Sheep Go to Sleep written by Nancy E. Shaw and illustrated by Margot Apple, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In the eighth volume of the beloved "Sheep" series by Nancy Shaw and Margot Apple, five restless sheep struggle to settle down for bed. A patient collie comes to their aid, fulfilling each sheep's bedtime wishes—offering hugs, drinks of water, lullabies, teddy bears, and quilts. The soothing rhymed text and charming colored-pencil illustrations create a calming bedtime atmosphere, making it perfect for young listeners. As the sheep drift off to sleep, the story incorporates counting and subtraction challenges, rewarding children with a familiar literary reference at the end, making it an enchanting addition to bedtime routines. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can incorporate "Sheep in a Shop" into storytime sessions by engaging children with interactive counting activities as the sheep fall asleep. Using Keva planks or legos, librarians can track the number of sheep settling down, reinforcing math concepts in a fun and relatable manner. After the reading, children can participate in a craft activity, such as creating their own sheep or collie, which ties into the story's themes. Additionally, librarians can host a "Sleepytime Tales" program, featuring soft, calming stories that help children unwind before nap time, enhancing their love for reading.

Be Brave Little Penguin written by Giles Andreae, illustrated by Guy Parker-Rees and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this delightful rhyming story, a little penguin named Pip-Pip is terrified of water, longing to join his friends swimming in the sea. With encouragement from his mother, Pip-Pip learns to face his fears and discovers the joys that await him. The narrative emphasizes the importance of self-belief and bravery, guiding young readers to understand that overcoming fears can lead to wonderful experiences. The charming illustrations and rhythmic text engage children, making it a perfect tale for fostering discussions about confidence and trying new things. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a good read aloud that focuses on themes of courage and self-esteem. Before reading, librarians can invite students to share their experiences with overcoming fears, fostering a supportive environment. After the story, discussions can revolve around the importance of encouragement and trying new activities, whether in sports, hobbies, or food. Creative activities, such as drawing or writing about a fear they'd like to overcome, can further engage students and help them express their feelings. This book serves as an excellent tool for building confidence among young readers.

Sherlock Bones: #2 Sherlock Bones and the Sea-creature Feature written by Renee Treml, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: The octopus of the new ocean life exhibit at the natural history museum goes missing. The trio of sleuth detectives, Sherlock Bones, Watts, and Grace the chocolate loving raccoon are on the case. Visiting students stated they spotted a sea monster in the mangrove exhibit and several puddles are found around the smaller exhibits. Could there be a connection? 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is silly, light hearted and educational. It is written in chapters to make it easier to read with several chapters dedicated to the sea creatures. Introducing students to exhibits with live creatures and mangroves can be highly entertaining when mixed with humor. The sea monster is found out to be a lonely sloth who came in with the mangrove and the missing octopus is not missing, only camouflaging itself. This book could be used to motivate slower readers. Highly recommended.

Sherlock Bones: #1 Sherlock Bones and the Natural History Mystery written by Renee Treml and reviewed by Terry Wahrman

Summary: Sherlock Bones lives in the natural history museum with his trusty sidekick Watts, a stuffed blue parrot. When things go missing or lost, they are first to arrive on the scene. The Royal Blue Diamond goes missing and there is no time to waste. If only Grace, the silly new racoon, can stay out of their way, they may have the chance to find it. Time is getting away. The museum might close their doors if they don’t find it quickly. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Cute and funny for all ages and genders. Great way to introduce the concept of a natural history museum and all it contains. This graphic novel is written in chapters. There is a lot of satire when Sherlock has one sided conversations with his stuffed bird pal Watkins. Sherlock introduces students to using deductive reasoning by asking questions. The interaction with the pesky raccoon Grace turns into a real friendship and a lesson on how to deal with different types of friends. I would recommend this book to a child that doesn't like to read. The humor and characters are very entertaining. Highly recommended.

The Great Cool Ranch Dorito in the Sky written by Josh Galarza, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In Josh Galarza's debut novel, Brett Isaias Harrison, a 16-year-old boy, struggles to maintain his grip on life while faced with his adoptive mother’s terminal cancer diagnosis. Unable to cope with the overwhelming emotions, Brett escapes into the imaginative world of his comic book series, Kid Condor, intertwining food constellations and characters reflecting his own life. However, his fantasy gradually crumbles as he confronts harsh realities, including his unhealthy coping mechanisms like excessive drinking and binge eating. When his food journal is leaked online, exposing his vulnerabilities to classmates, Brett is forced to confront his insecurities, feelings of isolation, and the impact of his eating disorder. With the support of an unexpected friendship with Mallory, a confident classmate, Brett learns to navigate his challenges and embrace the healing power of honesty and connection. Galarza's narrative addresses themes of grief, body image, and mental health, providing authentic representation of the teenage experience. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I'm not gonna lie...there were tears at the end of this story.  Also, a twist that I was not expecting.  I love the friendships formed.  I love the explaniations of the various eating disorders and what treatment can look like.  The power of friendships, support and love really come through in this story.  It took me a while to get into it, but I am glad that I saw the story through to the end.  I think that every school librarian should recommend this to their building counselors so they can recommend it to students. It's a great book to foster discussions on mental health, body image, and the importance of representation in literature. Incorporating activities such as writing workshops based on Brett’s comic book journey can inspire creativity and self-expression among students. The novel's rich themes can also be linked to larger discussions about diversity and inclusivity in literature, prompting students to explore different perspectives and experiences. Overall, Galarza’s work can serve as a powerful tool for promoting empathy and understanding within the school community.  You could tell that the author poured a lot of himself into the story.  It was well researched and the notes at the end of the book have a lot of good resources. Highly recommended for a high school library.

The Misfits: #1 A Royal Conundrum written by Lisa Yee, illustrated by Dan Santat and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: "Misfits: A Royal Conundrum" follows the adventures of Olive Cobin Zang, a girl who feels out of place in her life. After her grandmother's passing, Olive finds herself lonely while her parents are frequently away on business trips. One day, she is unexpectedly summoned to the principal's office, only to discover her social media presence has been wiped clean. Her mother is taking her to a unique boarding school that used to be a prison, which Olive fears will only amplify her feelings of isolation. At the school, known as RASCH (not "rash"), Olive meets a group of misfits who, like her, struggle to fit in. As she grapples with her insecurities, she also uncovers a hidden truth: RASCH is a front for a team of young crime-fighters. With the school facing closure due to a looming heist, Olive must rally her new friends to save their unconventional home. Through this journey, Olive learns the importance of love—both familial and among friends—as she navigates her new relationships. This engaging story is filled with humor, adventure, and valuable lessons about self-acceptance, teamwork, and the bonds that hold us together.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book would be a good choice for a book club focused on the themes of feeling like outsiders while also discussing the significance of love and support from family and friends. Discussions can explore character development and personal growth, emphasizing how Olive's friendships and memories of her grandmother shape her journey. Additionally, librarians can design creative writing workshops where students develop their own misfit characters, highlighting the unique strengths that come from their backgrounds and relationships. Incorporating illustration activities inspired by Dan Santat's artwork can engage students' creativity while enhancing their connection to the story. I think this book will appeal to a wide variety of readers and if you are checking this book out to a lot of students, have book #2 ready to go!

The Tenth Mistake of Hank Hooperman written by Gennifer Choldenko, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Hank Hooperman, an eleven-year-old boy, faces a heart-wrenching challenge when his mother goes missing (as in walks away from her kids and apartment). Left to care for his three-year-old sister, Boo, Hank struggles to provide for them as their food supply dwindles and eviction looms. With no other options, he reaches out to Lou Ann, an old friend of his deceased grandmother, who reluctantly takes them in. As they navigate their new reality, Hank grapples with feelings of abandonment, fear, and the desire to protect Boo at all costs. He must confront the difficult truths about his mother’s past while forming new friendships and adjusting to a new school. Through Hank's eyes, readers explore the complexities of family dynamics, the impact of parental absence, and the importance of community support. Choldenko crafts a narrative that is both heartbreaking and hopeful, illustrating how resilience can emerge even in the darkest circumstances. As Hank learns to trust those around him, he discovers that asking for help can lead to transformative experiences. The bond between Hank and Boo is particularly poignant, showcasing the deep love and responsibility that exists between siblings. This moving tale ultimately highlights the power of second chances and the strength found in unexpected relationships. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: School librarians can create themed reading programs centered around family dynamics, resilience, and the importance of community. Engaging students in discussions about the characters' challenges can foster empathy and understanding of complex social issues such as homelessness, mental health, and the foster care system. Librarians might host book clubs or reading circles, encouraging students to share their thoughts and feelings about Hank's experiences. Additionally, they can develop creative projects, such as character diaries or alternative endings, allowing students to explore different perspectives and outcomes. As an adult, this was a fairly quick read, but very emotional.  As a mother, it is hard for me to imagine the circumstances one would leave their children to fend for themselves.  I think this book delves into tragic circumstances, but I think that a takeaway can certainly be about the love of family, found family and the friendships that are important to the human experience.  While this book does not address the details of addiction, I think that there is enough for middle grade readers to understand the complexity of the disease. Highly recommended for school and classroom libraries.

The Myth of Monsters: #1 Medusa written by Katherine Marsh, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Medusa, a reintrepertation of Greek mythology by Katherine Marsh. The story follows Ava Baldwin, a girl attending a boarding school, Accademia del Forte, in Venice, designed for the descendants of Greek monsters. Ava has always tried to manage her emotions, but an incident with her classmate Owen King leads to her being sent to the mysterious school where she uncovers a dangerous secret that could alter their understanding of history and mythology. As Ava and her brother, Jax, navigate their new environment, they learn about their heritage and the importance of controlling their powers. The plot is filled with twists and turns, making it an engaging read for middle-grade students. I think some if a reader has more background of Greek mythology, some things will make more sense.  The book provides a strong emphasis on friendship and the empowerment of young girls, appealing to those seeking relatable and inspiring stories. With its imaginative concept and captivating twists, Medusa is a thrilling read that encourages young readers to explore their identities and the power of community. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Though Medusa promises an exciting adventure, some readers may find its overt feminist themes and messages distracting from the story.  I originally thought it would be great for Percy Jackson fans, but I think it is definitely geared more towards girls.  This book serves as a great entry point for students to explore ancient myths while connecting them to contemporary issues of identity and empowerment. Librarians can create reading lists that include other mythological retellings, facilitating comparisons and deeper understanding. Additionally, hosting book clubs or storytelling sessions around Medusa can spark discussions about character motivations and the significance of emotions in personal growth. The theme of women being oppressed by the male gods is pretty forceful.  Some reviewers are loving the flipped script and some think it went too far.  I enjoyed it and would read the rest of the series.  It's unique in that more of the spotlight is on the "monsters" in Greek mythology than on the major Gods and Goddesses.  I like the fantasy of going to a private boarding school in Venice.

The First State of Being written by Erin Entrada Kelly, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Twelve-year-old Michael Rosario experiences a life-altering encounter when he meets Ridge, a mysterious boy from the future. Set in August 1999, Michael navigates the anxieties of impending Y2K and his infatuation with his babysitter, Gibby. His ordinary life takes a thrilling turn when Ridge, who claims to be the world’s first time traveler, appears. Ridge's carefree and bold demeanor contrasts sharply with Michael's insecurities, and he quickly becomes fascinated by Ridge’s knowledge of the future. As Ridge explores the wonders of 1999—microwaves, basketballs, and malls—Michael's curiosity intensifies when he learns that Ridge possesses a book detailing the future. This revelation ignites a fierce desire in Michael to obtain the book, believing it will prepare him for the future. Throughout this journey, Michael learns valuable lessons about living in the moment, the importance of relationships, and the weight of his fears, the love of his family and friendships. The story eloquently captures the essence of childhood wonder and the complexities of growing up, reminding readers to embrace the present. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Librarians can utilize "The First State of Being" in various educational contexts. First, it provides an excellent opportunity to engage students in discussions about the themes of time travel, the importance of living in the present, and the impact of technology on society. Librarians can organize book clubs or reading sessions where students can share their thoughts on Michael's character development and Ridge's influence on his perspective. Additionally, this book serves as a springboard for interdisciplinary activities. Librarians can collaborate with teachers to create lessons that explore the historical context of the late 1990s, including discussions about Y2K and its societal implications. Students could research the cultural phenomena of that era, such as music, fashion, and technology, allowing them to connect literature with real-world events. Overall, this book can enrich library programs by fostering critical thinking, creativity, and a love for reading in young learners.  I really enjoyed the book.  While the target audience will not remember 1999.  Any adults reading it will remember and anxiety surrounding Y2K.  A great addition to a middle grade school or classroom library.

Above the Black: #1 Sky's End written by Marc J. Gregson, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Sky's End by Marc J Gregson is making a big impression on the book buzz world and awards chatter. This book plunges readers into a gripping world of competition, revenge, and survival. In this fast-paced narrative, we follow sixteen-year-old Conrad, an exiled youth living under the oppressive Meritocracy. Refusing to become the heir to his uncle, who has a notorious reputation for murder, Conrad's life takes a tragic turn when colossal sky serpents invade Holmstead, devouring his ailing mother. In a desperate bid to save his sister, he enters the Selection of the Twelve Trades. Conrad's journey leads him into Hunter, the most dangerous trade, where he faces rigorous training and the brutal Gauntlet, all while grappling with manipulative peers and the haunting memories of his past. As he navigates through this dystopian landscape filled with political intrigue and social commentary, Conrad uncovers whispers of rebellion and the harsh realities of his world. While the book offers a riveting adventure reminiscent of Enders Game, it presents a critique of societal hierarchies and the struggles of the underprivileged. The characters, however, have received mixed reviews; some readers feel they lack depth and complexity. Despite this, Conrad emerges as a relatable protagonist, showcasing growth amidst adversity. The action-packed sequences, combined with a unique blend of fantastical and scientific elements, create a compelling narrative that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Sky's End is a captivating start to the Above the Black trilogy, making it a perfect addition to any young adult library collection. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Sky's End offers opportunities for discussions on themes such as revenge, resilience, and social inequality, prompting students to reflect on the societal structures within their own lives. Additionally, the book can serve as a springboard for exploring genres like dystopian fiction and fantasy, encouraging students to engage with similar titles and analyze their narrative structures and themes. Librarians can organize book clubs or reading groups, utilizing Sky's End to promote critical thinking and collaborative discussions among students. This book can also inspire creative writing projects, where students can develop their own characters and worlds, fostering their imagination and storytelling skills. There are some violent scenes in this book, but not unusual for dystopian books with aggressive dragon-like creatures.  I like the emphasis on the loyalty and love to family.  It has good examples of the bonds of friendship and how it can be strenghtened through a shared experience (like a quest). A great addition to a high school library collection.

Cancelled written by Farrah Penn reviewed by Klaudia Janek

This book is a witty and fearless exploration of high school culture, with humor and commentary on misogyny and social dynamics. The story follows Brynn Whittaker, a high-achieving senior who seems to have it all—good looks, excellent grades, and a successful side hustle as a "flirt coach." She is a scholarship student at an expensive private school. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when a viral video mistakenly implicates her in a scandal involving her ex-best friend's boyfriend, thrusting her into a school-wide scandal. As Brynn navigates the fallout, she faces the harsh realities of cyberbullying, slut-shaming, and the unfair double standards of how girls are treated compared to boys. Rallying her friends, including Cadence, a teen mom, Brynn ignites a #femolution to challenge the misogynistic culture at their school. 

There are themes of the struggles of adolescence but also emphasizes the power of friendship and resilience. I think it can be a platform for discussions on critical social issues such as bullying, cyber-bulling, misogyny, and the impact of social media. I do think being "cancelled" is a theme worth exploring and there are definitely socio-economic inequalities and having to grow up too fast.  Brynn deals with an alcolohic brother, which adds another layer to her already complicated life.  I think this book is engaging, fast paced and focuses on love within family, friendships and relationships.  As I was reading this through an adult lens, I kept thinking that the author tried to include ALL the diversity.  It's almost too much to keep up with (maybe it's a publishing expectation?).  I think the focus on girl power will make the book appeal to a mostly female audience.  I think it has a place for older high school readers and can be a good purchase for a school or classroom library.