIA+ relationship between Ursula and Sabine shown in a positive light, but it is not a primary focus or theme. The persecution of "werebeasts" instead fulfills the role of illustrating prejudice and allowing characters to advocate for inclusivity. However, a main theme is about the power of storytellers (leaders) to twist the narrative and influence people through misinformation and fear. The classic fairy tales told to inspire fear of the forest and blame women are here portrayed as lies told by a clever and broken man, consumed by his own fear and inadequacies. The author includes a reference to repeating a lie three times to make it true. The parallels to modern leaders is clear and could tie into studies about truth in media and political speeches. This book could also be used with students studying King Lear or fairy tales as this work could be considered an adaptation of those stories.

Amelia Bedelia Cleans Up (Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book #6), written by Herman Parish and Lynne Avril, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  Sweet story with 3 friends and a lonely interesting neighbor senior citizen. The kids want a place to have a tree house and a lot near the lady's home is cluttered. They clean it up, but then see a for sale sign. Now they have to meet the woman in that creepy house next door to talk to her about their plans and try to get her to change her mind about selling the lot. This is an early chapter book reader that will allow adults to enjoy the nostalgia of a character we know from our school days while students get a cute story with cute illustrations.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  If you teach students about community workers, helping others, and sticking to a plan and seeing it through, you will find it in this story. I think most of the teachers I know who have used the books in this series use them for the idioms explained in the text and in the back matter. If you need more easier chapter books, consider this one. There are many short chapters in each of this series by Herman Parish, nephew of Peggy Parish.
 

Amelia Bedelia Sets Sail (Amelia Bedelia Chapter Book #7), written by Herman Parish and Lynne Avril, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  Amelia Bedelia and her parents are heading for a vacation with her Aunt Mary and cousin Jason. They are looking forward to new adventures on beaches and in the water. The week will culminate with a Beach Bash that includes a clam bake and a parade. Jason and Amelia are excited to hang out together while Jason shows Amelia around his town. The week includes sand castles, fishing, sailing, surfing, and a bit of a mystery, as well. This is a friendship story with some language play included. The author includes a recipe and explanations of some of the idioms use in this early chapter book.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I do enjoy language play and will use the title to discuss idioms before a project, but I would recommend the book for libraries short on simple tame chapter books. My students do not have the background of knowing the original Amelia Bedelia books and this series seems to appeal more to the parents as they have that connection. I do have a handful of students in each school that read this series each year.
 

Amazon Adventure: How Tiny Fish Are Saving the World's Largest Rainforest (Scientists in the Field), written by Sy Montgomery, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  Sy Montgomery takes readers on a journey with scientists to the rainforest to learn about the tiny fish called piaba that are pivotal to the survival of the rainforest that produces most the oxygen on which we all depend. Since there is no way to travel, observe, and learn about the Amazon without learning about the people living there, culture is a key part of this book, as well.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I plan to share this book with my middle school as I believe it will connect to the science studies in our middle school grades. Since there is no longer a National Geography Bee to prepare my students to compete in, I feel this book set in South America will find its audience elsewhere.
 

The Tornado Scientist: Seeing Inside Severe Storms (Scientists in the Field), written by Mary Kay Carson and Tom Uhlman, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  This edition of the Scientists in the Field series includes a chapter about a young girl experiencing a tornado chase on the TV news. From that chase on Robin, the scientist who is the focus of this book, became fascinated with meteorology and understanding storms. Though a professor tried to dissuade her, Robin did not quit. This series is known by me for its non-fiction text support, everything my teaching staff needs when discussing non-fiction. I am drawn in by the captioned photographs and severe storm photos are a great draw to get my students attention! Read this book to learn about Storm Chasers, their work, the dangers they face, and the tools they use to gather data.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Most science programs include weather units. We all have students fascinated by storms. This book will engage them and the vocabulary and research opportunities abound. This has to be one of my favorites in this series.

Life on Surtsey: Iceland's Upstart Island (Scientists in the Field), written by Loree Griffin Burns, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  A summer research project on an island created by volcanoes brought a small group of scientists (and a writer and a cook) to this new Island off of Iceland. Each chapter has the main text and fact boxes which connect to that chapter. This is part of the Scientists in the Field series that is well know for non-fiction essentials including captioned photographs, Table of Contents, Index, Glossary, and further information. Unique to this book is the Appendix of Icelandic language and culture that are fascinating.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  As is usual for this series the backmatter is formidable and the photography is fascinating. I have students who only read the captions of the photos and the glossary and others who poured over this book from beginning to end. I really loved the Icelandic language information and a bit on the cultural norms in that area. It never occurred to me that it would remind me of what little I know about Gaelic language and culture. My students have not seemed as interested in the language differences, but but there was much chatter among some students about the bathroom issues as the team could not in any way affect the new island and created a plan to care for their body waste.
 

Two Dogs in a Trenchcoat Start a Club by Accident (Two Dogs in a Trench Coat #2), written by Julie Falatko and Colin Jack, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Dogs Sassy and Waldo are back as "Salty", the student from Liver, Ohio whose relentlessly positive attitude and obsession with snacks made the first "Two Dogs in a Trenchcoat" book so much fun. In this installment, their beloved boy Stewart has reluctantly joined the Junior Office Supply Enthusiasts club after school, and Salty accidentally starts their own club, involving snacks, running around in circles, and napping. As all the school clubs - ranging from honoring Grover Cleveland to dog-training to protecting endangered birds - ramp up for the annual Founders' Day parade and creating their own floats to represent their clubs, Salty and their new friends scramble to create a float of their own.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Sassy and Waldo are the same earnest, excited, food-driven dogs, and their constant misunderstandings and single-mindedness will have kids laughing out loud. Punctuated by bold and altered text words, in the style of Geronimo Stilton, the short chapters go quickly and keep readers motivated. Most pages are accompanied by small cartoons to go along with the text, making this a great choice for readers ready to graduate from early chapter books but not quite ready for a thick wall of text.
 

If You Miss Me, written by Jocelyn Li Langrand, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  When Charlie moves away from her beloved grandmother, Grandma reassures her by telling her to "look at the moon" and she will do the same. Charlie is able to continue dancing without Grandma watching by talking to her on the phone and looking at the moon - but when Grandma passes away, she is lonely and has a hard time continuing to dance without her. By looking at the moon and feeling her grandmother with her, Charlie is able to dance in her big recital.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This beautiful picture book is a great choice for students who have lost a beloved grandparent. The depiction of Charlie's grief and loneliness is realistic, but hopeful, and suggests that loved ones are never really gone as long as they are remembered.
 

Clash, written and illustrated by Kayla Miller, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  The fourth installment in the "Click" series of graphic novels sees eternally positive, kind Olive, now a sixth-grader, clash with a new student in school. At first, new girl Nat seems like she'll get along great with Olive and her friends - but as she slowly freezes Olive out with a series of progressively mean microaggressions, Nat manages to usurp Olive's place in her friend groups and isolate Olive. When a Halloween prank goes too far, Nat is finally labeled as a bully and ostracized at school - until Olive, characteristically kind and understanding, extends an olive branch.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Olive and her friends are always role models for kind, helpful, positive pre-teens, and this installment is no different. As soon as her friends realize what Nat has been doing to Olive, and the cruelty of her final prank, they immediately cut her out and choose Olive's side without a question. Hand this to any preteen struggling to fit in or make friends - Olive's final realization comes in the form of a nightmare where she is in Nat's shoes, which gives her the empathy to reach out and attempt another connection. Recurring characters appear, but this novel can be easily understood even without the context provided by the preceding books.
 

One Smart Sheep, written by Gary D. Schmidt and Elizabeth Stickney, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Wilson is one friendly, woolly, smart sheep - the friendliest, wooliest, and smartest on Abigail Atwood's farm. When Wilson discovers that the fence has been left open, he decides to walk up to Abigail's house - but instead walks up the ramp to a piano van, embarking on an adventure through the city and prompting Abigail and her dog Tippy to start a search. Written in short chapters interspersed with colorful illustrations, "One Smart Sheep" is a quick, humorous adventure burgeoning readers will love.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Wilson's journey through town is punctuated by miscommunications, humorous asides, and the search for the music he hears from all corners of the town. This short chapter book is perfect to hand to fans of Mercy Watson that are looking for a few less pictures and a few more words.

Hello, Jimmy! written by Anna Walker, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  Jack worries that his dad is lonely, since Jack "couldn't be there all the time", and when he is there, they sit quietly and live separate lives. When Jack's dad finds a funny, talkative, loud parrot named Jimmy, he suddenly seems animated again. Everyone loves Jimmy - except Jack, whose parrot-filled nightmare prompts him to let Jimmy out. The search for Jimmy provides Jack and his dad the change to reconnect and remind each other who is actually important.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  A quiet, sparse book that addresses loneliness and the search for connection, "Hello, Jimmy!" could be an important book for a student feeling distant or alienated. Jimmy is mischievous and fun, stealing Jack's toothbrush and entertaining guests, while Jack is quiet and bothered by the noise. In the end, Jack and his dad reconnect and show the importance of communication.
 

Dear Treefrog, written by Joyce Sidman, illustrated by Diana Sldyka, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  This is a clever book that follows a young girl who just moved to a new home and is worried about friends and starting in a new school.  When she arrives at her new home, she finds a treefrog in her yard as she is exploring.  On the left side of the pages, the story is told in verse. It starts
“I see you
Suddenly
Among the tangled green
A tiny dollop of
Frog”
On the bottom right of the pages, there is factual information about frogs.  It reads “Small and agile, gray treefrogs spend most of their lives on land, quietly blending into their surroundings.”  Young readers will follow the main character through the seasons and how both lives are changing.  The main character will go to her new school and make new friends.  She then brings her friends to see the tree frog which goes from being outside to hibernating to being back outside in the spring.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This book is beautifully illustrated with watercolors that both tell a story and show facts, like how frog eggs look, with labels.  This would be a great book to use for teaching poetry.  It could be used again to show how it also gives non-fiction scientific facts about treefrog lives and habitats.  The illustrations have a touch of folk art to them.  The colors also match the seasons that are happening in the book.  I think the book is unique in style.  Both the words and the colors will grab a young reader's attention.  They will end up learning a lot of tree frog facts, but also be able to talk about the emotions and experiences that the little girl when through during her move.  A must-have book for any elementary school library.
 

Good Knight, Mustache Baby, written by Bridget Heos, Illustrated by Joy Ang, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary:  This picture book is a continuation of the Mustache Baby series.  This particular book has a medieval theme starring Baby Billy, House of Mustache, and Baby Javier, House of Beard. They spent their days slaying dragons and they did not like bedtime. Billy and Javier had to go to bed at the stroke of 7 pm.  They could hear the Lord and Lady of the House (their parents) and various trolls and ogres (their siblings) still awake well past 7:00 pm.  One day they went to a festival (library), where there were contests, crafts, and a secret meeting of the Knights of the Roundtable!  All the Knights fell asleep during storytime, except for Billy.  He was ready for more adventures. He did everything he could to not go to bed.  However, sleep conquered Billy and he went on to have more adventures in his dreams.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  This is such a cute story!  It is perfect for any young reader going through a knight and castle phase. I think both young readers and their adults will find a lot of humor in this story.  Parents will recognize the bedtime struggle as the author pokes lighthearted fun at all the things that stretch out a bedtime routine.  If you already have the other books in this series, this book is a must-have addition. It makes for a good read-aloud.  It also highlights the fun that can happen in a library.  I love that the librarian takes the knights on an adventure through storytelling.  There are also all sorts of fun things to look for in the illustrations.  I like that some of the pages are in softer muted colors to represent bedtime.  All in all, this book is sure to be a lot of fun for young readers looking for adventure.

From an Idea to Disney, writen by Lowey Bundy Sichol, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  This well-researched narrative of the Walt Disney Company from Walt's birth in 1901 to the opening of Shanghai Disney in 2016 is a perfect non-fiction book for those who love Disney or are interested in learning about how a business is formed. The company's development and growth is told as a simple, easy-to-follow narrative, and business terms are bolded and defined in small boxes on the same page ("mortgage", "revenue", "bankruptcy", to name a few). The pages are also decorated with black-and-white cartoon sketches, quotes by Walt Disney himself, and "fun facts", trivia about the company and the parks. Extra material includes a bibliography, timeline, and source notes. The first half of the book reads like a biography of Walt Disney, and the second half runs through the next two CEOs.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Sichol certainly skips over some of Disney's - and big business's - unsavory sides (the closest she comes to criticism is stating that Walt's smoking was a "dangerous habit"), but as an introduction to how a company is formed and an homage to Disney, this book is an excellent fit. Use for reports on Walt Disney or as a simple introduction to a mini society unit. Of note: this was written in 2019, and so some sections - notably the description of Bob Iger's tenure and the statement that the only cause of Disney World's closures has been hurricanes - will require supplemental research.

When I Grow Up, written by Bob Holt, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  The half-circle cutout on the top of this board book asks readers to "place your face here!" As they flip through the pages, readers can put themselves in the outfit of an astronaut, software designer, art teacher, musician, and more. Each career comes with a colorful costume and a brief two-line description of the person's responsibilities. The repeated "I can be..." refrain ends with the promise that the reader can be "anything in the world!"

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Kids could have fun putting their face on the page to take on a new career, and this could make for a fun career readiness project. A diverse range of professions are represented, and the bodies do not show the color of their skin, so any student could feel their face fits above any career. A fun additional selection for a board book collection.