The Millicent Quibb School of Etiquette for Young Ladies of Mad Science #2: Secrets of the Purple Pearl written by Kate McKinnon and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In this second installment of Kate McKinnon's #1 New York Times bestselling series, Millicent, Gertrude, Eugenia, and Dee-Dee—face their biggest challenge yet during a summer at the glamorous Purple Pearl Hotel. The evil Krenetics Research Association has arrived, still determined to resurrect their fearsome leader, Talon Sharktüth, and they're hunting for the legendary Purple Pearl, a source of power hidden at the bottom of Kagloopy Lake. To reach it, they need to find a mysterious creature called a Shrimpmaid and boil away the entire lake. The sisters must work together to stop the KRA and prevent disaster, all while uncovering shocking secrets about their own origins and identities. It's a wild, mad science adventure they'll never forget. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Young readers will love this series for its quirky humor, imaginative world-building, and unforgettable characters. The Porch Sisters feel like real friends, and their found-family dynamic resonates deeply. The absurd, witty storytelling celebrates individuality and curiosity without taking itself seriously. This book works wonderfully in school libraries as both an independent read and a shared audiobook (or read aloud) experience. Librarians can feature it for middle-grade fantasy lovers seeking humor and heart. The illustrated text supports visual learners. Teachers can use it to spark discussions about found family, resilience, and embracing differences. Book clubs can explore its themes of acceptance and courage. Its popularity makes it a natural recommendation tool for connecting readers with similar titles like Series of Unfortunate Events, helping build a community of enthusiastic young readers. Overall, it's laugh out loud weirdness and I am here for it!

The Introvert's Guide to Kissing in Europe written by Brenda Janowitz and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Emily Tannenbaum has her life perfectly mapped out—graduate as valedictorian, get into Dartmouth, play it safe. 📚✈️ But when her grandmother, a former member of the legendary Flower Sisters music duo, suggests Emily take a gap year to retrace the band's 1966 European tour, Emily impulsively says yes. Armed with her late sister's journal and a desire to finally embrace the unexpected, Emily sets off across Spain, France, Italy, and Sweden. Along the way, she befriends Penny, a travel influencer, and a colorful cast of fellow travelers. As Emily dances through European cities, navigates new friendships, and experiences heartbreak, she discovers that growing up isn't about having everything figured out, it's about giving yourself permission to go with the flow. 🌍

Straight Talk for Librarians: 💕YA readers will connect with Emily's journey of self-discovery and her struggle to break free from the "good girl" persona she's built since her sister's death. The book captures the thrill of independence, new friendships, and the messy reality of stepping outside your comfort zone. Fans of travel-centered stories will be drawn to the vivid European settings and the dual timeline that weaves Emily's adventures with her grandmother's experiences from decades past. The found-family dynamic between Emily and her traveling companions, especially her friendship with Penny, feels authentic and heartwarming. 🤔This book tried to be a lot of things, a coming-of-age story, a romance, a tribute to travel, a meditation on grief and Jewish identity. It's an ambitious mix, and while it doesn't nail everything perfectly, it's an enjoyable read overall. The descriptions of European cities are lovely and will make you want to book your own trip immediately. 🗺️ The romance elements, despite the title, aren't really the heart of the story, it's more about Emily learning who she is and honoring her sister's memory. Final Verdict: A fun, heartfelt read that captures the magic of travel and self-discovery. Perfect for dreamers and adventure seekers. 🌸

The Curse of the Mummy: Uncovering Tutankhamun's Tomb written by Candace Fleming and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: The author follows the history of Lord Carnarvon and Howard Carter as they looked for, found, and excavated King Tut's tomb. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Some professional reviews place the book from grades 3 and up but length and textual complexity (vocab such as pervaded, lustrous, sanctuaries, embalmers, and necropolis are given without definitions) make this a better fit for upper middle grade and high school. Between chapters are inserts on dark colored paper that detail the different rumors of curses related to the tomb. These help break up the story and bring in the sensationalist drama that readers are often looking for in regards to this topic. Black and white photographs also break up the text every page or so. Fleming puts heavy emphasis on how Carter differed from other Egyptologists of the time because, despite his lack of formal education, he was meticulous in his documentation. This could easily become a class discussion about showing your work. Fleming also discusses the tensions between Great Britain and Egypt as Egypt fought to gain independence and to keep their artifacts in Egypt. This could open up deeper discussion and research on the topic, as well as open up discussions about similar historical and on-going debates related to the ownership of historical artifacts. Finally, Fleming briefly touches on the ethics of the mummy's unwrapping--that it meant permanently destroying the mummy and whether it was ethical to treat human remains in this manner.

Click! Snap! Picture That! written by Dieter Böge, illustrated by Benjamin Gottwald, and translated from German by David Henry Wilson and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Admittedly the first time through this book I was picture walking as I do this often with my elementary school students, especially in the younger grades. I was smitten by the quirky wonder as each animal is seen before they show how they wish to be seen. There are some surprises along the way, too, which will lead to some discussions, I bet. Reading the simple text of the animals and their dreams of how they want others to see them makes this a much deeper book than I thought the first time through it. I like books that are fun and interesting and capture my students attention, but really love when they are teachable, too. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: How we share ourselves in selfies, photographs of our favorite people, places, and activities is not often dealt with in children's books. I noticed that this book was translated from German by David Henry Wilson (original publication date in German in 2024), I did a bit of reading about the book and the intentions. I can definitely use this book when we talk about our future selves (career education), digital literacy (understanding photographs), and using illustrations to expand stories. This book has lighthearted illustrations by Benjamin Gottwald that will attract readers and likely lead to students repeating some of his style. My favorite spread is the cockatoo who dreams of being depicted by a famous artist while surrounded by the cockatoo in many frames in the style of famous artists. My art teacher and I will be having conversation about that spread, for sure! I read over 500 books a year and I really rarely return to books. This one will be revisited and shared as it struck me as unique. I recommend this Dieter Boge book for elementary school collections.

Buzz! Boom! Bang!: The Book of Sounds by Benjamin Gottwald and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Benjamin Gottwald has stunning illustrations that are colorful, vibrant, and engaging throughout this very long picture book. Some illustrations spread across two pages in one illustration and others are paired in a way that is hysterical to see. I am certain my students will immediately see the intention and provide the noises expected, though Gottwald explains it on the first two pages. I could use this book and its often glorious and sometimes serene illustrations to build community, build vocabulary, teach onomatopoeia, and remind students that reading can be just for the fun of it! I know it is geared toward younger readers, but this one will be shared with all of my elementary grades as it is too good to miss! I will also share this with my art teachers as I am sure they could find more wonder for our students to build from the concept of this book. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: On first look, this is the thickest picture book I have seen since Selznick's The Invention of Hugo Cabaret won the Caldecott Medal. The huge difference is that there are no written words on the illustrations in this picture book. Onomatopoeia gone mad would be one way to explain the engagement I expect to receive from my students when I share this wonderful book. I admit I laughed out loud at several of these and am certain my students of all elementary grades will find it equally appealing. I understand why Gottwald won awards for it in 2022 when it first was released in Germany. I expect it would make a great book for classrooms working on writing exclamations, a shared book in music class (kids could use a music app to create sounds that work for picture pairs), or as a pick me up when laughter and community building is needed. I highly recommend this book!

Big Choo written and illustrated by Stephen Shaskan and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: A young train is ready to prove to his Dad that he can do the hard work of pulling a line of freight cars on the main line while his Dad cheers his efforts. When he topples off the track on an incline, he is encouraged by his father, and they get to celebrate a day of hard work, determination, and bravery together. This book allows students to see hard work and support from adults in such a beautiful way. The engines are adorable and the story is so very sweet. Stephen Shaskan offers a nod to celebrated illustrator and author Virginia Lee Burton both in the style of his illustrations and on the last page of this book. I look forward to sharing this book with my junior kindergarten and kindergarten students. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: As a teacher, the story of the little engine that could is referenced often when we talk about books or about writing. Determination, perseverance, and effort are goals for all of us of any age. I welcome a new hero into my library collection! My teachers are going to love this one as much as I do. Perseverance, self-confidence, and recognizing that growing up takes time and each step forward is worth celebrating are wonderful concepts for young children. I highly recommend this book for preschool and elementary libraries.

Kissing Cowboys written by Meg Cabot and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Meg Cabot returns to young adult fiction with Kissing Cowboys, a charming rom-com that follows sixteen-year-old Winn Riley, a fashion-loving New York City girl whose life is turned upside down when her family relocates to rural Montana. Winn's mother has taken a teaching position at an unusual institution: a working-farm boarding school for intellectually gifted but troubled boys. As the only female student on campus, Winn finds herself navigating an entirely unfamiliar world of cattle ranching, high level private school classes, and an unexpected abundance of attractive cowboys. The story unfolds through Winn's witty, sarcastic diary entries as she grapples with culture shock, homesickness, and the complications of suddenly being the center of attention among her male classmates. Two boys in particular—the mysterious Zack and the charming Teddy—capture her interest, pulling her into a romantic entanglement she never anticipated. Set against the backdrop of Montana's sprawling landscapes and ranch life, Kissing Cowboys captures Winn's journey of self-discovery as she learns to embrace her new surroundings while navigating the messy, complicated reality of teenage romance and belonging.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Winn an instantly likable and relatable protagonist. Her sarcastic inner monologue and clever observations about her surreal new life keep the pages turning, and readers will find themselves smiling at her candid reflections on everything from fashion mishaps to romantic confusion. The fish-out-of-water premise is inherently entertaining; watching a city girl adapt to ranch life creates natural comedy and genuine moments of growth that feel earned rather than forced. The Montana dude-ranch setting is pretty unique, offering escapism and visual appeal that transports readers far from their everyday lives. Cabot's diary-style narrative format, complete with playful chapter headings and list-making, brings nostalgic energy reminiscent of her beloved earlier works while feeling thoroughly contemporary. As a librarian in a IB school library I tend to make books displays with some attributes of the IB Learner Profile.  The two traits that stood out to me included Thinkers - Winn's analytical mind (referencing The Art of War and psychology) and her habit of making lists reflect critical thinking. The love triangle invites readers to weigh competing perspectives and make thoughtful judgments about relationships and choices. Communicators - Winn's diary format models reflective communication. Her interactions with peers from vastly different backgrounds highlight the importance of clear, empathetic dialogue across differences.

Thanks to Harper Collins for an ARC of this book.

Building 903 written by Lois Lowry and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: In Building 903, Lois Lowry returns to the dystopian themes that defined The Giver with a story about a world where books, and the imagination they unlock, have been erased from society. Twins Tessa and Theo live in a carefully controlled future where citizens enjoy long, predictable lives but are stripped of creative thought and storytelling. When Theo mysteriously disappears, no one dares to speak of him. Then Miriam, their elderly neighbor bound for a retirement community, slips Tessa a key that leads to a hidden room filled with illegal books. As Tessa discovers these forbidden objects, she begins to understand that books are far more than objects, they are portals to imagination and humanity itself. Determined to find her brother and unlock the truth about his disappearance, Tessa embarks on a journey that challenges everything her society has taught her. Through her search, she learns that imagination is not a luxury but a revolutionary force, and that stories have the power to transform both individuals and entire worlds. Lowry crafts a narrative that feels both timely and timeless, asking what we lose when we sacrifice freedom for comfort and order. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Building 903 speaks to anyone who has ever felt the transformative power of reading. The premise itself is quietly haunting: a world where stories have been forgotten, and the act of reading becomes an act of rebellion. Lowry captures what makes books essential to our humanity, not as entertainment, but as vessels of memory, identity, and resistance. The novel's exploration of censorship and control feels urgently relevant without ever becoming preachy. Lowry presents a society that is orderly, safe, and comfortable, making the trade-off between freedom and ease deeply unsettling. Readers will find themselves questioning the quiet ways we accept limitations on thought and creativity in our own world. The book also celebrates the power of imagination in a way that feels genuine and earned, honoring how stories shape who we become. The novel doesn't offer easy answers; instead, it leaves readers with lingering questions that encourage reflection long after the final page. There are a lot of mixed reviews on this, but I do think comparing this book to The Giver is not fair. There is a lot to think about as we enter a post-literate society and an unprecedented era of book banning.

The Intergalactics written by Erik Jon Slangerup and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: The Intergalactics follows Brinx, a gene-spliced, lab-grown mutant who has spent his entire life on Base Lab 9 undergoing survival tests. Created by the HyperHelix corporation, Brinx is a Featherbone, a hybrid designed with webbed hands and the ability to jump abnormally high and far. His existence has been defined by a single goal: completing one thousand survival challenges to earn the right to travel to Havenport, the mysterious Graduation Center. Living in poor conditions with constant fear of death, Brinx's only source of hope is his best friend Jang, an older-generation Featherbone who has helped him survive. When both boys finally complete their thousand challenges and board an armored transport vessel bound for Havenport, disaster strikes. A meteor shower destroys the ship, crash-landing Brinx and the other survivors in the Driftlands, an uncharted, hostile region teeming with monstrous flora and fauna designed to kill. Separated from Jang during the crash, Brinx must band together with other survivors, including Goz, a skilled Griplock warrior, and Rigel, a vulnerable Allseer whose ability to read situations proves invaluable. As the group fights through relentless predators and deadly plants, they discover a hidden base that transforms their understanding of their world and their possible fate.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Fans of dystopian sci-fi adventures will love The Intergalactics.  The non-stop action keeps thrill-seekers on the edge of their seats, barely giving readers a chance to catch their breath before the next danger arrives. Bloodthirsty giant vines, relentless scavengers, and terrifying Shankwyrms create an atmosphere of constant peril that makes survival feel genuinely uncertain.What sets this novel apart is its richly imagined universe populated by diverse hybrids, each with unique characteristics and abilities. Notably, the characters cooperate rather than infight, a refreshing departure from many dystopian adventures where internal conflict undermines the group's chances.The worldbuilding is imaginative and distinctive, featuring a universe unlike Earth where genetic material from around the cosmos creates a myriad of colors, shapes, and abilities. Young readers seeking fresh, exciting sci-fi adventures with themes of friendship, teamwork, and belonging will find exactly what they're looking for in The Intergalactics.  I was not expecting so many characters to die, or the plot twists!  It was definitely a roller-coaster ride and I had to finish the book in one sitting.  I think this would make for a good book club book and it would be a fun addition to a "Mutants & Hybrids" book display.

Left on Read written by Marissa Eller and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Left on Read by Marissa Eller is a rivals-to-lovers romance about Nova Carter, an overachieving high school senior in an early college program. Nova's goal is valedictorian, but Hayes Collins—equally brilliant and her academic rival—threatens her plans. When they're paired for a project on student mental health, Nova discovers Hayes understands her burnout and pressure in ways few others do. Their rivalry gradually transforms into friendship and romance as Nova learns she doesn't have to carry her burdens alone. The novel emphasizes mental health, perfectionism, and vulnerability. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Readers love this book because it authentically tackles the struggles high-achieving students face today. Nova's journey toward recognizing her limits and prioritizing mental health feels earned and relatable. The rivals-to-lovers dynamic works because their competition is genuine, making their shift toward collaboration feel organic rather than forced. Readers will witness Hayes's growing as a character. From recognizing his immaturity, apologizing sincerely, and demonstrating growth. Their romance resonates because both are anxious, high-achieving students who finally find someone who truly understands. There is portrayal of anxiety, migraines, and autistic-coded representation that could be important to some readers. Ultimately, Left on Read delivers an uplifting message: you are more than your achievements, and asking for help is wisdom, not weakness.

It Came from the Creek written by Amy Sarig King and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Set in 1980, the story follows Katy and her best friend, Joel, as they investigate a mysterious and troubling problem in their hometown, Lorane Creek has become contaminated. The water smells terrible, looks strange, and is making people sick. Joel can't stop getting sick, Katy's eyes burn, and the toxic backup is even making her grandmother's home unsafe. As Katy and Joel document the strangeness and discover a sinister man deliberately dumping pollutants into the water, they realize the problem mirrors the bullying they face at school. The bullies, both the man polluting the creek and their classmates, operate because they believe they can get away with their actions. As the contamination threatens to ruin the creek and the community, Katy, Joel, and their neighbors must find the courage to stand up to these bullies before it's too late. Woven throughout are excerpts from a school assignment Katy is working on that describe a future readers will recognize as contemporary, drawing connections between past, present, and future. The author layers multiple important themes: environmental justice, classism, corruption, sexism, and upstanding, into a narrative that feels both nostalgic and empowering.

Straight Talk for Librarians: King has a remarkable gift for tackling tough, real-world topics in ways that feel age-appropriate and authentic for middle grade and young adult readers. The dual storylines, the environmental mystery at the creek and the social conflicts at school keep readers engaged and curious about what will happen next. The characters of Katy and Joel are sympathetic and relatable; they're independent young people who also maintain supportive relationships with their parents and teachers, making them feel genuine and grounded. The 1980s setting provides rich historical texture, from references to the Phillies' historic World Series run to period-specific details woven throughout, giving the story nostalgic charm while remaining relevant to contemporary readers. There are a lot of themes here: environmental protection, consent, patriarchy, and social responsibility. I really thought it was just going to be about environmentalism and pollution.  Adding all the extra social justice issues is a lot for a middle grade reader.  The mystery itself is engaging, with genuine suspense that builds throughout, and the emphasis on friendship and collective action offers an affirming message about the power of standing together. Readers will find themselves invested in whether Katy and Joel can reclaim their creek, their homes, and their place in their community.

Huda #4: Huda F Would Love You? written by Huda Fahmy and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: This fourth and final graphic novel in the beloved Huda F series by Huda Fahmy. Set during the summer after Huda's high school graduation, the story follows her as she begins community college and pursues her mission to find a husband. Armed with a plan to charm the aunties into setting her up with eligible sons and supported by a new squad of girl-power friends, Huda navigates the complexities of Muslim courtship and modern romance. However, as she encounters a seemingly perfect boy in her English literature class and stumbles through unspoken cultural rules and expectations, she discovers that finding her "happily ever after" requires more than external validation. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: At 256 pages, this coming-of-age story balances rom-com lightness with meaningful character growth, exploring marriage readiness, self-awareness, and the role of community in a young Muslim woman's life. Readers will connect will connect with this story because it authentically captures the confusion and excitement of navigating romance and identity during young adulthood. For Muslim teens, especially hijabi girls, the book offers rare and unapologetic representation that feels genuinely seen and understood. Readers consistently report that Huda's experiences mirror their own—from the awkwardness of gender separation in their communities to the constant pressure and judgment from aunties and uncles. The humor throughout makes serious topics feel accessible rather than preachy, allowing teens to laugh while processing real challenges.The graphic novel format keeps the story engaging and visually entertaining.  The book handles mature themes like grooming, passive-aggressive behavior, and misogynistic attitudes in age-appropriate ways that spark important conversations. The inclusion of strong historical and contemporary Muslim women as role models—like Khadijah and Fatima Al-Fihriyyah—provides positive cultural anchors. Additionally, the relationship red flags guide at the end empowers young readers with practical wisdom about recognizing unhealthy dynamics. The story also celebrates platonic love, familial bonds, and self-love, resonating with teens of all backgrounds who are learning to accept themselves. Fahmy's witty, self-aware voice and the genuine character development make this book feel like advice from a trusted older sister rather than adult instruction. This book enriches school libraries by offering teens a mirror, a window, and a map for navigating their own journeys toward authenticity and self-love.

Ghosted: A Funny and Heartwarming Story About Seventh Grade Friendship for Children written by Michael Fry and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Main character Larry has been best friends with Grimm since fourth grade. Now in seventh grade, Grimm dies after being struck by lightning. But Larry discovers that friendship doesn't die that easily, as Grimm continues to haunt Larry! Larry is determined to help his friend cross over and believes the answer lies in their bucket list. Together Larry and Grimm embark on a series of wild misadventures in their pursuit of helping Grimm move on. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Ghosted holds much in common with the beloved Diary of a Wimpy Kid series -- wild hijinks and the same illustrated text format. While the story at first is lighthearted and silly, seriousness creeps in as secondary characters express concern for Larry and acknowledge his grief. Larry also meets with a psychologist and has a conversation about how people talk to the dead all the time, how that can feel quite real, and also guilt. The reader becomes aware that Grimm was, in fact, not always a nice person, and Larry is struggling with how to make amends to some of the people Grimm hurt. The over-the-top escapades keep the story light hearted and funny even while dealing with serious topics like grief, guilt, and bullying. In the drawings, Larry is white and Grimm is black.

My Animalitos: A Frida Kahlo Story written by Monica Brown, illustrated by John Parra and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: In a lovely tribute to Frida Kahlo in spirit and in connection to animals, this board book will appeal to animal loving children and their parents. This would be a perfect gift for a schoolteacher, especially an art teacher. An ode to a famous painter with a menagerie of animals that she loved dearly. This is a brightly colored board book with a feeling of warmth, love, and compassion for animals and the qualities they share with us. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Each animal is introduced with poetic comparison of the animal and the character trait Frida gains from that animal. It reads powerfully with Frida depicted with the animals much like Kahlo did in her own art. In very few words, this book manages to both honor a celebrated Mexican artist and the child that is reading or being read the words. These statements are bold declarations of spirit, connection, and acceptance. It is lovely.

Grow written by Theodore Henry ; illustrated by Hsulynn Pang and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: I love the bright colors in this ode to a growing child. The book begins with a mother during pregnancy. The children in these glorious illustrations are diverse races. The poem is a lovely tribute to family. The comparison to a garden is lovely. There are pull tabs that make a lovely garden off the top of the book if all pulled out at once. I expect young children will love the smiling faces of the humans as much as the beautiful flora on each page. The poem is written in cursive and visually appealing as much as lyrical to read. Children are a wonder and I bet any new parent would love to share that wonder with their children. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I was very impressed with the quality of this board book. It feels sturdy throughout and since there are pull up sections, that is a huge deal for me. I will be recommending my friends in need of baby shower gifts to see this book, for sure.

Digital Red: A Modern Fairy-Tale Series written by Kimberly Delude, illustrated by Jan Dolby and reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Digital Red is the third book in the Modern Fairy-Tale series, offering a clever, contemporary twist on the classic Little Red Riding Hood story. Instead of a red cloak, Digital Red is obsessed with her red phone, constantly texting, taking selfies, and posting on social media. When Fairy Godmother asks her to deliver healing soup to Granny's house, Digital Red can't resist sharing her plans online. A mysterious new "friend," @TBBW (The Big Bad Wolf), begins messaging her with seemingly helpful suggestions about where to go. However, this online interaction takes a dangerous turn when Red realizes she's shared too much personal information. Through witty dialogue and vibrant illustrations, this fractured fairy tale teaches an important lesson about online safety and the risks of communicating with strangers on the internet. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Digital Red is an excellent addition to school libraries, offering both entertainment and educational value. The story addresses the critical topic of digital citizenship in an age-appropriate, engaging format that resonates with young readers. The book includes discussion questions that spark meaningful conversations about internet safety, critical thinking, and decision-making. Teachers and librarians can use this resource to facilitate lessons on online safety, stranger danger in digital spaces, and responsible technology use. The snappy dialogue and vibrant illustrations make it engaging for read-alouds, while the important messaging makes it suitable for both classroom instruction and independent reading. If you happen to be in an IB PYP library you can easily connect this to the Learner Profile, particularly the attributes of being "principled" and "knowledgeable." The story encourages students to think critically about digital citizenship, make ethical choices online, and understand the consequences of sharing personal information. Through this fractured fairy tale, students develop awareness of global issues in our technology-driven world.

Curriculum on author's website!

The Oregon Trail #1: The Race to Chimney Rock written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This Choose Your Own Adventure in the Oregon Trail series took me right back to the early 90's and playing this game with students in public schools where I was a substitute teacher. (The game had everything and I wanted to know how this book series could capture that excitement, dread, wonder, and risk taking.) Jesse Wiley must have played the game, as well as this book has it all! Backmatter guides you to how to problem solve issues that affected Westward settlers. (A foreword reminds readers to read the backmatter before making their first decision.) There are short sections/chapters of only a few pages and then you face a choice. Choose right and your journey continues. Choose wrong and you may die or be lost or be without supplies including that wagon that is your chance for a better future. I chose well for a bit, but then there was an impossible choice that I did not like at all and I did die. I went back to where I had chosen wrong and made a new choice. This time I finished the journey and ended at Chimney Rock. I did go back and read more with different choices to see what would have happened. In short, this is a fun book and I think my students will like it. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Note to teachers- If your district requires Westward Expansion knowledge, read on! I have never been a fan of Choose Your Own Adventure books, but this series was a connection for me to my younger years in teaching. If my students do like this series, I will add more for them. I like the connections to history, geography, and life skills (fixing wagons, managing money and supplies, caring for the ill or injured, and hierarchy of the wagon train) for the characters that students may gain more insight from. I played both Oregon Trail and Amazon Trail with my students and their knowledge of locations and animals were directly boosted by these games. I also discovered at my local library that the Oregon Trail game is available on a couple of different game systems. (My library had it!)

The Oregon Trail #7: Gold Rush! written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This series that replicates the subject of a game I taught my earliest classes to allow us to better understand the problem solving needed during Westward Expansion was quite the hit. I hope this series will do the same for my current students. Each book in the series explains where the wagon train is at, the dangers of the next section of the trail, as well as some tips for avoiding those dangers. The path has a divide to reckon with: head to California or to Oregon. There are friendships to be made, hard decisions to be made, and animals to hunt or care for in order to move your wagons safely on that trail. Some may be trustworthy that you meet on the trail, but others have no good intentions. Reading the notes in the backmatter allows you the best chance to complete this story with success. Some endings will be loss of oxen to pull your wagons, loss of other humans, or your own life. Sickness is prevalent along the trail and you have to have your wits about you to stay well. This series and this book are a lot of fun. I hope my students will also have fun with the rest books. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I think this series is worth book talks as historical fiction is studied in my schools and the short chapters may engage my less motivated readers. Westward expansion is part of the curriculum and the issues of the 1800's might be fascinating for today's generation.

The Oregon Trail #8: The Oregon Trail: Calamity in the Cold written by Jesse Wiley and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: Moving from Florida to Oregon is no easy feat in 1845. Unusual weather also makes the trail more difficult. Many hazards await. Will teaming up with a Cherokee family you meet along the way increase your chance of success? I made more mistakes in this book than in The Race to Chimney Rock. I realize that the game I used to play with students early in my career allowed me not to walk away. I saw the words The End, returned to my choice and continued the story. When I finally reached Oregon City, I felt that same rush. This book did not have to be read specifically before or after the last. It stands alone with its own challenges. I look forward to sharing this with students next year. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Some students like short chapters and a Choose your adventure book may be just what engages them. I will have to book talk these to explain how to check the back of the book notes, Guide to the Trail, before beginning the story. I will allow students to think about how to manage an early death due to the dangers on the Oregon Trail. I will likely also prep them that there used to be an enormously popular game that engaged students in Westward Expansion in wonderful ways. Though I don't think many of my students will find this series on their own, they may respond well to it once I talk about it.

Spirit Animals: Fall of the Beasts #3: The Return by Varian Johnson reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: If you like longer series with riveting characters, action, danger, adventure, and majestic animals, this Spirit Animals series is for you! Follow Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan as they seek to stop the Wyrm that is taking over humans and spirit animals with only destruction in mind. There are many characters to meet along the way and many communities to learn about. Be sure to check that map at the beginning of the book for a better understanding of your journey. (Though the online game is no longer supported since 2025, the books do stand alone as engaging stories to enjoy.) 

Straight Talk for Librarians: First: the online component is no longer available, but that does not negate that this book and the series Fall of the Beasts is well written. Secondly, the Spirit Animals series as a whole seems to have waned in popularity. The connection of the books to a game online was huge for a bit. Since I am not drawn by online gaming, I focus only on the books themselves. The characters are consistent book to book despite the series being written by different authors. Varian Johnson is stellar at the scenes of violence and danger. He manages to expose the character flaws at just the right time for the heroes of the story to save the day. These would make great read alouds. I love the map included for reference. I have some students who won't read a Fantasy book without a map. Though the animals are not all cute and cuddly looking like the Panda on the cover art, they are all cunning, loyal, and fascinating as support characters to the young warriors as they continue their quest to defend and save the Evertree. I am trying to figure out why this series is not as popular as it once was and after having read Fall of Beasts, I will have to book talk it, again. It is a great adventure with interesting characters and animals bonded to them. There is literally nothing to not like.