The Candle and the Flame written by Nafiza Azad, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Noor is a city on the Silk Road still recovering from the Shayateen djinn killing everyone except for Fatima, her sister, and one other survivor. Now ruled by a new maharaja and protected by the Ifrit djinn, Noor is again under threat due to rebels seeking to undermine the maharaja, the Shayateen, and monstrous Ghuls. When a powerful Ifrit dies, Fatima is left changed and becomes further involved in the intrigues of the city. Working with the Ifrit commander Zulfikar and trying to navigate a complicated relationship with her sister, Fatima must learn who she is and harness her power to save the city. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A lush world filled with many sensory details, high level vocabulary and many terms related to life in a middle eastern culture given without definitions may prove a challenge for readers unfamiliar with the setting. This could prove an opportunity to learn new vocabulary and research The Silk Road. Many review sources list the book for grades 7 and up but writing style and vocabulary indicate an older intended audience. Themes of grief and trauma are sensitively handled. Issues of gender roles in society are also touched on.

Tower of Winds #1: Isle of Blood and Stone written by Makiia Lucier, reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: 18 years ago, two princes of the island kingdom of St. John del Mar were kidnapped and murdered. Elias’ father died trying to protect the princes and Ulises inherited the throne meant for his brothers. Mercedes grew up in a kingdom that blames half her heritage for the murder. When two mysterious maps surface with a riddle hinting that the princes may still be alive, Elias, Ulises, and Mercedes must uncover the truth of what happened on that fateful day. But not everyone wants the truth to come out. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This story is an engaging tale for slightly older fans of The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen. The swashbuckling adventure style and the mystery of the princes’ fates make this a book with wide appeal, especially to readers who aren’t interested in magic in their stories. The world building includes some unique medieval world details not often depicted, most notably a strong emphasis on cartography. Discussions in the book related to remapping coastlines after earthquakes and discussions of cartographic tools could create connections between Social Studies, Science, and Math.

Every Moment After written by Joseph Moldover, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Every Moment After follows best friends Matt and Cole as they navigate their lives in the aftermath of a tragic school shooting that took place eleven years earlier in East Ridge, New Jersey. The shooting left eighteen first graders dead, including their best friend, which has left deep scars on the survivors. Matt, who was home sick on that fateful day, struggles with guilt and self-destructive tendencies, while Cole, a survivor, grapples with PTSD, the recent loss of his father, and the desire for normalcy, including asking a girl out. The story addresses themes of grief, friendship, and the complexities of growing up while facing the shadows of a traumatic past. Told from both boys' perspectives, the novel explores their changing relationships and the challenges they face as they attempt to move forward without forgetting the pain they carry. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This story centers around trauma, mental health, and the importance of friendship. The book can be included in literature circles or book clubs, encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings about the characters’ experiences. Librarians can create guided discussion questions that focus on themes such as coping with grief, the impact of violence in schools, and the process of healing. Additionally, incorporating cross-curricular lessons that link the book’s themes to social studies or health education can foster a deeper understanding of the societal issues surrounding school violence. Providing resources for mental health support and facilitating safe spaces for students to express their feelings can also be beneficial. By using this book as a springboard for conversation, librarians can help students process their emotions and engage with important contemporary issues.

Same But Different: Teen Life on the Autism Express written by Holly Robinson Peete, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Same But Different," written by Holly Robinson Peete and her twins RJ and Ryan Elizabeth Peete, shares the unique experiences of twins Charlie and Callie. Charlie has autism, while Callie does not, providing a heartfelt narrative that explores the challenges and triumphs of growing up with a sibling on the autism spectrum. The book alternates between Charlie's and Callie's perspectives, highlighting the difficulties of adolescent life, including dating, friendships, and social interactions. Callie often feels frustrated and overwhelmed by her brother's condition, while Charlie struggles to communicate his feelings and experiences. Throughout the narrative, the siblings navigate their relationship, showcasing both the struggles and the love that exists between them. Although the book addresses serious topics, it also aims to foster understanding and acceptance of autism, making it a poignant read for teens and families. 

 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can effectively integrate "Same But Different" into the curriculum by creating programs that foster empathy and understanding around autism. The book can be used during discussions in health or social-emotional learning classes, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and the unique challenges faced by individuals with autism and their families. Librarians can organize book clubs where students discuss the themes presented in the book, encouraging them to share their thoughts and experiences related to siblings or friends with disabilities. Additionally, librarians can invite guest speakers, such as local advocates or families affected by autism, to facilitate discussions and provide real-life context. By highlighting the intersectionality of disability and identity, this book can serve as a valuable resource in promoting diversity, understanding, and empathy among students.

Baby Monkey, Private Eye written by Brian Selznick and David Serlin, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This chapter book for all ages has bold black text and a hilarious main character working as a private detective. (Baby Monkey, Private Eye will be as endearing for adults who may notice the nods to films of years past in the illustrations.) Baby Monkey will search for clues, eat a snack, take notes, and solve the case. (Take careful note of the paintings and newspapers in the illustrations for more connections.) So, in short this is a picture book read aloud in the form of an early chapter book. (Don't miss the back matter, if you book talk this one.) Selznick and David Serlin have created a masterpiece in this sweet and funny book. Teachers who need to teach mystery books really need to consider this one. Librarians who teach back matter in their books will have much to discuss with the index and bibliography after the story. Even art teachers will find joy in the paintings on the wall and how they connect to each story. This book is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all libraries! (I read this one before I received this book to review and have hoped for a sequel from this pair ever since.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This may be the single hardest book to place in a school collection. I put it in chapter books with a label that alerts my readers that it has more white space and picture support. I could see some choosing picture book locations, especially if they want parents to see this charming and unique book. It is possible we will continue to have this confusion with Brian Selznick as he continues to push the definition of picture book and chapter book to extremes. (To my great joy!)

Captured: An American Prisoner of War in North Vietnam written by Alvin Townley, reviewed by Sara Zielinski

Summary: Captured tells the story of naval aviator Jeremiah Denton. He was shot down and captured in North Vietnam in 1965. The text shows what it was like for him as a prisoner of war. It shows his resilience of spirit as he was isolated and tortured. Denton helped develop a system of secret codes for the captured soldiers to be able to communicate. Captured utilizes images to help the reader visualize the people and places. Jeremiah Denton's story is powerful and will draw many readers in. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I really enjoyed this story. I think it covered an intense topic without simplifying it too much or making it too graphic. This is the kind of story that many budding history buffs will love. The fomatting of the text almost makes it feel like a diary. The edges are of the pages are greyed and the chapters have barbed wire details. I think this book can be used by students and parents to teach about war and how difficult things happen in life. This story has a positive message of resilience. I think this book could be used in English and History classes. The text has a bibliography, endnotes, photograph and map credits, and an index. This could be very useful when it comes to teaching different text features and their purpose. I have had several students read and enjoy this story.

Fly Girls: How Five Daring Women Defied All Odds and Made Aviation History written by Keith O'Brien, reviewed by Sara Zielinski

Summary: Fly Girls dives into the lives of five different women and their role in aviation. Florence Klingensmith, Ruth Elder, Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, and Louise Thaden each fought for their right to fly. This book teaches the reader about how these women overcame obstacles and persevered. Between World War I and World War II, airplane racing became popular. Women were criticized for flying, but that didn't stop these Fly Girls. All they wanted was a chance to be up in the sky, racing against the men. Each woman has her own unique history and experience with flying. Fly Girls shows how each woman had an impact of flying and history as we know it. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I enjoyed this book overall. I appreciated how it focused on different women and how they fought for their rights to be pilots. I think it was smart to include Amelia Earhart since she has the most name recognition. As a reader, I was glad to learn about four other women as well. It was nice to see how more than just Earhart fought to be taken seriously. O'Brien mades these women seem real with the pictures and descriptions. There is a glossary at the back of the book that helps makes the information accessible. I think this book can be used to learn about women in aviation. I think it depicts a particular period of time when women were starting to fight more and more against typical female roles. Fly Girls is empowering for young girls because it shows that they women pursued their passions and didn't let doubts prevent them from greatness. This book could have curriculum ties. It can mainly be used as a nonfiction text. The topic lends itself to history classes as well. I think this is a good book for a classroom library. I think the format of the chapters allow the reader to digest smaller bites.

The Prison Healer #1: The Prison Healer written by Lynette Noni, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Kiva Meridan is the Prison Healer, a position she stepped into in Zalindov, the world's most terrifying “death prison” after the previous healer, her father, passed away. Despite saving many lives in the prison, Kiva is shunned because she keeps herself closed off from all prisoners except young Tipp, who reminds her of her little brother, and because she sometimes works as an informant for the Warden to gain any ounce of favor that she can in order to survive. When a new prisoner, Jaren, arrives in poor health, Kiva helps to restore him to a healthy state, and the two become close in the process. Alongside an almost kind new guard, Kiva begins to develop friendships and feelings that she is unaccustomed to having, though she fights them due to her deep-seated distrust of others. Weeks later, a new prisoner, the Rebel Queen, is delivered to Zalindov on death’s door, along with a coded note from Kiva’s family. Don’t let her die. We are coming. Kiva must determine what is making the Rebel Queen so sick, while defending her actions to Jaren and many others in the camp, and must go to extreme, life-threatening measures to keep the Queen alive in the hopes that she will finally be rescued. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Some journal reviews of this book are critical of The Prison Healer for a lack of originality in the fantasy romance genre, but I am confident that teens will love this book. While it relies heavily upon some tried and true tropes (royals and rebels, hidden identity, magical competition), these tropes are popular for a reason. The character development, particularly of Kiva and Jaren, is complex enough to make them interesting and distinct, but full of mystery and hidden agenda. The close side characters (Tipp, Naari, Mot) are not fully fleshed out but bring out deeper qualities in the main characters and add enjoyment to the story. There is an instantaneous slow-burn romance between Jaren and Tilda, but rather than insta-love, it begins with intrigue and moves through friendship into the possibility of something more. A prison as a setting may turn off some readers (and there is plenty of bad behavior occurring within its walls that make this book best suited to older readers), but many are likely to gravitate toward such a dark and dangerous world. This first book in the series ends with a shocking twist and a severe cliff hanger, which could frustrate some, but those who found this book exciting enough to make it to the last page will not be able to wait to pick up the second book. I expect this book to fly from my shelves and for the entire series to become quickly popular.