This Librarian's Quick Picks: Overturned

Overturned
by Lamar Giles
Scholastic (2017)
Mystery Fiction

What It's All About:

Nikki Tate's father has been on death row for killing his best friend in a gambling dispute, but he has always maintained his innocence, and now his conviction has been overturned and he is back at the casino, where high school junior Nikki has been operating illegal poker games in the hopes of saving enough money to get out of Vegas after graduation--and now he is determined to find the real killer, and Nikki is inevitably drawn into his dangerous search for the truth.

Why You'll Love It:

• A fast-paced, compelling mystery and memorable characters and relationships make this selection a first choice.
• The mystery never feels forced and seems to flow naturally, gaining momentum as Nikki peels away each layer until everything is ultimately revealed.
• Racial elements at play - the Tates are black while their rivals, the Carlinos, are white - hover in the background, adding another layer to Giles's murder mystery.

Who Should Read It:

Perfect for 7th grade and up.



What Else You Should Read:

• Endangered by Lamar Giles
• Con Academy by Joe Schreiber
• Scarlett Undercover by Jennifer Latham

Mini Review: Lost Girls by Heather Young

The Lost Girls
by Heather Young
William Morrow, 2016
Literary Fiction

What's It All About?

In the summer of 1935, six-year-old Emily Evans vanished from her family's vacation home on a remote Minnesota lake. The loss devastated the family. Sixty-four years later, Emily's sister Lucy writes the story of that harrowing summer in a notebook that she bequeaths, along with the lake house and a hefty investment portfolio, to her grandniece, Justine.

“How terrible to die without finishing a book, she thought. Never to know the end of the story.”

Who Should Read It?

Read this book if you don't mind waiting a REALLY long time for any action to happen in the plot. The book builds and builds to a rather anti-climactic climax that is ultimately not very surprising. 

I'd give it a pass.

What Should I Read Instead?

• Island of Lost Girls by Jennifer McMahon
• The Bright Forever by Lee Martin

What If I Don't Believe You?

Don't take my word for it! Check out these other reviews: 

Smart B***hes, Trashy Books | The Misstery

What I've been reading for me...Best of 2015

In addition to reading lots of kidlit, I've always got an "adult" book going on as well.

Here are my 5 star reads of 2015. What made your list??

1. Invention of Wings by Sue Monk Kidd (historical fiction)
2. Rubbernecker by Belinda Bauer (mystery/thriller)
3. The Guilty One by Sophie Littlefield (psychological thriller)
4. The Real Doctor Will See You Shortly by Matt McCarthy (memoir)
5. Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (biography)
6. You by Caroline Kepnes (thriller)
7. Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale (memoir)
8. Defending Jacob by William Landay (mystery/thriller)
9. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion (fiction)
10. Touch and Go by Lisa Gardner (mystery)
11. Where'd You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (fiction)

This Librarian's Quick Picks: The Map Trap

The Map Trap
by Andrew Clements
Atheneum Books (July 22, 2014)
Chapter Book - Mystery

Summary:

Sixth-grader Alton Barnes loves maps, and when his portfolio of secret maps is stolen, he begins getting notes with orders that he must obey to get the maps back but, with the help of a popular classmate, he just might succeed before his teacher, principal, or someone else learns he has been studying and mapping things about them.

Why You'll Love It:

• A convincing school story that also features an engaging central mystery with a surprising reveal.
• Alton’s plan to be honest with his classmates and ask for forgiveness, before they see his maps that may upset them, is instructive and inspiring without being didactic.
• Secondary characters are well drawn, including popular Quint, who has more depth than Alton initially expected, and the principal, who is entertained by Alton’s data on the number of times she says “um” during the morning announcements.

Who Should Read It:

Great for grades 3-6

What Else You Should Read:

• Benjamin Pratt & the Keepers of the School series (also by Clements)
• Lemonade War series by Jacqueline Davies
• Saxby Smart, Private Detective series by Simon Cheshire

Books By Theme: Murder in Bloom

"A cynic is a man who, when he smells flowers, looks around for a coffin."

~ H.L. Mencken (1880-1956), American author and satirist

All the Flowers Are Dying
by Lawrence Block

In a dark novel that alternates between alcoholic ex-cop Matthew Scudder's viewpoint and that of a ruthless serial killer, Scudder finds himself and those he loves the object of the cunning murderer's attention. Readers new to Scudder who want to watch him age over the course of the series will want to bypass this 16th entry and start with The Sins of the Fathers; Block fans who need a little something to tide them over while waiting to get their hands on A Drop of the Hard Stuff, Scudder's 17th novel that's due out next month, should try Robert B. Parker's Spenser books or J. A. Jance's J. P. Beaumont novels.

The Last Kashmiri Rose
by Barbara Cleverly

After a stint with a police force in colonial India, Scotland Yard detective and WWI veteran Joe Sandilands thinks he's going home to England. He couldn't be more wrong. The governor of Bengal requests his aid when the wife of a British officer is found dead. It looks like suicide, but when Sandilands investigates, he discovers that several wives have died over the last decade and that there are strange coincidences between the deaths--like each woman dying via her greatest fear (burning, cobra bite, etc.). Golden-age mystery fans will especially enjoy Barbara Cleverly's vividly drawn, well-plotted, and "spellbinding debut" (New York Times Book Review), which is the 1st in a series that now numbers eight.

The Name of the Rose
by Umberto Eco

In 1327, Brother William of Baskerville is sent to investigate charges of heresy against Franciscan monks at a rich Italian abbey, but his priorities shift when several monks die in bizarre ways. With his apprentice Adso of Melk, William investigates the murders and explores the abbey's strange medieval library. Written by an Italian professor of semiotics, The Name of the Rose is something of a modern classic. Originally published in English in 1983, it has sold millions of copies in multiple languages and is beloved by many. If you're in the mood to savor words and complex ideas, check this one out.

Queen of the Flowers: A Phryne Fisher Mystery
by Kerry Greenwood

Who is chosen as St. Kilda's Queen of the Flowers in 1928 Melbourne, Australia? The Honourable Phryne Fisher, of course! But the independent-minded, glamorous flapper and amateur sleuth finds herself dealing with more than her royal floral duties when one of her four young flower maidens vanishes. Phryne investigates, but more trouble occurs when Phyrne's own adopted daughter Ruth disappears. And then there's Phyrne's unexpected reunion with one of her many former lovers. Though this is the 14th book in this "consistently strong series" (Booklist), newcomers who like lighthearted tales peopled with witty, intriguing characters can start here.

Flower Net: A Red Princess Mystery
by Lisa See

Set largely in 1997 Beijing, Flower Net introduces Chinese detective Liu Hulan and Assistant U.S. Attorney David Stark. The two former lovers team up to solve two high-profile murders: the killings of both the son of the American ambassador to China and the son of one of China's elite. Though some readers may find this fast-paced, suspenseful novel to be less assured than Chinese-American author Lisa See's later books, those who enjoy learning about other cultures should check out this 1st in a trilogy (it's followed by The Interior and Dragon Bones). Fans who want to read more of See's writing about China but don't mind leaving murder behind should pick up one of her later, bestselling novels, Snow Flower and the Secret Fan, Peony in Love, or Shanghai Girls.

Books By Theme: It's elementary, my dear Watson...

No doubt many mystery writers point to Conan Doyle as an influence, but some have gone a step further, writing additional cases for Sherlock Holmes. In Caleb Carr's The Italian Secretary, a series of killings at Holyrood House in Edinburgh bear an uncanny resemblance to crimes committed against the advisors of Mary, Queen of Scots 300 years earlier. Holmes and Watson are called in to solve the case before anyone close to Queen Victoria—or the monarch herself—ends up dead.


If the appeal is the Victorian setting, suggest Gyles Brandreth's series opener, Oscar Wilde And A Death of No Importance, in which Arthur Conan Doyle helps his friend Oscar Wilde discover the truth about the murder of an artist's model. What unfolds is a plot familiar to anyone who's read The Picture of Dorian Gray, but the duo's path to the truth is the real treat for Conan Doyle fans.


If you crave more mysteries, there's Laurie R. King's excellent Mary Russell series. In the ninth and most recent title, The Language of Bees, Mary is in Sussex deciphering the destruction of one of Holmes's beehives while Holmes looks for a missing wife and her daughter. But Holmes needs Mary—and his brother Mycroft—to help him solve the case. Each title stands on its own, but if you want to watch the development of Mary and Sherlock's relationship, start with the first, The Beekeeper's Apprentice.


For something contemporary and different, pick up Michael Robertson's The Baker Street Letters. Brothers Reggie and Nigel Heath rent an office on Baker Street, with the stipulation that they must answer letters sent to Sherlock Holmes. After reading a 20-year-old missive from a little girl in California, Nigel disappears, leaving a dead body behind. More of a caper than an intellectual mystery, but Holmes fans and even mystery book groups will enjoy the ride.


All summaries are from Library Journal.


Books by Theme was inspired by both Melissa at One Librarians Book Reviews's feature Listless Monday and Court at Once Upon a Bookshelf's Listed feature.  Be sure to check out their lists!

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Middle School Edition

Cloaked in Red

by Vivian Vande Velde
Genre: Re-imagined fairy tale

Summary:

A kidnapping woodcutter; a werewolf grandmother; a sentient cloak: all these and more are characters in eight variations on Little Red Riding Hood.

Why you'll love it:

• Vivian Vande Velde imbues each story with originality, humor, and creepiness. Despite the tales' shared elements—and their origins in the classic Little Red Riding Hood—they are all fresh and unique.
• The diverse perspectives from which the fairy tale is retold are fascinating and surprising. For instance, Red Riding Hood's cloak narrates the story in one version, and in another, Vande Velde casts the woodcutter as the villain.
• Perfectly exemplifies just how interesting and distinct variations on a theme can be.

The Scorch Trials

by James Dashner
Genre: Mystery/Adventure

Summary:

The Gladers have survived the Maze. Now they must cross the Scorch, a dangerous wasteland, in the second installment of the Maze Runner trilogy.

Why you'll love it:

• Fans of The Maze Runner will find themselves captivated by the second, even darker, installment of the series. James Dashner introduces new, terrifying creatures, impossible-seeming challenges, and surprising twists.
• The characters’ constant life-or-death decisions will keep readers on the edge of their seats.
• While Thomas recovers memories of life before the Maze, some questions are answered even as the central mystery deepens.

Summary:

As children in southern Sudan, John and Martha faced violence, hunger, disease, and exhausti

Score!: The Action and Artistry of Hockey's Magnificent Moment

by Mark Stewart and Mike Kennedy
Genre: Sports nonfiction

Summary:

How did the Stanley Cup become hockey's greatest prize? Which team's fans sometimes toss an octopus on the ice? Text and photographs describe some of the greatest goals in the history of professional hockey, profile top players, and provide facts about the sport.

Why you'll love it:

• As with their previous entries in this compelling series, the authors focus on a game's most exciting moment—in this case, the hockey goal—making it fun to read about the sport.
• List-based chapters, including "Power Plays—10 Unforgettable Goals" and "Tickling the Twine—The Most Remarkable Scoring Plays," keep historical accounts lively and succinct.
• The book's clean layout includes plenty of full-color, game-action photographs as well as fascinating images from hockey's earliest years.
• Score! will appeal to both hockey novices and devoted fans.

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Upper Elementary Edition

How Tia Lola Learned To Teach

by Julia Alvarez

Summary:

When Tía Lola is invited to teach Spanish at Miguel and Juanita's school, Miguel worries how everyone will react to his wacky non-English-speaking aunt.

Why you'll love it:

• Julia Alvarez integrates Spanish throughout the story in a natural way, incorporating meanings without interrupting the flow of the narrative.
• Chapters each begin with a fun, plot-related saying (”The sleeping shrimp is carried away by the current,” for example), in Spanish and English. The sayings are gentle lessons for Tía Lola’s niece and nephew—and for the reader.
• Readers will recognize and/or identify with some of Miguel and Juanita’s feelings and experiences. At school, fifth-grader Miguel wants to fit in. Meanwhile, Juanita, in third grade, has a hard time paying attention in class. At home, their parents have recently divorced, and their papi is getting remarried. Miguel gradually comes to accept—and appreciate—that Carmen will be a permanent part of their family. 

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Soar, Elinor!

by Tami Lewis Brown
Genre: Biography

Summary:

In 1927, many people thought females shouldn't fly. Still, sixteen-year-old Elinor Smith became a licensed pilot, then performed a seemingly impossible aerial maneuver.

Why you'll love it:

• A fascinating look at a lesser-known female aviator.
• The details of Elinor Smith's preparation make it clear that her gutsy feat required careful planning, precision, and quick decisions, while the historic flight is portrayed with immediacy.
• Gives readers a sense of the culture and excitement surrounding aviation in the 1920s.
• François Roca uses varying perspectives in his vibrant illustrations to fully depict Elinor's flight, giving not only Elinor's view from the cockpit, but also the vantage point of onlookers from the Manhattan Bridge and from the deck of a ship in the East River.
• The back matter provides information on Elinor Smith's subsequent aviation accomplishments and describes the author's first-hand research. 

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True Things (Adults Don't Want Kids to Know): Amelia Rules!

by Jimmy Gownley
Genre: Graphic Novel

Summary:

Amelia's eleventh year begins with a wonderful birthday party, but things quickly go downhill. Aunt Tanner would usually help--but she is hardly ever around.

Why You'll Love It:

• Jimmy Gownley continues with his signature mix of seriousness and humor: complex relationships between well-drawn characters combine with lightness about the difficulties of growing up.
• Has a slightly more sophisticated look than previous books in the series, as Amelia deals with more grown-up problems, such as having a crush and doing poorly in school. She also confronts the loss of childhood things, including the clubhouse she once shared with her friend Reggie.
• Amelia’s beloved aunt Tanner plays a large role in this story. Tanner follows her dreams, dispenses advice, and ultimately leaves home to go on tour.
• The art is colorful and dynamic, with text and characters often extending outside of their panels. This book will not stay on the shelf at my library!!!

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The Ghostwriter Secret: The Brixton Brothers

by Mac Barnett
Genre: Mystery

Summary:

Just after Steve Brixton opens his detective agency, he receives a letter from mystery writer MacArthur Bart. Before Steve can reach him, Bart vanishes.

Why you'll love it:

• A wonderful send-up of Hardy Boys-style detective stories. Steve's antiquated slang and his heartfelt belief in such mottoes as “Ace sleuths must always keep their cool—even when the danger is red hot!” are endearing and funny.
• Though intentionally campy, the book also offers a genuinely compelling mystery, with ample surprises for Steve and readers alike.
• Steve's best friend, Dana, is a comical foil, providing plenty of deadpan humor during his many attempts to talk sense into Steve. And Dana is easy to relate to, often acting as an audience stand-in by expressing doubt about Steve's absurd crime-fighting methods.

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Before They Were Famous: How Seven Artists Got Their Start

by Bob Raczka
Genre: Nonfiction

Summary:

See the evolution of seven artists including Dürer, Picasso, and Dalí by viewing works they made as children and masterpieces they created as adults.

Why You'll Love It:

• It is inspiring to see their childhood work, and to note the talent they had from a young age. As Bob Raczka points out to readers, “make sure your parents save a few of your favorite art projects. Who knows, maybe you’ll grow up to be a famous artist!”
• Full-page biographical sketches of the artists focus on their childhood interest in art and their early training.
• Captioned reproductions of three works by each artist include a childhood piece and an iconic piece for which they are known. The progression of their work, often within a short period of time, is fascinating.

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Journey into the Deep: Discovering New Ocean Creatures

by Rebecca Johnson
Genre: Nonfiction

Summary:

Based on real journeys undertaken for the 2000-2010 Census of Marine Life, this book documents the discovery of fascinating new ocean creatures.

Why You'll love it:

• Vivid color images of a stunning variety of marine creatures, such as the barreleye fish, which has a transparent head, and the rainbow-colored squat lobster, will capture readers’ attention.
• Helpful diagrams show where in the world particular species were found, and in what type of ocean habitat.
• Without being heavy-handed, the descriptions of marine life and the interdependence of animals demonstrate the precarious balance of underwater environments, and the need to conserve them. 

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Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth

by Jeff Kinney

Summary:

In his latest diary, middle-schooler Greg Heffley chronicles his search for a new best friend after a falling out with Rowley. With family members urging him to become more responsible, Greg decides that he's not in a hurry to grow up.

Why You'll Love It:

• This Wimpy Kid installment is just as funny as the previous books, with illustrations providing many of the punch lines. Greg’s attempt to get the family’s housekeeper to do his laundry, for example, leads to a hilarious standoff.
• Greg is getting older, and the situations covered here—learning about puberty in health class, having a pimple, and attending family gatherings—will be familiar to middle-grade readers.
• Jeff Kinney explores the tenuousness of being a preteen and a middle child. Greg realizes that people no longer consider him cute: his little brother, Manny, is the center of attention in the Heffley family, and a younger boy is chosen over Greg to become the next spokesperson for Peachy Breeze Ice Cream.
• Greg’s take on posting pictures online is amusing and timely, as he tries to look like he’s having “a total blast” by editing himself into photos of pillow fights and conga lines. A cautionary message about sharing too much information on the Internet—via Greg’s older brother Rodrick’s wild photographs—is presented humorously, but effectively.

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Storyteller

by Patricia Reilly Giff
Genre: Historical Fiction

Summary:

Even though they are separated by centuries, Elizabeth feels a kinship with her ancestor, Zee. Elizabeth's present-day story alternates with Zee's story.

Why You'll Love It:

• Although Elizabeth and Zee's stories are separated by centuries, the girls have many similar traits and feelings—such as their impulsive actions and carelessness, and the guilt they feel when they disappoint their families—providing a sense of the continuity of the human experience.
• Zee's story is compelling, with interesting Revolutionary War-era details, gripping moments in battle, and grievous loss.
• Elizabeth's developing relationship with her aunt, Libby, is realistic and heartwarming.
• Readers may be inspired to seek out their own family histories after following Elizabeth's search to discover more about Zee's life.

This Librarian's Quick Picks: Upper Elementary Edition

The Fantastic Secret of Owen Jester
by Barbara O'Connor
Grades 4-7

Summary:

After Owen captures an enormous bullfrog, names it Tooley Graham, then has to release it, he and two friends try to use a small submarine that fell from a passing train to search for Tooley in the Carter, Georgia, pond it came from, while avoiding nosy neighbor Viola.

Why you'll love it:

• Barbara O'Connor's writing is immediate and engaging, with a beautifully evoked setting.
• A pitch-perfect depiction of the summer activities and adventures of a group of kids.
• Well-drawn characters, especially crotchety secondary characters Earlene, the woman who has worked for Owen's grandfather for ages, and Joleen Berkus, the woman who bought the house where Owen and his parents used to live.
• The kids' interactions feel authentic. Owen, Travis, and Stumpy's feelings and attitude toward Viola are believable, as is their eventual change of heart, while Viola's persistence is admirable.

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Dragonbreath: Curse of the Were-Wiener
by Ursula Vernon
Grades 3-5

Summary: 

When Danny Dragonbreath's best friend, Wendell the iguana, is bitten by one of the hot dogs from his school lunch, he begins to turn into a were-wiener.

Why you'll love it:

• An appealing format seamlessly marries pages of text with graphic-novel-type illustrations, which propel the story forward. Ursula Vernon's bold art--using only red, green, and black--is simply drawn and striking.
• The author makes an unlikely scenario believable in large part by the strength of her characters. Danny, who welcomes adventure at every opportunity, and Wendell, who is more reserved, are a great pair.
• Vernon has a gift for dialogue, and the two friends' interactions are consistently amusing.
• Readers need not know other books in the series to enjoy this one. 

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Kubla Khan: The Emperor of Everything
by Kathleen Krull
Grades 3-6

Summary: 

In the thirteenth century, Kubla Khan ruled the largest empire in the world. Known equally for his indulgences and policies, his reign lasted thirty-four years.

Why you'll love it:

• Incisive, well-researched text brings the mysterious and legendary Kubla Khan, his family, his court, and his empire to vibrant, exuberant life.
• Stunning, detailed drawings recreate the Mongolian world of Kubla Khan, from intricate palaces inlaid with jade and decorated with phoenixes to battle scenes that feature hordes of charging horses and their militant Mongolian riders. The map on the endpapers shows the tremendous span of the Mongol Empire.
• Kathleen Krull takes care to highlight Kubla Khan's cruelties as a military leader and the innovations such as paper currency, accurate calendars, public education, and waterway development that were realized under his direction.

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There's a Princess in the Palace: Five Classic Tales
retold by Zoe B. Alley
Grades 2-6

Summary:

Cinderella, Snow White, and three other well-known princesses share a surprising connection in these fairy-tale retellings presented in comic book format.

Why you'll love it:

• The heroines of Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, The Frog Prince, and The Princess and the Pea are linked together to hilarious effect.
• Running commentary throughout by two mice (who serve as the horses for Cinderella's carriage in the first story) adds to the fun.
• Clever dialogue integrates modern turns of phrase and neatly refreshes the classic tales.
• This book is big! The graphic format has massive kid appeal. Amusing details in the illustrations invite careful study. 

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The Drained Brains Caper: Chicagoland Detective Agency, #1
by Trina Robbins
Grades 4-7

Summary:

Required to attend summer school after moving to Chicagoland, thirteen-year-old manga-lover Megan Yamamura needs help from twelve-year-old computer genius Raf to escape the maniacal principal's mind-control experiment.

Why you'll love it:

• Trina Robbins cleverly mixes classic crime-story tropes--an evil villain who reveals her plans to the hero, crime-solving partners who initially don't get along--with unique elements, such as Bradley the talking dog and Raf 's computer program that saves the day.
• The manga-influenced artwork is eye-catching, with clean lines and uncluttered panels. The action is clearly depicted and easy to follow.
• Raf is a bit of a nerd, and Megan loves haiku. These characters aren't typical heroes, but they act heroically. Kids will be able to both relate to and look up to Megan and Raf.

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Dave the Potter: Artist, Poet, Slave
by Laban Carrick Hill
Kindergarten-Grade 4

Summary:

Dave, a potter who lived in South Carolina in the 1800s, carved poetry onto his pots, an act of tremendous courage for a slave.

Why you'll love it:

• An inspiring and moving look at how a slave found creative expression.
• Bryan Collier's affecting illustrations show a world rife with contrasts. Dave is set against a backdrop of anonymous slaves and their dehumanizing work, drawing attention to the importance of the survival of Dave's story, art, and poetry.
• The lyrical writing and striking, textured artwork pair together to skillfully depict the process of throwing, shaping, and glazing a jar; to readers, it will seem almost as if they are watching Dave create his pottery in real time. 

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Case Closed?: Nine Mysteries Unlocked by Modern Science
by Susan Hughes
Grades 2-6

Summary:

Was Egypt's first female pharaoh murdered? Did the city of Ubar vanish without a trace? Science has helped solve these and seven other archaeological mysteries.

Why you'll love it:

• Susan Hughes has chosen a collection of disappearances that range from ancient to recent and from small-scale (a single missing mountaineer) to catastrophic (entire cities).
• Hughes employs clear, accessible language and explains both the technology and research utilized by experts to locate their missing quarries.
• Not all the cases featured in the book have been solved, which will give readers the chance to test their imaginations and develop some theories of their own.
• Michael Wandelmaier's detailed illustrations cleverly reimagine the past, while full-color photographs showcase modern-day expeditions and researchers. 

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Red Zone
by Tiki & Ronde Barber
Grades 2-6

Summary:

Ronde and Tiki's excitement over the approaching state championship football game turns to worry when there is a chicken pox outbreak at school.

Why you'll love it:

• Each playoff game requires the team to reconfigure and compensate for the latest stricken teammate. As time passes, the boys all wonder who will be next, creating suspense.
• Although Tiki and Ronde are the team's stars, each victory is achieved by everyone working together.
• The novel captures the boys' stress about not disappointing the school now that they are "sentimental favorites" (according to the newspaper) rather than underdogs.
• Provides a satisfying follow-up to Go Long! and Wild Card--and to the Eagles' eventful season.