In this high octane sequel to Thieves’ Gambit, Kayvion Lewis continues the twists and turns of teen thieves caravanning around the world to steal ostentatious items while figuring out who they really are in the world. In the previous gambit, Ross Quest was on the verge of winning it all, including a sense of freedom she dearly longed for. As book two opens, Ross’s is “on the job” for her birthday, attempting another thievery, when what to her wondering eyes doth appear but her love interest turned nemesis, Devroe. Ross, Devroe, and many players from book one will now be competing for control of the world-wide organization of thievery. The families involved are not as tight-knit as they’d seem, including Ross’s. Picture an Ocean’s Eleven or Casino Royal setting for teens to pretend to be wealthy gamblers while competing to scam the most winnings. Lewis keeps the pace clipping with terse dialogue but vivid descriptions, especially of Ross’s attire. Heist Royale is a fast-paced romp that most teens can get in to and is recommended for high school libraries.
The Last Saxon King by Andrew Varga
Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Chase C.
Andrew Varga’s The Last Saxon King features a fast-paced quest through medieval England in the 11th century, during which the last Anglo-Saxon king, Harold Godwinson, defends his rule from invading Viking armies. Varga takes the reader through this journey in the eyes of Dan Renfew, a homeschooled 16-year-old who spends his days haunting the local mall and being taught by his father, a professor of history at a local university. Unbeknownst to him, Dan and his father come from a line of time travelers whose job is to correct “glitches” in history that threaten the present and future. Reminiscent of Mary Pope Osbourne’s The Magic Treehouse series, following a fateful confrontation between a mysterious man and his father, Dan is sent back in time to medieval England to correct changes in history caused by rogue time travelers who seek to use time travel for their own selfish ends. Varga excels at bringing this era of history to life in The Last Saxon King in a way that engages young and adult readers alike. While he takes some liberties in his novel for readability in exchange for historical accuracy, he uses clever workarounds (the time travel device acts as a sort of “universal translator” from English into Old English a la Star Trek) to maintain internal continuity. Ultimately, this novel can be enjoyed by hobbyist historians and sci-fi nerds alike.
Olympians #12, Dionysos, the New God
Reviewed by: OHS Substitute, Chase C.
In this graphic novel, George O’Connor tells the myth of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine (among other things), through colorful art and a form that is approachable to those learning about Ancient Greek myths. The start of the novel is dedicated to the story of Hestia, the Goddess of the Hearth (and the first Olympian). Her story, with themes of stability and order, is juxtaposed with the story of Dionysus, whose chaotic and avant-garde journey takes him from his adolescence in the woods with satyrs and the creation of wine, to his entry into the temple on Mount Olympus. The reader will get to enjoy bold and expressive art that brings these ancient myths to life. While the novel is engaging, readers unfamiliar with the series or Greek mythology may find it useful to reference preceding installments or external sources to fully grasp the Olympians’ interactions.
Enter the Body by Joy McCullough
Reviewed by OHS substitute, Victoria O.
Juliet. Ophelia. Cordelia. These are names you are likely already familiar with, as they are among the most iconic heroines to ever grace the pages of William Shakespeare’s famous tragedies, all of whom suffer grisly ends by the time the final curtain falls.
In “Enter the Body,” these ill-fated women and girls are given new life by author Joy McCullough, who allows each to retell her story from her own perspective, reclaiming their well-worn tales to create a vibrant new narrative, teeming with righteous fury, unresolved trauma, and a deep desire to be heard.
Each chapter focuses on a different character, alternating between stark prose poetry in which one heroine narrates the sad trajectory of her life before shifting back to a mysterious, liminal space occupied by Shakespeare’s other unfortunate leading ladies. This space takes the form of a dimly lit, below-stage purgatory with a trap door through which each girl comes crashing down every time they are forced to (once again) relive their harrowing experiences on stage. As the heroines take turns telling their stories, the others look on, recalling their own past lives and how the pain, violence, and heartbreak suffered by each is often echoed in the others.
Reading this book is like watching a series of searing monologues steeped in female rage and driven by a deep sense of historical injustice for women who were permitted little control over their own bodies, much less an ability to direct their own lives. Highly recommended for those who enjoy Shakespearean drama updated for a modern audience and retold through a darkly feminist lens.
Talk Santa to Me by Linda Urban
Reviewed by: OHS student, Rory C.
The novel, “Talk Santa To Me” by Linda Urban, is a short but satisfying story destined to become someone’s comfort book. Despite her Aunt attempting to ruin the family business and her past kiss coming back to haunt her, Francie continues to try and save the business while juggling her social life. This book has great comforting characters for anyone wanting to sit back and relax. It also has excellent pacing and it does not go too fast or too slow.
I like the characters and how they are simply teenagers. In my opinion, this book is a read for when you have had a bad day and want to read something easy but sweet. The characters help with that. The drama in place is also not super serious like some other books. If you’re trying to read something for only the romance, I would not recommend this book. I believe the romance is sweet but it is not the focus of the book. Some may like that more and others may not based on their preferences. It was not how the romance was not the main point of the novel for me but how it seemingly popped up out of nowhere. I thought there should have been more of a build up in chemistry however that never happened. It sort of felt like Francie gained a crush on the guy randomly a couple chapters into the book. Maybe I am missing something but she seemed way to focused on everything else going on in her life to even think about this guy. How could she get a crush on him like that? It’s like she mentioned him three times before she ended up liking him so much. The romance was cute but it had no build up and I could not see the connection. It felt forced.
If simple and cute books are your thing, then I would totally recommend this novel to you. Although I did not like this book as much, I have to admit it was fun to read. It was a different feeling from those high-action and thrilling fantasy books. I think this book has everything you would want for when you just want to read and not be so stressed about what is happening in the story!
The Little Puppy
Ollie was excited to have a play date with her grandma’s new puppy, Milo. She learned, however, that puppies need supervision or they can be destructive. After Milo chewed up Ollie’s drawing, Ollie needed time alone and went for a walk. Milo followed her and they ended up having a fun time playing fetch, going to the pond, and jumping in mud puddles.
Cute black and white illustrations with red accents. Some pages contain cut outs, connecting of the theme from one page to the next. Review by Kathy Beach, teacher.
In the Groves
The story of Clara, a young girl visiting her family in California. They want to take her to all the touristy places but she wants to go to the citrus groves with her grandfather so she hides in his truck and tags along with him for the day. She loves seeing him work and hearing all of his stories. While sharing the day together, Clara’s imagination takes flight and the stories she creates with her grandfather are retold again to her family that night. This book includes a number of Spanish words in the text and explores the culture of a family of farm workers. Review by Kathy Beach, teacher.
This book is perfect for a unit celebrating family stories, immigration stories, or the important role of farm workers.
This is How We Play: A Celebration of Disability and Adaptation
This is a very joyful book about disability and adaptations involved in the lives of those affected by differences in their bodies or minds. It emphasizes the concept that even though people have a disability, they are still able to play, sing, dance, and enjoy life with the help of others or some sort of tool or adaption.
Backmatter includes a helpful list of different disabilities, a guide for grown-ups, how to teach kids about those with a disability and an explanation from the authors about why they wrote the book.
Recommended for all age levels. Review written by Kathy Beach, teacher.
Delicious Monsters, by Liselle Sambury
Reviewed by OHS Substitute, Victoria O.
Let’s be clear: Daisy does not enjoy being special. How can she when what makes her so unique is the fact she can see swarms of dead people wandering the streets of downtown Toronto, drawn to sadness and despair like clouds of gray flies to honey? And now, the one source of happiness in Daisy’s life seems to have abandoned her: After their first fight as a couple, her boyfriend, Noah, has been spotted around town with a pretty white girl on his arm and is no longer answering any of her texts.
Meanwhile: Brittney, an ambitious young content creator and aspiring filmmaker, works a dead-end internship for a scummy media corporation to help pay the bills so she doesn’t have to rely on her abusive, wealthy mother for support. As she continues work on her surprise hit YouTube series, Haunted, she and her best friend, Jayden, begin investigating the house that made her self-help guru mother famous, hoping to uncover its dark secrets and solve the mystery behind the tragic loss of life that occurred there 10 years earlier: The unexplained death of a young black girl named Daisy.
Author Liselle Sambury interweaves themes of generational trauma and coming of age within a framework of compelling supernatural mystery, featuring two timelines with two equally intriguing protagonists. This thrilling haunted-house-turned-ghost-hunter novel will keep you up at night until the wee hours of the morning as you turn pages in a race alongside Brittney to find out just what happened to Daisy on the night she disappeared all those years ago… Recommended for those who loved Netflix’ The Haunting of Hill House and Sadie.
Skandar and the Skeleton Curse
By A.F. Steadman
In book 4 of this epic fantasy series, Skandar must join his friends at the Eyrie to solve the mystery of the Skeleton Curse which is killing pegasus and their riders. Skandar’s sister, a rebel fighting to save her life and her pegasus’ life will do anything including cursing all others on the island. Not only that, the commodore of the Eyrie wants to destroy all spirit wielding riders including Skandar and his sister. Will Skandar survive against his sister? Will he help his sister survive?
This is an epic fantasy series that has the feel of Harry Potter but the perk of pegasus. It is also a series that MUST be read in order. This is book 4. I would recommend it for any who are searching for that next series to pull kids into reading.
A Little Like Magic
Written and Illustrated by Sarah Kurpiel
Our narrator doesn’t like to try new things or venture to new places but when she spends the evening at an ice sculpting event she finds herself feeling okay with the crowds and noise as long as her mom is there. When she returns home she finds that she has lost her favorite horse statue and is sad that she will never see it again. After spending the day in sadness they once again go to the sculpting event to see the results from the day before feeling more familiar and comfortable only to see a beautiful sculpture of a horse that looks just like hers. Will she find her horse? Only reading this picture book will tell.
What a beautifully illustrated book about pushing past one’s fears. As the back cover says, “Sometimes you have to brave the cold to experience something special”
Brandon and the Totally Troublesome Time Machine
Written by Seth Fishman, Illustrated by Mark Fearing
One day, Brandon decides to build a time machine. After doing all the things one must do when building this type tool such as: seeing dinosaurs wish upon a REALLY big falling star, and watching creatures learn to climb and live on land, he decides to venture into his own past and try to fix things like acing the test he failed the day before. He soon starts to depend on his future self to do everything for him. Cleaning, doing homework, and other things that his present self doesn’t want to do. Future self starts to sabotage past self and a humorous battle ensues. Will Brandon realize he is only fighting himself?
What a fun and well illustrated book that sends a great moral. I recommend this book for any elementary library.
Dinosaur Roar!
Written and Illustrated by Paul and Henrietta Stickland
In a fun and well illustrated way, this book simply discusses opposites. First, what kid doesn’t like dinosaurs? Second, it’s cartoon-like nature will attract all. With two simple sentences on each page such as, “Dinosaur weak, dinosaur strong” as well as rhyming throughout, this book will attract all emerging readers. This will also be a great and short read-aloud for for any librarian or family member.
I strongly recommend this book for libraries who serve preschool and primary readers.
Perla the Mighty Dog
Written by Isabel Allende, Illustrated by Sandy Rodriguez
Perla has two superpowers. First, she can make anybody love them. Second, she can roar like a lion. When she is adopted by the Ricos, she finds herself in the position to help Nico Rico who is being bullied. Nico learns how to roar like a lion against a bully at school.
Written from the viewpoint of Perla, this is a light story about how a dog’s love can support the boy who cares about him the most.
Stopping by Jungle on a Snowy Evening
Written by Richard T. Morris, Illustrated by Julie Rowan-Zoch
A young boy adventures into a jungle, or is it the woods? He stumbles upon a house where he meets the poet, Robert Frost. From there the boy and the poet argue about his famous work, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”. The boy argues that the poem needs more action and needs to include his hippo in the jungle. The poet insists that the poem should be calming and meditative. An humorous adventure ensues with a jingling hippo, meteors, snakes and karate.
This book contains bright and vibrant illustrations. It has the original poem at the end as well. If one has a specific theme to focus upon or the actual Frost poem is a focus within the school, this would be a fun extra purchase for your library.
What Lolo Wants
Written by Cristina Oxtra, Illustrated by Jamie Bauza
Maria and her Lolo (Grandfather) have a beautiful relationship. They spend a great deal of time together: in the garden, getting ice cream and especially drawing. Lolo can draw anything! But when Maria’s Lolo starts to feel unwell and forgetful, Maria gets worried. Soon, Lolo starts having problems remembering names of things and people. It is a struggle for Lolo to explain what he needs. How will Maria help her Grandpa remember and communicate what he wants?
This lovely picture book has threads of Philippine American traditions and culture within it. It carefully discusses Dementia in a kind way that children can understand. The illustrations are beautifully done in pencil and watercolor. I would recommend this book for any elementary library.
Everything We Never Had
Through four generations of Maghabol men’s experiences in the United States, spanning from a teenage Filipino migrant worker in 1929 to a millenial in 2020, Everything We Never Had is a fictional journey of generational trauma punctuated with twentieth and twentyfirst century history. Randy Ribay’s poeticly descriptive writing adds depth to the dramatic irony as each Maghabol gives his child(ren) everything he never had. The pendular pattern continues with too much history and too many mistakes from one generation to the next until the COVID pandemic enables nonadjacent generations an opportunity to connect and see “We’re like mirrors infinitely reflecting each other”. Can that knowlege create a different future?
The book is a quick read, evenly paced, and a pleasant balance of fiction freckled with history that will instill readers with greater empathy and appreciation for the immigrant experience. While there is nothing lacking in the book, additional descriptions to add fullness to the characters and an appendage with the history of President Ferdinand Marcos would have enhanced the reading experience.
Wonder & Awe by Annie Herzig
A little girl makes a snowman and names her Wonder. She and Wonder spend so much time together, but when spring comes it is time for Wonder to go. The girl is sad until she finds something else that sparks wonder. The color change in the illustration highlights the girl’s feelings. When she is happy and can see the beauty around her, the illustrations are colorful. When she is sad the illustrations are shades of gray and white. A sweet story of friendship and finding joy in everyday things.
The Wire Zoo: How Elizabeth Berrien Learned to Turn Wire into Amazing Art by Natasha Wing
A look at the life of artist Elizabeth Berrien and how she became a wire sculptor. Elizabeth has a special way of seeing the world, she sees lines flowing across the surface of animals bodies. She wanted to draw it, but she couldn’t recreate the beautiful lines. She tried other kinds of art, but it wasn’t until she learned wire sculpting that things seemed to click for Elizabeth. It is text heavy, making it more suitable for upper elementary. The author’s note at end includes more information and photographs of Elizabeth’s work.
Snow Is… by Laura Gehl
“Snow is the feeling the moment you wake. Snow is a stillness before the first flake.” Through rhyming text, this book takes a look at the joy found in snow as a young boy and his family enjoys a day in the snow. The main colors in the illustration of blue, gray and white take on the feeling and look of snow, while the pops of red in the family’s house and clothing stand out. A sweet celebration of snow.
Roar-Choo by Charlotte Cheng
Dragon tries to explain how fierce and frightening they are, but everytime the roar, they sneeze. Each sneeze becomes more powerful and dangerous. Phoenix tries to get Dragon to rest, but Dragon persists. Eventually Phoenix ends up sneezing too. The colorful, expressive cartoonish pictures bring the characters to life. The author’s note at the end explains the Dragon and Phoenix significance in Chinese mythology.
Planting Hope: A Portrait of Photographer Sebastião Salgado by Philip Hoelzel
Sebastião Salgado grew up on his family’s farm in Aimorés in the forests of Brazil. He spent time in the forests and loved his home but eventually moved away. He soon discovered his love of photography and how he could show what he saw and how it made him feel through pictures. He took photographs for different news stories, but the weight of what he saw made him no longer want to take pictures. After moving back to his family farm and seeing the destruction caused by cutting down the forest, Sebastião and his wife Lélia decided to rebuild the forest of his childhood.
This beautifully illustrated book takes you through the life and work of Sebastião Salgado. Also offering the reader a chance to think about and reflect on human’s impact on the earth. The author’s note at the back offers further information.
Penguin’s Egg by Anna Kemp
A papa rockhopper penguin falls asleep while waiting for his egg to hatch and is accidentally separated from his egg. He ends up very far away and has to use a variety of modes of transportation to make it back to his egg. He takes a train, a chopper, a pogo stick, an elephant and a hover board to name a few. The characters throughout the story are different animals, the text is rhyming, with some rhymes being approximate rhymes. The illustrations are vibrant and fill the page.
How to Cheer Up a Friend by Stephanie Calmenson
What do you do when your friend is sad? How do you help them feel better? Do you offer treats, make them laugh, listen? Through rhyming text, the narrator offers suggestions of how to help a friend: make him laugh, take a walk, listen. A young boy tries to cheer up an elephant who really just needs someone to listen. The pages consist of 1-2 sentences per 2 page spread. The colorful illustrations bring life to the texts and convey the elephants emotions. Perfect for helping young readers learn about feelings and helping others.
Thirsty
Big Bad Bee is the personality of Blake when she has the confidence to take on anyone, when her girlfriend seems to be the most proud, and when she is hammered from consuming copious amounts of alcohol. The summer before college, Big Bad Bee is out to prove who she is to everyone, including members of the secretive and illustrious Serena Society, a tight knit group of women of color who attend Jameswell College, where Blake will begin school in the fall. Over the summer, pledges get to compete for the final invitation to the group but Blake’s lack of real confidence in herself is her downfall. She wants to be in the society because her two best friends are also pledging and are likely to get in but her family doesn’t have money or mothers who are also members. Drinking to loosen up and have fun with the “right” people quickly becomes the defense mechanism for Blake to maintain her cool. When one of her best friends expresses concern but Blake’s longtime girlfriend continues to encourage Big Bad Bee, Blake is caught between who she is and who she thinks she wants to be. This reader was triggered by Blake’s actions because of the tension between the poor choices due to alcohol consumption and the desire for Blake to be smarter. It wraps up better than I had predicted and will be one that should be checked out on the regular from our high school library.