City of Ghosts (City of Ghosts #1), written by Victoria Schwab, reviewed by Amanda Davies

Summary:  After being saved from death under mysterious circumstances, Cassidy (Cass) finds that the veil between the land of the living and the land of ghosts is much thinner. When her family travels to Edinburgh, Scotland for the summer, she and her best friend (who is a ghost) find themselves drawn through the veil in new and scary ways. With smarts, trial and error, help from a new friend, and a little luck, Cass hopes to be able to survive the summer and learn more about her strange skill. This is the first book in a three-book series; the other two books take place in Paris and New Orleans.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Middle school students love ghost stories that are creepy and ghosty without being too gory and Victoria Schwab nails it with this first book in the City of Ghosts series. The ghosts are just spooky enough to keep students interested. The setting (both historical and modern-day Edinburgh) means that readers learn about some Scottish culture (please call the the cookies "biscuits" and the fries "chips") and geography along with the frights. A great addition to middle school ghost story collections; sure to have a long holds list.

A Place at the Table, written by Saadia Faruqi and Laura Shovan, reviewed by Amanda Davies

 

Summary:  Sara and Elizabeth are both sixth graders. While Elizabeth, who is white, Jewish, and half British, starts school knowing that she can depend on her old friends who will be at school with her, Sara, who is brown, Muslim, and Pakistani,  doesn't know anyone and feels left out and alone. Until cooking club. When Elizabeth and Sara end up as cooking partners, they begin to learn that even though they have differences, they actually have a lot in common. Sara learns that Elizabeth is overwhelmed by her mom's depression and the death of her grandma. Elizabeth learns that Sara worries about her parents finances and the racism she and her family experience. They also discover that both of their moms are studying for their American citizenship test. As they navigate the difficulties of middle school friendship, the impact of racism, and joys of sharing cooking and food, they discover how powerful forgiveness can be.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Sara and Elizabeth's characters alternate narration throughout the books. Like Reynolds and Kiely's powerful All American Boys, this gives the authors the opportunity to authentically share the thoughts, feelings, and conflicts experienced by each character. The book does an outstanding job illustrating what it means to stand up for your friends and against racism. Faruqi and Shovan name racism as racism without tiptoeing around it. While a secondary character's acceptance of her own racist behaviors may come off as too tidy, it feels appropriate for the grade level.

Disappeared, written by Francisco X. Stork, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

Summary:  Young women in Juarez, Mexico fear being kidnapped and disappearing forever. Sara and her friend Linda travel together every day because it's safer. Sara writes stories for the local newspaper about the girls who have disappeared. She never dreams Linda will become one of the disappeared. Someone sends threatening letters and emails to the newspaper. They want Linda to stop writing about the missing girls. Life in Juarez is challenging. Sara's brother Emiliano wants a better life than his single mother can provide. His business of selling folk art products catches the attention of some businessmen who want to sell his folk art across the border. When Sara's work and Emiliano's business goals collide, they flee Juarez for the safety of the United States.

Stork’s novel captures the gritty details of life across the border in Mexico. He realistically portrays the dangers of human trafficking and the drug cartels. The novel moves at a rapid pace which heightens the immediacy of the story. The narration moves between Sara’s voice and Emiliano’s voice. The contrast is staggering. Sara always wants to do the right thing no matter what the cost. Emiliano struggles with how to get the various pieces of his life to fall into place. His love for Perla Rubi threatens to overwhelm his better judgment.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  The novel sensitively handles difficult topics. Sara and Emiliano are relatable characters who arguably struggle with more mature problems than the average teen. The novel shines a light on the difficulties immigrants face at the border between the U.S. and Mexico. A just cause or fears for personal safety often aren’t enough to be admitted into the U.S. legally. The novel describes human trafficking, the illegal drug trade, theft, underage drinking, and kidnapping. For these reasons, it is recommended for mature students only. I highly recommend this novel for young adult readers.

Even if the Sky Falls, written by Mia Garcia, reviewed by Stephanie Wilson

 

Summary:  Julie thought leaving home for a mission trip in New Orleans would be the answer to her problems. Her family is falling apart. Her once close relationship with her older brother Adam is faltering. Julie has walled herself off from her closest friends. The trip leader Tavis and his unwanted attention makes her uncomfortable. Julie sneaks onto another group’s bus and impulsively flees. She winds up in the middle of Midsummer Mardi Gras and in the company of a cute young stranger. They decide not to tell each other their real names. Julie calls him Miles and he calls her Lila. She and Miles spend a memorable night together exploring New Orleans. Julie and Miles soon realize that the storm brewing is stronger than expected. Miles and Julie have no choice but to ride out the storm together in the only shelter they can find.

Parts of the novel require suspension of disbelief on the part of the reader. Julie and Miles freely move about New Orleans in the middle of a festival and even get into a bar with no ID even though they are only sixteen and seventeen. Tavis happens to find Julie twice during her adventures even though she isn’t answering her cell phone and he has no idea where she is.  How does he know she running around New Orleans when she took off without telling anyone where she was going?  It seems way too coincidental.  The scenes involving the losing and finding of Miles’ bracelet also push the boundaries of credibility. Inserting “magical” elements into a realistic fiction novel does not work.

Straight Talk for Librarians:  Even if the Sky Falls is not recommended for younger teen and tween readers due to mature content. The novel features scenes of underaged drinking, sexual activity, multiple tragedies, and a character’s near suicide attempt. The novel is part romance, part adventure tale and a love letter to the city of New Orleans. I recommend this novel for fans of young adult romances.

The Rembrandt Conspiracy: A Lost Art Mystery #2, written by Deron Hicks, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Summary: Twelve-year-old Art Hamilton and Camille Sullivan are back in this 2nd book of the Lost Art Mystery series. Art’s father is the director of the Lunder Conservation Center, which is responsible for the artwork at the Smithsonian. Art and his dad used to travel all over the world because of his job. In the first book, they had decided to permanently reside in DC because of the job at the Smithsonian. Art and Camille are about to get involved in their second art heist mystery. Art things that someone is planning to rob the National Portrait Gallery during the Millennium Exhibit at which priceless paintings will be displayed and the Queen of England will be in town. There is a woman who Art noticed at the museum that gets an iced mocha, takes forty-two steps and appears like clockwork at 4:30 pm to walk through the museum in the same route taking the same amount of steps each time. Art finds this very suspicious and when he finally lets Camille know what is going on, they have to try to find proof that something bad is going to happen. It’s up to them to solve the mystery in time. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: I really love these books because they are a good mystery for middle-grade readers. It’s fun and suspenseful, but not too scary. I also love the QR codes woven into the chapters so that readers can look at the actual artwork being described in the story. The QR codes mostly go to museum sites that house the original artwork. I think it would be a good book and a good series for art teachers to recommend. I also think that it would be a good read for kids (and adults) who are planning a visit to Washington DC and the Smithsonian to read some fun background. The books comes with a floor plan of the Smithsonian. As a librarian, I think this would be a good book to go on a mystery display, an art heist theme or a Washington DC theme display. I think it also has a wide appeal to boys and girls because of the characters in the book, maybe some reluctant readers and some hardcore mystery readers. I think any adult middle-grade readers would also enjoy this book (I did!) This is a great purchase for a school library.

Cow Says Meow, written by Kristi Call, reviewed by Katy Golden

Summary: This onomatopoeia-filled book showcases a series of animals quoted with the wrong sounds, presented in speech bubbles, followed by a child making an animal-related pun that gives a clue for the next creature up. The pictures are full-page graphic illustrations of each animal’s face with extra-large eyes. At the end of the story, the first animal – a cow – shows up again, prompting a never-ending circle that young readers will enjoy. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Preschoolers and kindergarteners will love to guess which sounds are coming from which animal, and will definitely find the large faces and mixed-up sounds silly. From a cow to an owl to a lion to a kid, a large variety of animals are represented. Use this to review animal sounds with very young children, or have them guess the next animal based on the puns to get sligh

Vamos! Let's Cross the Bridge, written by Raúl the Third, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Another great Raúl the Third Vamos! book!! This series is fun, hectic, multicultural and full of interesting easter eggs. The illustrations by Elaine Bay are so good and contribute 1000% to the fun! Little Lobo is off to a celebration so he packs his truck with piñatas, cakes and presents. His friends help him on his road trip to the celebration. And to get to the celebration Little Lobo, and thousands of others, must cross a bridge. On one side of the bridge most people speak Spanish (a dog barks: "Guau, guau") and on the other side most people speak English (a dog barks: "Woof, woof"). The illustrations are so much fun and there is so much to see on each page. The bridge is so busy that the people, whether in cars or walking, also have a lot to see with so much happening. There is a peanut vendor, a juggler and even El Toro and friends! Because the bridge is so backed up and busy Little Lobo and friends are stuck for hours. But, are they really stuck? Of course not! A celebration takes place on the bridge because everything needed is available: people, food, entertainment and friendship! The bilingual text (a glossary is included), cultural references and, most of all, FUN make this book a must have! 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great multicultural book for young children. The illustrations are full of great easter eggs. Spanish and English is used in the text. The glossary will be fun and interesting to explore.

Mr. Walker Steps Out, written by Lisa Graff, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Mr. Walker is the white walking symbol in the street crossing signal. He takes his job very seriously to keep people safe when crossing the street. When it is not safe he holds up a big red hand. But in watching everything going on each day, people splashing in puddles, riding bikes and eating ice cream, he wishes he could step out of his little house to join in something wonderful. One day Mr. Walker jumps out of the box and does enjoy some wonderful things like skateboarding and riding a roller coaster. Of course, Mr. Walker finds out that everything is not working out for people without his guidance. Horns honk, cars swerve and a little girl crosses the dangerous road so Mr. Walker realizes he is needed. Mr. Walker shows us that feeling needed and enjoying what you do is important. The illustrations by Christophe Jacques are very nice and depict the busy streets and activities so well. Young children will get a kick out of the walking symbol coming to life and enjoying activities that they may also enjoy. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Young children will get a kick out of the walking sign symbol coming to life. This is an enjoyable book with a lot of scenarios that may be relatable to everyone.

Best Day Ever, written by Marilyn Singer, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: This is a great story of a dog and her best friend who is a boy. The story is about the dog having a best day ever or not the best day ever. The dog wakes up happy, licks the boy's face, has breakfast and then plays, digs and chases. However, she gets dirty and smelly and her best friend scolds her and cleans her in the tub. These are some of the not so best days ever. The illustrations by Leah Nixon are perfect and show how the dog has so much fun, gets into a bit of trouble and makes up with her friend. The boy apologizes for yelling at his friend and suggests some training is in order. The story is a very good demonstration of how to treat a pet, to have fun with a pet and that training is ok if needed. The boy is in a wheelchair and it is not mentioned in the text but, instead, the reader only knows because of the illustrations. This book is highly recommended because of the themes of happiness, empathy and compassion. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A great book for children to learn about kindness, empathy and compassion regarding animals.

Chill Chomp Chill! written by Chris Ayala-Kronos, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: Chomp is a very young dinosaur who learns how to deal with some day-to-day social issues with friends at school, playing a game at recess and when he, seems to be, the only classmate not invited to a party. In the first scenario Chomp needs one more building block to complete his castle but Camara takes that block. What should Chomp do? The big, bright, colorful illustrations by Paco Sordo are excellent as they demonstrate the possible reactions that Chomp could take against Camara. Should Chomp roar or stomp or chomp? But Chomp takes the high road and compliments Camara for creating a masterpiece using teamwork. Each social situation shows that Chomp could frown, cry, run, hide or chomp in response but instead Chomp always chills. And, in doing so, Chomp takes the temperature down in what could have been a harmful reaction that may have escalated. The social situations will, most likely, be relatable to young children and the illustrations perfectly complement the text. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: A very straightforward book for preschool and lower elementary aged children about how to deal in awkward social situations. It should get some points across.

We Are Not Free, written by Traci Chee, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: During World War II, fourteen Japanese-American teens, living in the same San Francisco neighborhood, ranging in age from 14-20, are taken from their homes and forced into Topaz incarceration camp with their families. Though they are connected by ancestry, the kids come from very different households and bring unique perspectives and attitudes to Topaz. As their different voices tell each chapter, moving chronologically through time, readers hear about the daily struggles of their existence, the poor living conditions and limited resources, the compulsion to rebel against inhumane treatment, the desire to hold on to any small pieces of their prior lives outside the camp, and the confusion about why American citizens are being treated in such a horrible way. A government questionnaire, asking whether the incarcerated teens would be willing to serve with American forces overseas and whether they would be willing to swear sole allegiance to the U.S. Government, causes further division in the camp and amongst the group, forcing some into military service, some into more restrictive camps, and some to be left behind. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This novel is an incredibly powerful and well-researched portrayal of the varied experiences of Japanese-Americans who were detained in incarceration camps. Though some teen readers may balk slightly at the frequently changing perspectives as the narration shifts from character to character, the number of voices is what makes this book as thought-provoking as it is. Other books on the subject may offer one singular voice sharing one singular experience, but by including so many narrators, Chee sheds light on the diverse experiences amongst the individuals struggling in these camps. Students will find it eye-opening to read about the disparity and disagreements amongst the incarcerated - how some wanted to stay safe through acquiescence and some wanted to fight back against injustice, how some were willing to swear fealty to the U.S. to be seen as American and how some were unwilling to risk military service or renouncement of their heritage to do so. In any traumatic situation, different mindsets come into play, and Chee showcases that concept beautifully as we see characters adjust to life in Topaz through a myriad of feelings, from frustration to quiet optimism to rage. And the true beauty of the story lies in seeing how the relationships that had built up amongst a group of neighborhood kids continue within the camp. Friendships become stronger through adversity, crushes continue despite the circumstances, and some relationships are heartbreakingly destroyed under the weight of the experience. The book is beautiful as a whole text, but individual sections or chapters could be excerpted for use in history classes. Combine We Are Not Free with George Takai’s They Called Us Enemy or Frank Abe’s We Hereby Refuse to make compelling text sets for supplemental study. A must purchase text for any middle school or high school library.

Running, written by Natalia Sylvester, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: Mariana’s dad is running for President and things are starting to get awkward. For as long as Mari can remember, her dad has been campaigning for one office or another, and she has always been his biggest supporter. But this time around, the expectations for Mari and her family are so much higher than ever before. She is under constant pressure and scrutiny to be the best version of herself, which makes her feel more like a political strategy than a beloved daughter. Her mother seems to understand Mari's frustrations and complaints, but ultimately, she always sides with Mari’s father. Mari is trying to make sense of her family’s new drive to win at all costs, but the more time she spends thinking about the campaign, the more she realizes that she doesn’t actually know much about her father’s policies and political views. And when tabloid photos of Mari are taken out of context, even by her family members, Mari starts to wonder if she should be putting more consideration into how she would cast her vote. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Running is a fantastic story about how today’s political climate affects young people, and about how critical it is for individuals, especially youth, to stand up for their views and beliefs. Mari’s direct connection to the candidate in question (her father) drives home a poignant message about the importance of following policies and votes, not just words and promises. Mari’s family is Cuban-American, living in Miami, and Sylvester does an incredible job incorporating real-world political issues that are deeply connected to Miami, like immigration and deportation issues, coastal water health and protection, and class and racial division. A full cast of characters, including her childhood friends, her new activist friends, and even her mother and grandfather, help open Mari’s eyes to the ways that her father’s politics affect the everyday lives of people in her community. The book ends with many issues unresolved, and a few relationships hanging in the balance, but provides a satisfying conclusion to Mari’s period of awakening, closing a chapter on Mari’s youth and opening a door toward a more engaged future. This book will be an easy sell to politically aware and active teens, and provides an interesting, fast-paced story for those who are simply looking for a good coming-of-age novel.

Who Will Pull Santa's Sleigh? written by Russ Willms, reviewed by Judy Hauser

Summary: If you need a good, fun Christmas book for a child this is a winner. The story is interesting in how it describes Santa's first time delivering gifts and what he had to go through to find the perfect team to pull the sleigh. There are very funny lines pertaining to Santa's quest when he writes a job description that includes "Landing accuracy important" and "Magic flying dust will be provided." And the author's illustrations are very, very cute and fun and complement the story so well. Children will enjoy the variety of animal teams trying out for the job. The bats will only work at night, the sharks want to eat everything and the bunnies are too bouncy. The dogs almost get the job but a pesky squirrel distracts them too easily. When the reindeer try for the job they are perfect. Children will now know how reindeer were selected. The humor in the text and illustrations will be a hit with parents and children. This fun book is perfect for the Christmas season. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: This is a fun book for Christmas. Very funny text and illustrations. Kids and adults reading the book to kids will love it.