Every year, in the magical town of Ravenskill, Witchlings who participate in the Black Moon Ceremony are placed into covens and come into their powers as full-fledged witches.
And twelve-year-old Seven Salazar can’t wait to be placed in the most powerful coven with her best friend! But on the night of the ceremony, in front of the entire town, Seven isn’t placed in one of the five covens. She’s a Spare!
Spare covens have fewer witches, are less powerful, and are looked down on by everyone. Even worse, when Seven and the other two Spares perform the magic circle to seal their coven and cement themselves as sisters, it doesn’t work! They’re stuck as Witchlings-and will lose their magic.
Seven invokes her only option: the impossible task. The three Spares will be assigned an impossible task: If they work together and succeed at it, their coven will be sealed and they’ll gain their full powers. If they fail… Well, the last coven to make the attempt ended up being turned into toads. Forever.
But maybe friendship can be the most powerful magic of all…
Review:
I loved every second of this book. It was an exciting and touching story about outcasts and how powerful friendship and sticking together can be. I think this book also does an excellent job capturing the emotions of its twelve-year-old protagonists experiencing things like new friendships and friend break-ups.
I thought the story of this book was also told incredibly well, it had humor throughout, but the more you read, the more you found out about how corrupt the governments of the twelve towns can be. I think this book did an excellent job of tackling some more mature themes in a way kids will more easily relate to and understand, and acknowledges that they too have the power to speak up for what’s right.
I would recommend this book to anyone, but especially to those who feel like outcasts among their peers. Ages 8 and up.
This is a story about magic, if you like that kind of thing. It is also a story about a ghost with amnesia, an unpopular fairy, an ungrateful little town, and an extremely wise and helpful raven (who happens to be a pretty talented storyteller). But mostly, it is about a friendly little wizard who lives inside a big hill and really, really, really wants to be a hero. His name is Gumluck, and he is a bumbling noodlehead.
Review:
I can’t remember the last time I laughed and smiled as much reading a book as I did with The Story of Gumluck the Wizard. Narrated by a raven begrudgingly following Gumluck on his adventures after he accidentally destroys her nest, Gumluck the Wizard is a lovely little story about kindness, friendship, and self worth that I enjoyed every minute of.
With characters who are sweet without being overly saccharine and a great sense of humor, Gumluck the Wizard is a perfect feel-good read. The charming illustrations on every page and short length makes this a great choice for kids just starting to branch out into chapter books, but honestly I think everyone should read this! I bet younger kiddos would enjoy it as well as a readaloud. I’m also really glad this is just the first in a series: there is a passing (and very intriguing!) reference made to Gumluck’s past that I hope will be followed up on in future volumes, but honestly I’m so excited for more of Gumluck and Helvetica I’ll take whatever I can get.
History is full of some really scary events. Some that are caused by nature, some by complete accident, and others by people. The I Survived series highlights quite a few of those historical events, but never like this. The Girls Survive history series covers an astonishingly broad number of historical events, some of which we’ve only ever heard about. The cool thing? All of these stories are created by authors who have a personal connection to their books in some way.
Comparing between Alice on the Island and I Survived the Bombing of Pearl Harbor, each book uniquely covers the same event. However, we see Danny’s point of view, a young white boy whose mother moved him to Hawaii from New York, versus Annie’s, a young Japanese girl whose only crime was being Japanese in Hawaii after the bombings. The fallout of both of these events are covered completely differently; Danny must survive the day and find his mother. As a bit of a spoiler, we hear how the Japanese were treated after the event. Alice, on the other hand, must survive the day, and every day after that; her father gets detained just for being Japanese and her friends turn on her for the same reason, even though she and her family had absolutely nothing to do with the attacks. We also hear about what the attacks meant for Japanese Americans along the West coast of America.
This is not to say that one series is better than another; these books show different perspectives of the exact same event in ways one may not have imagined before. It sheds new light on these historical events and teaches its readers how other kids may have felt or acted during these moments in history.
While learning about these important and nearly unbelievable moments in world history, we also get to learn about the author’s personal connection to the story they’ve written, whether it’s having personally been involved in the more recent events, having family who witnessed or were victims of these events, or even just growing up in a place where the story of what happened never truly went away.
Everywhere from the Middle Ages to just a few years ago, this series touches on some interesting and important subjects in history that are great for kids to learn about. And the best part? At the end of each of these books is a learning connection. Each book asks a series of questions called “Making Connections” that teachers can use to broaden their student’s reading comprehension, their thoughts on world history, and sometimes has them compare the events from their book to today. An example of this would be in the book Ruth and the Night of Broken Glass, wherein the Making Connections portion asks: “Early in the story, Ruth and her family try to stay calm as the environment they live in becomes more dangerous for Jews. Identify a point in the story at which their attitude shifts. What specific events contributed to this change in attitude?”
Currently, the Moline Public Library has only a handful of these books in our collection, but you can order the rest with your library card by clicking here.
Women’s History Month may be coming to a close, but History marches ever forward. If you’re interested in some more amazing moments in history and the women who made them happen, why not check out some of these other books:
From the publisher: “The Lady gives Jack a gift. It’s a lab kit! Jack goes into the shed to experiment and doesn’t come out until he’s made another Jack and another Jack and another. But one Jack was already too many. Can Jack stop his naughty robot clones before they destroy the town?”
Review:
Jack the anthropomorphized rabbit is what my grandma would have called “ornery”, as you might be able to guess from the expressions of the robot Jacks on the cover. He loves to steal snacks and make a mess with lipstick and generally get into trouble. This, of course, makes him a delightful main character and I’ve enjoyed the other Jack books (Hi, Jack!; Jack Blasts Off!; Jack Goes West; Jack at Bat; Jack at the Zoo; and Jack Gets Zapped), but this is my favorite yet. This latest misadventure has Jack receiving a gift of a lab kit from the Lady. At first, he’s disappointed, but after several days holed up in the shed he emerges with several robot Jacks to do his bidding.
It takes a skilled writer to create something that is funny for both kids and adults, and Mac Barnett has managed it perfectly. There was one page involving a statue that made me laugh out loud reading it. Barnett’s matter-of-fact narration makes Jack’s antics even more amusing while keeping to a vocabulary simple enough for beginning readers to manage on their own. Pizzoli’s art only adds to the hilarity – I’m particularly fond of Jack’s slanted eyebrows when he is about to get into some new naughtiness.
My Top 10 this year is in no particular order because all of the titles below were absolutely amazing and it would have been way too difficult to rank them.
Christian Robinson is one of my all time favorite illustrators so the cover of this picture book lured me in. Matt de la Pena’s story of a young boy named Milo who imagines the life of other passengers on a long subway ride as he learns that first impressions aren’t always what they seem coupled with the books vivid art is one that tugged on my heartstrings and stuck with me all year .
Don’t let the charming illustrations fool you. As you explore Zonia’s beautiful home, you will find a powerful message about deforestation and the effect on the communities that call the rain forest home.
I’ve been struggling to find a Young Adult book that keeps my attention but this one grabbed me and didn’t let go. The blend of suspense, Ojibwe knowledge and lore, and real issues relating to drugs and racism along with well-developed characters made it impossible to put down.
Believe it or not, when the staff here make our lists each year, we try to be aware of what each other is adding to make sure we don’t have too many duplicate titles. That said, some titles are worth listing twice and this is one of them. The illustrations in this book are a feast for the eyes and made me think of what it’s like to be a child and believe in hidden worlds right under our own noses. Though each of the four stories are wonderful stand-alone tales, the final chapter makes them all come full circle.
Full disclosure, this title was actually released in 2020 but since we didn’t get it in until 2021, I’m letting it slide onto this list. The topics in this book are hard. Foster care. Sexual abuse. Tough tough stuff that is often avoided in middle grade books, but there is a need for books like this that give a voice to victims and a window to advocates. What I was most impressed by was Bradley’s ability to take such complex and heavy topics and introduce them in a way that allows a middle grade reader to know what’s going on without being overwhelmed by overly graphic information. There’s with a good dose of humor and heart sprinkled throughout that ties it all together so well. If you’re looking for a good audiobook, I highly recommend this one as it is read by Bahni Turpin who is absolutely amazing.
We are always looking for great stories that can help kids make sense of things they are experiencing in their own lives so I was so grateful to see this book come to our library. This books deals with the topic of depression, poverty, and family in a gentle way that kids can connect with regardless of their personal experience.
The vibrant illustrations of this story pulled me in, but the sweet story won me over. It’s a nice reminder that despite the differences that exist between generations, the love we share draws us together.
Losing a grandparent is so very hard, and there are many books out there about it. This one stands above because while it does talk about grief and what that looks like, the characters work through it together through stories and actions that truly honor the memory of their loved one.
Honorable Mention
Cutting my list down to just 10 titles is so hard, so here are a few titles that were soooo close to making the cut I couldn’t leave them out!
With Summer Reading winding down, I’m getting caught up on reading the many picture books filling our New Books Shelf. Wow are there some great new additions to our collection! Here are just a few highlights. Come in or call us for curbside pickup to check out these or the many others available!
If you are thinking this author’s name sounds familiar, you aren’t wrong. Not only is Meloy the author of the popular middle grade series The Wildwood Chronicles, he is also the frontman for popular Indie group, The Decemberists. The words in this book are so lyrical. An ode to insomnia that has a little bit of everything mixed in from Prince, mice playing cards, revolution, and more! The illustrations by Shawn Harris match the spirit of the words perfectly and you must pay very close attention because there are some details in the pictures that are sure to make you smile.
Most books written by celebrities don’t get much notice from me. It’s very rare that I would recommend them but this book is so perfect and timely, I have to share! It speaks to every kid (or grownup for that matter) every where. A great blend of humor and heart, this book encourages, kindness, curiousity, and activism without being preachy or overbearing. If you are looking for a good book about being a good citizen or what it means to be in a community, this is a great one to share!
This fable-like story is about a boy who wakes up as a beast. It cleverly goes through the emotions he feels as he goes through his morning and shows how letting negative emotions rule can spoil a perfectly good day. It’s dedication is to Maurice Sendak and the vibe throughout the book reminds me of Sendak and his wild beasts.
This book is a sweet shoutout to the younger siblings left at home at the start of the school year. Patiently waiting for the school bus to bring her brother home, a little sister is planning all the adventures she will have with her brother when he gets home.
Another sibling adventure with a very different twist. This younger sibling has a bear of a problem. Everywhere he goes, the bear is there! Roaring, stomping, angry, selfish… he just can’t escape. It turns out, having a grumpy bear around isn’t all bad though. In fact, sometimes a grumpy bear is just what you need.
This hilarious tale in rhyme is perfectly complimented by charming illustrations that (almost) make you want to crawl into the pages. With lessons in impulse-control and making amends, this book gives plenty to talk about without being heavy handed. It’s a great book to talk about personal choices and consequences with that will have kids laughing and learning.
From the publisher: An illustrated counting book in which one famished fox finds five snug eggs but must face three plump hens to get them.
Review:
Illustrated counting books are (if you’ll pardon the cliche) a dime a dozen. Like all picture books, they need to have engaging art and preferably a story beyond “let’s count these objects on the page,” but since counting books in particular are so common it takes a lot to stand out from the crowd. And boy, does Kate Read deliver. The subtitle “A Counting Book Thriller” says it all: a fox slowly creeps up on some unsuspecting hens with the intent to steal their delicious eggs. I read it at a preschool storytime as well as at a preschool outreach and it went over great with that age group.
The artwork is absolutely gorgeous, particularly the titular fox who has a wonderfully expressive face. Just look at that cover! It also squeezes in some new vocabulary, like “sly” or “famished.” This is Read’s debut and I’m excited to see what she has in store for the future if she does this well right out of the gate. With great artwork, counting practice that doesn’t sacrifice plot, and mischievous humor, this one is a win for sure.
The haunted season has arrived in the Antler Wood. No fox kit is safe.
When Mia and Uly are separated from their litters, they discover a dangerous world full of monsters. In order to find a den to call home, they must venture through field and forest, facing unspeakable things that dwell in the darkness: a zombie who hungers for their flesh, a witch who tries to steal their skins, a ghost who hunts them through the snow . . . and other things too scary to mention.
Featuring eight interconnected stories and sixteen hauntingly beautiful illustrations, Scary Stories for Young Foxes contains the kinds of adventures and thrills you love to listen to beside a campfire in the dark of night. Fans of Neil Gaiman, Jonathan Auxier, and R. L. Stine have found their next favorite book.
Review:
I admit, I was skeptical by the premise of this book. Scary stories…for animals? Young animals? But I like foxes, and I like scary stories, so I was willing to give it a shot. And I’m so glad I did, because this book was a hit for me. Scary stories for kids are tricky; most standard horror fare is not kid-friendly, but young readers will protest at anything that’s not scary enough. So I have to give kudos to Christian McKay Heidicker for coming up with the perfect solution by making all of the characters (save one surprisingly familiar human antagonist) animals. The threats to our adorable fox kit characters are both realistic and scary, including hunters’ traps, badgers, and in my personal favorite of the stories, rabies. I was almost immediately attached to our two main characters, Uly and Mia, and rooted for them to overcome the terrifying trials that threaten them. I also really liked the framing of the story, where seven fox kits are listening to these scary stories that build on one another. After each story, one kit is too frightened to continue and goes home, but the rest beg the elderly storyteller to know what happens next.
I will warn you that Heidicker doesn’t pull any punches and is realistic about the brutality of nature. Some animals do die. Some family members are cruel. Not everyone gets a happy ending. But, as the publisher recommends, if you/your child enjoys Coraline, Goosebumps, The Night Gardener, or The Graveyard Book, then they are sure to enjoy Scary Stories for Young Foxes. Ages 10 and up, highly recommended.
I usually add the publisher’s description here, but in my opinion it doesn’t do this book justice, so we’re doing things my way today! This graphic novel is the story of best friends Sanity and Tallulah, who live on the space station Wilnick. Sanity loves to do science experiments and creates an adorable – and huge – three-headed kitten named Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds. But when Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds gets loose on the station, Sanity and Tallulah have to track her down before security makes them give her up. Meanwhile, unexplained power outages all across the station have everyone in a panic, and if they don’t figure out what’s causing it soon, the whole station could blow up! Will Sanity and Tallulah be able to save Princess Sparkle and the day?
Review:
I just finished reading this book myself not too long ago and have been trying to convince everyone I know to read it since then. Sanity and Tallulah is a super fun scifi adventure with a diverse cast of characters. Between the hunt for Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds, and the mysterious power failures on the station there is plenty of action. The art is fun and eye-catching without falling into the boring, monochromatic silvery palate a lot of futuristic media does, and the writing is similarly breezy and enjoyable. The science itself is mostly of the made-up, “reverse the polarity of the neutron flow” variety, but I really liked that it shows women and girls with an interest in STEM. Sanity herself is a budding scientist smart enough to create Princess Sparkle, Destroyer of Worlds solo and Tallulah’s mom is the engineer in charge on Wilnick.
With the sequel coming out this fall, now is a great time to read Sanity and Tallulah! Recommended for ages 8 – 12.
From the publisher: How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany’s locker? When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn’t under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal’s office for the third time in three days, and it’s still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany’s locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared. Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he’s capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken–including his dead mother–and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There’s only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk. A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in his mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.
Review:
You ever read a book so good that once you finish it, you hug it and thank it for its existence like some kind of nerdy version of KonMari? That is exactly what I did after finishing Carlos Hernandez’s middle grade debut, Sal and Gabi Break the Universe. Sal is one of the most delightful and charming protagonists I’ve read in a long time, and even though the scifi part of the plot wasn’t as significant as I had expected, it never dragged because I loved Hernandez’s style so much. Filled with heart and humor, this is a story about love and grief and friendship without ever getting preachy. The publisher suggested ages are 8 to 12, but I think kids on the older end of that range and even into young adult readers would better appreciate it. Highly, highly recommended.
Moline Public Library Kids 