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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 

Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo : The Middle-Route Run by Ben Costa and James Parks 208 pages GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf 2018 $20.99. Language: PG (2 swears 0 'f'); Mature Content: G; Violence: PG (sword play, battles)  BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH   Rickety Stitch is captured by a witch who uses his skeleton arm to reanimate what turns out to be the minion of the Gloom King - bad idea. The witch restores Rickety's arm with a different one - so he's got that skeleton's memories and an arm that digs and digs and digs. Now, this arm has a mind of its own and has dug it's way into another adventure, as Rickety and Goo search for more clues about what happened to them and why he is a walking, talking skeleton.  Another grand adventure! No mature content in this one, just great battles, surprise villains and heroes and another fine mess for Rickety and Goo. Includes an appendix with a link to listen to the songs online and a descri

Rickety Stitch and the Gelatinous Goo : The Road to Epoli by Ben Costa and James Parks , 208 pages. GRAPHIC NOVEL Alfred A. Knopf 2017 $14.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG  BUYING ADVISORY: MS - ADVISABLE  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Rickety Stitch is a minstrel. He is also a "living skeleton" with a mind of his own - very unlike the other skeletons who work in the mines. When he and his friend the Gelatinous Goo are fired from their job in the torture chamber, Rickety goes on a quest, to find out who he really is (or was for that matter).  A little mature for elementary (some of the humor is a bit crude, but not too much for middle school) this delightful story is sure to be picked up in your library. Rickety dreams about a song which the reader can download online to hear the tune and enhance the reading experience. An appendix of sorts gives more detail about the characters and possible storylines for future installments. I'm

Hull Metal Girls by Emily Skrutskie , 311 pages.  Delacorte (Random), 2018.  $18. 9781524770198 Language: R (44 swears, 24 ‘f’); Mature Content: PG (implied sex); Violence: PG (some fighting) BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - OPTIONAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Aisha is desperate to help her little brother – so desperate that she allows the government to transform her into a Scela – a humanoid mechanical charged with upholding order with the vast space-faring fleet that is all that’s left of the human race. Key on the other hand doesn’t remember her life before being transformed, which can be a huge problem when forming a bonding with a group.  Each group member, but especially Key and Aisha have secrets they are eager to keep from the others.  Then they stumble on a secret that the highest level of the Fleet will do anything to stop from being revealed. If you have a science fiction reading clientele, then you definitely need this.  I’d give this to anyone who has finished Ender’s Game or milita

Odd One Out: Fiendishly Tricky Spot-the-difference Puzzles to Boggle your Brain . PICTURE BOOK. Penguin Workshop, 2018. $10. 97815247900882 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL, MS - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH This book includes a variety of different visual searches - sometimes you are looking for matching illustrations, something you are looking for the smallest illustration, sometimes you are looking for the odd-ones-out, and so forth. Each search also contains a fun fact about the item you are searching for and through.  This book is deceptively hard. My kids kept picking it up with confidence because the illustrations are so cutesy, but were repeatedly surprised how hard they had to look at and study the pictures. This is the perfect book in small doses. I loved the simple addition of the facts included with each puzzle. Did you know that “when it drizzles on a sunny day in Hawaii, locals call it ‘pineapple juice?’”   Jen Wecker, HS English Teacher

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

The Flight of Swans by Sarah McGuire , 437 pages. Carolrhoda (Lerner), 2018. $19. Language: G; Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS- ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH The princess Andaryn despises her stepmother, a beautiful enchantress. Ryn’s love for her captivated father and the kingdom propel her into high adventure as she uses all her intelligence and strength to rescue her brothers, turned into swans for six years, while she must remain mute to all or they die. She uses all her creativity to hide from those who seek her and her brothers harm while communicating with the outside world without words. As the years progress, Ryn grows into a mature woman full of wisdom. As the end of the six years draws to a close, Ryn must find the way to defeat the enchantress and return her family safely to their throne. Sarah McGuire penned a delightful narrative of the Grimm Brothers, “Six Swans”. The fantasy world created in this story is clear and the adventure absorbs the r

Slayer by Kiersten White , 416 pages.  Simon and Schuster, JAN 2019.  $19. Language: R (82 swears, 0 ‘f’); Mature Content: G (some LGBT characters); Violence: PG-13 (lots of fighting) BUYING ADVISORY:  MS, HS - OPTIONAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Buffy may have broken the world and the rules of magic, but Nina (Athena) and her sister Artemis, the twin daughters of Buffy’s first watcher, and the rest of the members of the Council of Watchers are still watching.  Nina has never been allowed to train as a Watcher and Artemis failed the test. But then Nina is confronted by a demon and she and all of the rest around her realize that Nina was the last Chosen Slayer – given her powers before everything was broken.  So, Nina may be a Slayer, but she has no skills, no training, and her own mother is vehemently against her doing anything Slayer-y. Worse in Nina’s eyes – her secret Watcher is Leo, her childhood crush who has just reappeared after a long absence. Let the wild rumpus begin! OMG!  Anyon

Lulu the Broadway Mouse  by Jenna Gavigan ,  248 pages. Running Press Kids (Hachette), 2018. $16.99. Language: G (0 swears, 0 'f's); Mature Content: G; Violence: G.  BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH   Lulu has a dream - she wants to perform on Broadway - she has everything: talent, desire - she even lives at the Shubert Theatre!  But she is a mouse, and no directors are casting mice (yet?), so instead she helps out the human cast and is part of the show's community. Lulu's closest relationship is with Maya, who is understudy to the child role. But Amanda is so terrible to work with, Maya has given her notice and now Lulu is worried about the new girl. Will she be sweet like Maya or horrible like Amanda?  Jenna Gavigan knows her stuff! I'm absolutely gushing about this book. Theater geeks will love and identify with the dressing room chatter, pre-show routines, kid wrangling, theater jobs, and superstitions. The novice will appreciate the th

The Collector by K.R. Alexander , 217 pages. Fiction (Mystery, horror!) Scholastic Books, 2018. $4.95.   978-1-338-21224-2 Content: G (tense, but not too scary) BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Josie, her mom and her little sister Anna move from Chicago to the country after her mother loses her job. The family moves in with Grandma Jeanie who needs some care, she seems to be suffering from Alzheimer or dementia. Josie has a difficult time adjusting to her new school but finds a friend in spite of it all.   The story carefully twists to bring the reader to the belief that maybe Grandma Jeanie knows more than Josie thinks. Josie is put in a scary position where she must save her little sister Anna and ends freeing the town from decades old curse.  I don’t usually like scary books but I do like a good mystery and this one was well told.   L. Moeller English Teacher and Librarian 

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

Trouble Never Sleeps (Trouble is a Friend of Mine, #3) by Stephanie Tromly, 300 pages.  Kathy Dawson Books (Penguin), 2018.  $18.   Content: Language: PG-13 (30 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.   BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE   AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Zoe and Digby are still trying to find Digby’s sister who was kidnapped.  They have made a deal with a man who claims to know where Digby’s sister is, but first Zoe and Digby will have to break federal laws to trade information to get the location of Digby’s sister.  Also, there is a carryover problem with the football steroid situation and Digby and Zoe manage to find themselves in trouble again.   I enjoy this series because of the funny dialogue and kooky behavior of the characters.  I like that this final book had resolve but wish there were going to be more books in the series because they are so entertaining.  The mature content is make-out sessions and the violence is physical fighting and impending violence.

Trouble Makes a Comeback (Trouble is a Friend of Mine, #2) by Stephanie Tromly, 298 pages.  Kathy Dawson Books (Penguin), 2016.  $18.   Content: Language: PG-13 (38 swears); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.  BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS – ADVISABLE   AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH    Zoe misses Digby ever since he disappeared after their kiss a few months ago, but she has decided to move on and has a jock boyfriend, two new besties, and a “normal” high school experience.  Except, Digby comes back and Zoe can’t help herself, she gets drawn into Digby’s mystery again.  Zoe and Digby along with their friends also come across a steroid drug problem within the high school football team and find themselves in the middle of that mess as well.   In typical Digby and Zoe fashion, this book is full of laughs, suspense and a bit of romance.  I love this series because it makes me laugh and the story line is quick and unexpected.  Zoe and Digby are mini-Veronica Mars type teens and they manage to uncov

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

Out of the Ice : How Climate Change is Revealing the Past  by Claire Eamer , Illustrated by Drew Shannon, NON FICTION Kids Can Press, 2018. $18. 1771387319 BUYING ADVISORY: EL, MS - ADVISABLE  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Global warming is melting the glaciers and permafrost revealing long frozen artifacts. Tools, clothing, animals and even ancient people are being revealed as the ice recedes. Radiocarbon dating helps us place the age of organic material, and tools and weapons found along side bodies and animal remains are rewriting history.   Short chapters make this so easy to read, illustrations are provided alongside photographs, and boxed text of "additional information" ties everything together. Includes a glossary, timeline, index and bibliography. This is a great springboard for a report on archaeology, climate change or global warming.   Lisa Librarian 

Brooklyn House Magician's Guide (Kane Chronicles) by Rick Riordan , 185 pgs, Disney Hyperion, $9.99  Language: G(0 swears, 0 “F”); Mature Content: G; Violence: G;  BUYING ADVISORY:  EL, MS - ESSENTIAL AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH Enter the fantastical realm of Egyptian mythology with Carter Kane and the magicians at Brooklyn House. Quizzes, stories and more about the Egyptian deities will prepare you for what is to come in the dangerous times ahead. I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun way to look at things considering I have read the Kane Chronicles series itself.  Student Reviewer: Julia M.(10th grade)

The Legend of Greg: An Epic Series of Failures by Chris Rylander , 338 pages. G.P. Putnam’s Sons, 2018. $16.99.   Content: Language: G (no swears; no f”); Mature Content: PG; Violence: PG.   BUYING ADVIOSRY: MS - ADVISABLE AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH  Greg thinks he is just unlucky. In fact, as far back as his family can remember they have been unlucky - especially on Thursdays. He lives in modern Chicago, just a normal kid who somehow got a scholarship to a high class private school. He rides the city bus and lives a life of quiet drudgery. Greg thinks it is just bad luck until his father is snatched out of his specialty tea shop in downtown Chicago by a strange man and a mountain troll. Then Greg is taken underground and informed he is a Dwarf. His only friend at his snobby private school is an elf, sworn enemy of the Dwarfs.  Greg sets out on a quest to find his dad, and maybe destroy civilization.   This is a fun book, Rylander has introduced a well-crafted world and it’s a refreshing c

Lights! Camera! Alice! : The Thrilling True Adventures of the First Woman Filmmaker by Mara Rockliff , Illustrated by Simona Ciraolo, PICTURE BOOK, BIOGRAPHY, Chronicle Books. 2018. $18. 1452141347 BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3) - ADVISABLE EL, MS - ESSENTIAL  AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH   Alice Guy Blaché is one of the world's first movie makers. She worked for a camera company and was allowed to make movies after hours which she used to demonstrate the new motion picture camera. Soon her films became a huge success in France. One of the first pioneers of motion pictures, she is little known - mostly because she was a woman. She made hundreds of films in America and even more in France.  Formatted like a silent movie, in frames and short ideas - sprinkled with French and title cards this was a delight to read. I want to know more about Alice! Good thing the author has included a short author's note, bibliography, articles and movies. A fun read for a theater or film study class, or a les

An Assassin’s Guide to Love and Treason by Virginia Boecker , 373 pages.  Little Brown and Company, 2018.  $18.   Content: Language: R (27 swears; 5 “f”); Mature Content: PG-13; Violence: PG-13.   BUYING ADVIOSRY: MS, HS – OPTIONAL   AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH    Katherine’s life is turned upside down when her father is caught, and killed for practicing Catholicism in England during Queen Elizabeth’s Protestant reign.  Fleeing for her life, Katherine goes to London and connects with other prominent men who have secretly worshiped and she agrees to be a player in a plan to assassinate the queen.  Toby is a spy for the queen and catches word that there is going to be an attempt on Elizabeth’s life, so he devises a way to lure the assassins out through a carefully written play by William Shakespeare.  Toby and Katherine are both caught off guard when their paths cross and they realize their similarities and differences.   My favorite part was the historical setting in this well plotted advent