Anya #1: Anya and the Dragon written by Sofiya Pasternack and reviewed by Rebecca Lowe

Summary: Anya is a Jewish girl growing up in a non-Jewish medieval Russian-inspired fantasy village where magic is banned but citizens quietly use it anyway, When a family with Fool magic authorized by the tsar arrives, Anya learns that the mayor is planning on evicting her family from their land for the new family but that she has an opportunity to earn the money to save her home by working with the newcomers to hunt the last remaining dragon. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Those with a deep love of fairytales from around the world will enjoy seeing familiar fairytale faces like the rusalka, Baba Yaga, and the Bukavac. That said, readers new to Russian mythology may find the beginning of the story heavy with Russian terminology and vocabulary more difficult to enter than other fantasy stories. Once past the beginning, the story quickly settles into an easier flow with engaging characters and an immersive story that is more accessible for the average middle school reader. More knowledgeable reviewers also have pointed out that there are some minor historical inaccuracies (for example, while Jewish men in medieval Russia would likely be able to read at least some Hebrew, it is unlikely that Anya would have been taught). Teachers could use this book to talk about world mythology, history of Russia, the expectations of children through history (ie child labor), or discussing how the depictions of dragons in stories have shifted over time. While the fairytale of Baba Yaga plays only a minor role in this story, the current resurgence in interest in Baba Yaga may spark interest in this story for some students.

Packs: Strength in Numbers written by Hannah Salyer and reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary: This beautifully illustrated picture book has full double page spreads that are eye popping and so very appealing. The text explains how some animals are better together as packs provide strength and security for them. The pack names are specific to the animal group, as well. (My students love those kind of facts!) It also touches on how humans are better together, as well. Learning from these animals while delving into these magical illustrations I hope my students will get the strength in numbers message, especially now. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I love that Hannah Salyer added information about the dangers of losing animals in our world do to human choices of land, water, and lack of pollution management. Great back matter in this one. Always makes me happy to see that back matter! We have many teachers that do animal reports from K-5th grade and this one has lots of good information. Mostly it is about the language of pack by animal and their support of one another. Gorgeous illustrations allow my art teacher to join in the educational fun, too!

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.

El Dador/The Giver (Spanish Edition) written by Lois Lowery, reviewed by Terry Wahrman

 

Summary:  A young boy named Jonas discovers his life and the lives of his family and friends are influenced by a governing body. Their life’s path is not by chance but controlled in their utopian world.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  The Giver is still read in our school district and the spanish translation is a welcome addition to our ESL program.  Highly recommended.

Besties Work it Out by Kayla Miller, reviewed by Todd Erickson

 

Summary: Besties Beth and Chanda are determined to make bank plotting to dog sit for Ms. Langford's four legged princeling of a pooch. But what happens when their side hustle needs a side hustle? Due to poor choices and a misguided pursuance of popularity at all cost, their attempts to make some fast cash threatens to derail their friendship and sidetrack their entrepreneurial pursuits. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This one is bound to be popular among fans of realistic graphic novel fiction - especially those fans of the Click series. Chanda and Beth are typical, well-meaning 6th graders who are tempted to make a quick buck by biting off more than they can chew. Some poor choices involving social media and delusions of financial grandeur and popularity lead to unforeseen hilarity and some important life lessons. Students will be able to relate to the Besties, who are navigating their Tween years with gusto and heart.

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.
 

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.
 

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.
 

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.

Trouble Next Door, written by Karen English, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  New neighbors are always a big deal, but moreso when you fear the new neighbor. This story has it all: science fair, bullies, and social issues both in and out of an elementary school. The main character Calvin is dealing with his Mom away caring for a grandparent, school expectations, friend expectations, and long time neighbors moving away. That seems enough until his greatest fear for a new neighbor comes true. This story is a nice peak into the mind of elementary children. Though the outcomes are expected, the writing is not preachy and the characters are engaging.

A good purchase if you need more chapter books in your collection.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  There is some chatter about bullying, foster care situations, and science fair projects gone wrong (and right), but nothing inappropriate or hard to handle in the grand scheme of things. If you need a series for young readers with many characters of color experiencing school in the suburbs this may fit.
 

Everybody Needs a Buddy (The Big Idea Gang) written by James Preller, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  This edition of the Big Idea Gang called Everybody Needs a Buddy is quite fun! Tge students in the club, Deon, Connor, Lizzy, and Kym hear about the PTA having extra money to spend and come up with ideas to suggest to the PTA for that money. Deon notices a new student, Dinesh Barazani, alone on the playground one day and he goes out of his way to connect with Dinesh. He and his friends in BIG (Big Idea Gang) find a bit of information about something called a Buddy Bench and they come up with the slogan they will use to chat with the PTA about their idea: Everybody needs a buddy!

The short chapters with illustration support are perfect for 2nd-4th grade chapter book readers and the enthusiasm and humor of this group of characters will encourage students to read and consider the problem of how to inspire others when you have a good idea for your community. Miss Zip, their teacher, offers persuasive writing ideas after the story and ties it all together in a nice writing lesson bow that teachers are sure to love.

I did notice a few editing mistakes (missed words) as I read, but all in all this is a solid addition for my two elementary school collections.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Great series for those who serve elementary school populations and want a way to encourage writing for fun and for persuasion.
 

Worst Mascot Ever (The Big Idea Gang), written by James Preller, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  The creation of the Big Idea Gang is in response to the mascot of the Armadillo making no sense since there are not any in Connecticut. There is opposition in class when they put the idea out there that the Armadillo is a horrible mascot, so they decide on a vote. The backmatter: Miss Zip's "Wow Me" Tips is wonderfully done and easily lends itself to a writing lesson!

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I love this series for the writing connections in the stories and in a section at the back of the books. Many students have great ideas, but struggle to expand them. This series is a nice connection for classroom writing work.

Bee the Change (The Big Idea Gang), written by James Preller, reviewed by Debra Gantz

Summary:  This series is a simple chapter book about a group of 3rd graders who work together to create change. In this title the kids, Lizzy, Connor, Kym, and Deon have an assignment where they need to teach others about something they can do to make the world better. It began with Kym taking Lizzy to her parent's friends farm where he was going to show them the hives he manages. Once they are hooked on bees, they want others to care about them, also. Thus begins the plan to teach others and create a bee haven at school, starting with the plants in the school garden.

There is back matter on bees after the story as well as a section about writing entitled "Wow Me Tips". This writing section is what captured my 3rd grade teaching teams and got them excited about sharing this title (and the series) with classes next year.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  I loved that it is an easy chapter book that my 2nd-4th graders may find interesting. I loved even more the facts in this title about bees, which are not being supported enough these days. I shared it with my 3rd grade teams in both of buildings as the writing connections at the end are wonderful.

(The book ends with both back matter about bees and notes from their teacher about writing. Teachers at both of my schools love the series for the writing information!)
 

Some Other Now, written by Sarah Everett, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary:  Told in sections past and present, titled “Then” and “Now”, Some Other Now is the story of Jessi. In the past, she is best friends with neighbor Rowan Cohen, whose mother, Mel, is her role model and whose older brother, Luke, is Jessi’s first crush. Jessi has been dealing with her own mother’s debilitating depression, but time spent with the Cohen’s is always the perfect distraction. Until Jessi is diagnosed with cancer and everything changes. In the present, Jessi is separated from Rowan, estranged from Luke, and is too ashamed of some choices to talk to Mel. But as Mel gets sicker, Luke returns from school and unexpectedly approaches Jessi about a fake-dating arrangement that is sure to bring joy to Mel in her last days. The mystery of this story is in the middle as readers wonder about what has happened to all of Jessi’s relationships that have brought her to this point, and how they might end up as Mel’s health increasingly worsens.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Some Other Now was an incredibly moving story about family love, relationship drama, and the difficulties of moving from childhood to adulthood. Jessi’s relationship with each of the Cohens is in perpetual motion, which kept me thoroughly engaged and excited to see what would happen next. The different stages of romance with Luke were dramatic and fraught with emotion in a very satisfying way, though some steamy scenes probably make this most appropriate for high school readers. I was drawn in by the complexity of Jessi’s relationship with her own parents. Her mother is absent from her life for large periods of time while she struggles with her depression, but seeing her as she is seeking treatment in the present is an eye-opening look into a critical perspective on mental health. This book was an incredible page-turner and will be an easy and popular choice for any students looking for serious realistic fiction with a heavy dose of romance.

Duck, Duck, Moose, written by Mary Sullivan, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary:  When Duck, Duck, Moose, and a girl realize Goose is missing, they immediately go on a hunt to find him, coming across other farm animals, a locked gate, and a hive of bees in the process - only to have Goose return the next day from his beach vacation.

Straight Talk for Librarians: 
The song-like rhythm of the text and frequently repeated words make this an engaging read-aloud for younger students, who might find themselves chanting along. All words are simple, repeated frequently, presented through speech bubbles, so young children will have an easy time following along. Although the story might feel unfinished or stir up a few questions- why do they simply give up while concerned their friend is missing, and why were they not aware of Goose’s planned vacation? – those not overly concerned with plot will enjoy the silly hijinks and the chant-like quality of the words.
 

Things I Should Have Known, written by Claire LaZebnik, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary:  When Chloe’s sister, Ivy, who is on the autism spectrum, starts asking Chloe questions about dating, Chloe decides that Ivy may be interested in a boyfriend. She dutifully selects an eligible bachelor from Ivy’s class, Ethan, a movie-obsessed boy who is also on the spectrum. Ivy agrees to the date, but only if Chloe will come too, an agreement that suits Chloe until she discovers that Ethan’s brother, who similarly joined the date, is her school nemesis, David. As Chloe and David are forced to spend time together as chaperones, they grow closer as they see in each other a kindred spirit able to truly understand both the joys and troubles of having an autistic sibling. While the relationship between Ivy and Ethan is uncertain from the start, Chloe and David seem destined to become something more than friends.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  The absolute strength of this book is its insightful, realistic depictions of family life and sibling relationships with a person on the autism spectrum. Ivy and Ethan’s characterization is perceptive and authentic, as are Chloe and David’s interactions with their siblings. This book is worthy of purchase for these depictions alone as they are the primary focus on the story. The romance between David and Chloe is satisfying in its slow burn, enemies-to-lovers storyline and in Chloe’s realization of the power of having deep, meaningful relationships based on shared experiences and mutual understanding and acceptance. That being said, many of Chloe’s other relationships are superficial and make the story lag a bit. Several of the adult characters are quite frustrating as well, but offer some context as to why the sibling relationships between Chloe and Ivy and David and Ethan are so special. Some teen sexual activity makes this a better bet for high school students. This book will appeal most to teens who have a close relationship with someone with special needs, or to those who are interested in gaining insight into the lives of those who do. A solid choice for adding much-needed neurodiversity representation to a collection.
 

Ink in the Blood, written by Kim Smejkal, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary: Celia and Anya have been friends since their apprentice days. Each holds the mysterious power to transmit tattoos to other people via the ink that runs in their blood. Their “gift” is controlled by the orders of Divine. Celia and Anya long for a life beyond the temple walls. They plot their escape with the help of a fallen mistico (priestess) and join the Rabble Mob. The Rabble Mob is a traveling theater troupe that performs morality plays within the careful constraints of the Divine. Celia and Anya soon learn their past won’t be so easily escaped.

Straight Talk for Librarians: Ink in the Blood is a dark fantasy novel filled with characters whose gender is unknown or shifts. The lack of consistency leads to some confusion as to which character is speaking in parts of the novel. It is especially confusing when one character refers to another as "he" on one page and "she" on the following page. It was unclear whether this was intentional or due to spotty editing. Consistent use of the convention of they or we would have made more sense. The individual characters of the Rabble Mob are frequently more interesting than either Celia or Anya. Celia’s weakness, whining and moping is irritating. Act I of the book moves incredibly slow. The pace picks up in Act II and it's the best written section of the novel. The novel is clearly meant for high school level readers. There are multiple references to drinking absinthe with predictable consequences. Celia finds herself in several romantic entanglements that stop short of being sexual encounters. A character gouges her eyes out and multiple characters go mad.

It's clear the author completed tons of worldbuilding before the novel was written. Unfortunately, some of this previous work needed to be included in the novel for clarity's sake. The novel has good bones, but they never get fleshed out. I enjoyed parts of the novel but not the entire novel. The novel is book one of a planned series.