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One Day a Dot: The Story of You, the Universe, and Everything by Ian Lendler , illustrated by Shelli Paroline and Braden Lamb . PICTURE BOOK. First Second (Roaring Book Press), 2018. $18. 9781626722446. BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE Starting with the appearance of a simple dot, that then got so excited it burst into lots of other dots, that then joined together and made light, and eventually...the world as we know it came to be and we all exist. This is a simplified--and fantastic!--explanation of evolution, taking the readers from the very beginnings all the way to their own life on earth today. The author leaves us with the one thing no one can agree on or explain today--where that first dot actually came from. I liked this the first time I read it, and loved it the next time I gave it a go. The illustrations are colorful, artsy, and perfect for the material. The way a somewhat complex topic like evolution is simplified down here is great an

The Astonishing Color of After by Emily X. R. Pan , 472 pages. Little Brown and Company, 2018. $19  Language: PG-13 (6 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: G. BUYING ADVISORY: HS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Leigh is a sophomore in high school when her mother commits suicide on an afternoon she is away with her best friend Axel. Leigh soon starts seeing a large red bird and is convinced it is her mom trying to get a message to her. The bird leads her to make a trip to Taiwan to visit her estranged grandparents. There, through mystical experiences, she learns about her mother’s past and her experiences with depression. Leigh emerges from these experiences with a better handle on her grief, her sense of guilt, and her relationship with her dad and her friends.  This is a brilliantly crafted book. Leigh describes the world around her and inside of her through colors; this adds a beautiful layer to the text. While the nature of suicide makes the content of this book mature, the

How We Got To Now: Six Innovations That Made The Modern World by Steven Johnson , 152 pages. NON-FICTION. Viking (Penguin), 2018. $20 Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G. BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS, HS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE This book is a young reader adaptation from a New York Times bestseller and covers the discoveries and innovations surrounding glass, cold, sound, cleanliness, time, and light. Each chapter covers one of these topics and includes a comprehensive history with the logistical details embedded in the timeline. The chapters also contain a number of photographs and illustrations. There are a lot of attention grabbing anecdotes in each section.   My entire family loved this book. We jumped around the book, each taking a turn picking a topic, and learned a lot in the process. One of the anecdotes that we have retold to other people we read in the chapter on light and it tell the story of how whale oil was used to make cheaper candles. To ge

Coco Chanel : Pearls, Perfume and the Little Black Dress by Susan Goldman Rubin , 133 pages. NON FICTION Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2018 $18.99.  Content: G. BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL, HS - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Susan Goldman Rubin gives us a well researched biography of the famous designer. Beginning with her childhood, mostly spent in poverty, living with relatives or in an orphanage, through her schooling and eventual rise to fame as the designer for the rich and famous in Paris.   Rubin does a great job of separating fact from fiction; telling both Chanel's story and the researched history. Well illustrated with captioned historical photographs, includes a list of museums with artifacts, fashion firsts introduced by Chanel and an extensive bibliography.   Lisa Librarian 

Her Right Foot By Dave Eggers , Art by Shawn Harris, 104 pages. PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION Chronicle Books 2017 $19.99 1452162816  BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  The Statue of Liberty has been welcoming people in the harbor for over 125 years. But there's more to her than we think. Eggers describes the construction in Paris, the transportation and reassembly in New York, even why she is green. but then, he goes on to tell about the symbolism of her right foot - have you noticed, she's in stride! Where is she going?  Eggers writing style makes the reader feel smart! Full of "you probably know" and "you may have noticed" the text practically begs the reader to share the information they just learned (or already know but had forgotten). Harris's illustrations are the perfect companion to this amazing quick read about acceptance. I'll never see the statue of liberty the same way again. Includes a bibliography for further

Lu : Sometimes You Gotta Jump Anyway  by Jason Reynolds ,  218 pages. Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2018 $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f') Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (Lots of mean bully speak)  BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Lu is learning to run hurdles - he's fast, but the hurdles throw him - or rather trip him - or stop him from jumping at all. He's Lightning Lu! Born to parents who thought they couldn't have children, plus, he's an albino - lightning struck twice in the same place. He knows he's special, but, like the others on his track team, Lu is dealing with issues. His dad is a former drug dealer, mom is expecting another "miracle" baby, and Lu can't see past the bullies or the hurdles.  Jason Reynolds crossed the finish line on this series with style and finesse. Lu is a great voice, the message isn't heavy handed and all the problems aren't neatly solved, nor is the story completely w

Fawkes by Nadine Brandes , 448 pages.  Thomas Nelson, 2018.  $17. Language: G (1 swear, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: g; Violence: PG (some deaths, battles) BUYING ADVISORY:  MS – ADVISABLE; HS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Thomas Fawkes may have the Stone Plague, but he is sure that when he gets his Color Mask he will bond with Grey and be able to conquer his disease.  His father, the legendary protector Guy Fawkes, refuses to send his mask, however, and Thomas must trudge to London to find his parent, whom he has never met, and force the gift from him.  In London Thomas finds  a whole different world – one of rebellion and intrigue.  Keepers like Thomas and his father, believe that a person should only bond with only one color.  Igniters, on the other hand, believe that every color should be available to every person with talent.  And the King is an Igniter who is allowing Keepers to be hunted down and killed.  Thomas’s own father is involved in a plot against the king.  More than loy

Four Dead Queens by Astrid Scholte , 432 pages.  Putnam (Penguin), Feb 2019. $18. Language: PG-13 (21 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (implied sex, some LGBT content); Violence: PG -13 (assassinations, some graphic) BUYING ADVISORY:  HS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH The land of Quadara has been ruled by four queens for generations.  Keralie, 17, is just a trickster and a thief living on the fringes near the capitol.  When her boss, Mackiel goads her into stealing from a messenger, she doesn’t realize she is plunging herself into treachery that may see all four queens dead.  High fantasy lovers will have a great time riding this wave of tension and emotion. Cindy, Middle School Librarian, MLS

Dragon’s Code by Gigi McCaffrey , 272 pages.  Del Rey, 2018.  $27. Content: G BUYING ADVISORY: ADULTS – ESSENTIAL; HS - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE Piemur once had the most coveted soprano voice in the Harper Hall.  When his voice changed, however, he became lost and now he goes wherever Robiton, the MasterHarper of Pern, sends him.  At the moment he is in the south, keeping an eye on the OldTimers and Southern Hold.  Something strange is definitely going on – but Piemur has nothing concrete to report that might stop something bad from happening.  When Ramoth’s egg is stolen, Piemur springs into action, even if he has to put his own life on the line, he will keep dragon from fighting dragon.  Gigi McCaffrey seems to have the magic touch when it comes to her mother’s world of Pern.  While we are seeing familiar events, she manages to make them feel fresh and adds depth to them with skill.  I am very much hoping that she has some other new Pern books planned.  However – this is a

Dear Sister  by Alison McGhee, illustrated by Joe Bluhm . GRAPHIC NOVEL. Antheneum, 2018. $14 Language: G (0 swears); Mature Content: G; Violence: G. BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE This book is a collection of ripped notebook papers and scrap paper, each with a note and drawing from a big brother to his little sister. For a while the notes describe a baby who cries a lot, but the notes gradually get more tender as their relationships ages and grows. Most of the drawings are humorous or clever illustrations of their life.  I got teary-eyed in this book. It is not easy to have younger siblings, and I know a lot of young readers will identify with the narrator, but the best part is that they will also find inspiration to do a better job at being a sibling. This book highlights how much the younger sibling craves a relationship with the older sibling and I predict this will be eye-opening to many old sibling readers.   Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

Survivors Club: The True Story of a Very Young Prisoner of Auschwitz by Michael Bornstein and Debbie Bornstein Holinstat, 344 pages.  Farrar Straus Giroux, 2017.  $17.   Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.   BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ESSENTIAL   AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH    Michael Bornstein was the youngest child to survive Auschwitz.  In this harrowing story, Michael tells of his family’s experience in Poland during World War II.  Michael was born shortly after the war started, but through research among his family members he paints a vivid picture of the losses suffered by Polish Jews.  He explains his father’s role as a mediator between the German soldiers and the Jewish community and his mother’s strength in the work camp as well as Aushwitz.  After Aushwitz is liberated, Michael tells of some of the hardships of coming home and moving on.   I devoured this book in two days.  I listened to the audio book read by Fred Berman (who did an outstanding job) and it is

More Deadly than War by Kenneth C. Davis, 291 pages.  NON-FICTION  Henry Holt and Company, 2018.  $20.   Content: Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: PG-13.   BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ESSENTIAL   AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE    This book takes a look at how the Spanish Flu affected the outcome of World War I.  The Spanish Flu was called many different names as it affected people throughout the world, but the death toll was the highest since the Black Plague.  As soldiers were going off to war, they infected each other in training camp and as people came to celebrate in parades.  Within the cities in the United States, people didn’t know how they were spreading the disease, so it continued to grow.  The flu came in three different waves and the world since has learned many ways to help prevent the spread of epidemics.   I couldn’t put this book down.  It has fantastic illustrations and reads quickly.  The author explains not only what happens here in the United States, but in other

The Sinking of the Vasa by Russell Freedman illustrated by William Low, NON FICTION Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2018. $19. 9781627798662  BUYING ADVISORY: EL - ADVISABLE;  MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH   In 1628, the King of Sweden built a massive warship. At the time, Sweden was the most powerful country on the sea, so a ship of epic proportions was essential. But when the biggest sailing ship ever cast off on its maiden voyage (with over 100 sailors and their whole families on board) it barely made it out of dock before it tipped over and sank.  Well told with a nice transition to modern day and the discovery and restoration. So beautifully illustrated. A great read for middle school, too.  Lisa Librarian

Smack Dab in the Middle of Maybe by Jo Hackl , 240 pages. Random House, 2018. $17.  Language: G; Mature Content: G; Violence: G. BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS – ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Cricket’s grandmother died. Then her depressed mother left town. Then her father died. Now her aunt has conveniently forgotten her at Thelma’s Cash n’ Carry. There’s only one thing to do. Find her mother. She takes a few things from the store and hikes out to the treehouse her dad built near an old, abandoned town. She puts her survival skills to use and searches for clues that will lead her to a mysterious room of paintings her mother stumbled on many years ago. This book covers many topics that will appeal to middle grade kids. It has adventure and survival on one hand, but a sentimental mother/daughter relationship on the other. Cricket’s mother is mentally ill, but Cricket still finds many things about her to admire. Despite all the tragedy in her life, Cricket is a strong, independent girl, a gre

Pass Go and collect $200 : The real story of how Monopoly was invented by Tanya Lee Stone , illustrated by Steven Salerno PICTURE BOOK, NON FICTION, Henry Holt (MacMillan), 2018. $19. 162779168X  BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE  Who really invented the game "Monopoly?" Some say Elizabeth Magie did when she patented her game in 1904, others say Charles Darrow as he designed the current board and convinced the Parker Brothers to distribute it. Why is the board about places in Atlantic City? How has the game changed over the years? Everyone has played it, or at least heard of it, but do you know the history?  Tanya Lee Stone has told a succinct and interesting history of the world's most famous game. A lot of text for a picture book, it still reads quickly. The illustrations are great and look like something out of the 1930s. Includes a list of trivia (do you know the name of Mr. Monopoly?) some Monopoly math questions, authors note, and so

The Island at the End of Everything by Kiran Millwood Hargrave ,  235 pgs, Alfred A. Knopf (Random), $16.99  Language: G(0 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G  BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE Amihan grew up on the Philippine island named Culion Island, a leper colony. Her own mother is a leper, but Ami is immune herself. When the Philippine government comes to the island and sets up a new system of government there, Ami is taken away to the mainland. It is there she meets Mari and they form a plan to get back to Culion. Will they find a way back, or be forever lost in the turmoil of life? I loved this story is was a touching story about the value of home and the meaning if family. Mature content is PG because it dies talk about leprosy a lot and children being taken from parents.  Student Reviewer: Julia M(10th grade)

Everything Else in the Universe by Tracy Holczer , 252 pgs, G. P. Putnam’s Sons (Penguin), $16.99  Language: G (0 swears, 0”F”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G  BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE Lucia Mercedes Evangeline Rossi and her father have always been a team, until he is drafted to Vietnam and comes back with no left arm. Lucy is determined to do anything for her father, but he has become moody. In her loneliness, Lucy meets Milo, a boy with a secret, and together they dig up a Purple Heart in Lucy's backyard. What follows is the unraveling of a mystery. The biggest mystery, however, is the question as to whether Lucy’s father will ever come back to her.  This was a sweet story of family cares and issues. Lucy's courage to push forward while her best friend, her father, is distant is admirable. Mature Content is PG because there is talk of the issues of an amputee war returner.  Student Reviewer: Julia M(10th grade)

Holes in the Sky by Patricia Polacco  PICTURE BOOK, G. P. Putman's Sons ( Penguin Random House, 2018. $18.99. 978-1-5247-3948-5 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  After Patricia's beloved grandmother passes away, her mother moves the family to San Francisco. Patricia misses Babushka terribly, and is always looking for the promised sign that she is watching over her from heaven. San Francisco is in the middle of a draught, so when a boy her age (Steven) shows up on her porch with fresh flowers, she's excited to help him make may baskets and meet all the neighbors selling them with him, but still no sign from heaven, Steven's  grandmother, Miss Eula, gets the neighborhood involved in a community project - maybe Patricia will find her Babushka's sign as she helps revitalize an old garden.  Patricia Polacco has the best stories! Remember Miss Eula from "Chicken Sunday?" Grieving is a sensitive subject, and Holes in the Sky has

Heartseeker by Melinda Beatty , 327 pgs, G. P. Putnam's Sons (Penguin), $16.99  Language: G (0 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G  BUYING ADVISORY:  MS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL:  HIGH Only Fallow believes lies to be beautiful. She has been able to see lies for as long as she can remember, but she has kept this talent of hers a secret. Until one night when her best friends were kidnapped and the kidnapper took that information back to the king. The events that follow take Only to the high court, a place full of deceit and those who know how to cover up a lie.  This book was a lot of fun to read. I really enjoyed the small plot twists and the hint of romance.  Student Reviewer: Julia M(10th grade)

The Unwanted : Stories of the Syrian Refugees by Don Brown , 105 pages. NON-FICTION, GRAPHIC NOVEL Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, 2018. $18. 1328810151 Language: G (0 Swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: G Violence: PG  BUYING ADVISORY: MS,  HS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  The plight of the Syrian refugees is chronicled in this well researched, age appropriate graphic novel. Spanning from 2011-2018 we see that violence and fear has caused these people to abandon their homes and leave at great personal loss. Taken advantage of by smugglers, and unwanted by the countries they pass through and into, the families are living in refugee camps, hiding along the way, and drowning in the ocean with only a lucky few landing in a place they can live and work in peace.  Don Brown is a master at taking something super complicated and paring it down to the essentials without losing the impact of the message (see Drowned City).  There were a lot of numbers thrown at us, but there are a lot o