Category Archives: Reviewer’s Library Type

Gleanings by Neal Shusterman

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Reviewed by OHS Student, Eric Z.

Fans of the original Scythe trilogy will recognize the characters in these short stories and will surely enjoy this book.

From the last piece of mortal-age art to space-faring AIs, Gleanings explores life and death through the lens of background characters in the Scythe universe.

The fully fleshed out anti-dystopian world allows the reader to easily relate events and stories from Gleanings to the main plot in the Scythe trilogy. The careful juxtapositions of humor with death make this a captivating read.

Barely Missing Everything by Matt Mendez

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Reviewed by OHS Student Wiley P.

In this book, three Mexican main characters Juan, JD, and Fabi are all trying to figure out what to do with the problems life throws at them, especially in a world where having brown skin can make things extra difficult. The fast paced and intriguing writing keeps in going and the characters learning. This novel is constantly engaging and makes you keep reading.

Themes of racism and poverty within the southern United States.

A definite purchase for all libraries.

Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn

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Reviewed by OHS Student Adelaide E.

Book 2 in the Legendborn Series

Interweaving Arthurian legend with the harsh realities of slavery and its modern affects, Bloodmarked will be a compelling and educational read for people of all ages, but primarily the YA audience, as it has a young female lead on the path of discovering more about her heritage and newfound powers.

Soon after the events of the previous book Legendborn, Bree Matthews is learning to control her powers as a medium and the Scion of Arthur in order to rescue fellow scion Nicholas, a quest on which her right to rule is questioned by the Order of the Round Table, and her relationship with the Kingsmage Selwyn Kane develops.

I liked that it had a strong female protagonist whose struggles included people challenging her right to rule and discovering the implications of her new status as a medium, which includes obtaining the powers, skills, and qualities of her ancestors, such as Arthur.

Personally, I didn’t feel that there was much development with her relationship with Sel or Nick. Nothing substantial happened because Nick was kidnapped throughout the entirety of the book, leaving Sel to remain his Kingsmage. There was some discussion about whether Sel would be able to be Kingsmage to the both of them, but this was an unresolved point in Bloodmarked.

Finch House

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Twelve year old Micah discovers the old dilapidated Victorian house her grandfather (Poppop) makes her promise she will never go near has been repaired and has people living in it. Micah knows this because she has just met Theo, the boy who lives there, outside in his yard. That is one promise she has broken to her dear Poppop.

Micah’s curiosity about Finch House grows the more Poppop refuses to talk about the house. Finch House has drawn many children into itself over the decades, so many that these missing children no longer make the news. Poppop’s sister Jenn was one of them. Little by little Micah is drawn into Finch House, literally. That is another promise Micah has broken to her Poppop. Curiosity has trumped Micah’s rational behavior. Will Micah be able to escape the hold her great aunt Jenn has on her and escape Finch House? Or will Micah be trapped inside Finch House forever?

This book draws the reader into itself much like Finch House does to the children (now ghosts) that live within it.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Why are We Afraid?

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When the light go out “after the clap of thunder” Max asks his father ‘ “Dad, have you ever been afraid?” ‘

So begins this conversation starter book on a story about fear. Fear can be about the: unknown, shadows, words or blows, lonely or alone, real monsters, freedom, falling short, free-falling, fading away, and/or the armor will crack open.

Older children will see or may need help seeing the symbolism both in the words and in the illustrations. Fear is pictured as a black hole in the sky on the front end cover and as a black oval shape that can carried around through the story pages.

The adult sharing this book may want to read the last two pages first – SHINING A LIGHT ON FEAR. They include: the original fear, the types of fear, the lessons behind our fears, the masks of fear, and the appeal of fear. Plus, two activities.

Submitted by Mary Pong

Does a bear Poo in the Woods?

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Shy Barry the bear seeks some privacy when he does his ‘ “First job of the day.” ‘ Barry treks through the woods avoiding the woodpeckers, skunks, and moose until finally his old friend Brenda Bigpaw tells him of a place up stream. Lucky for Barry, he finds the cabin before the burly woodsman returns there to do his business on the “POO THRONE”.

Cute, humorous illustrations with a nice rhyme scheme.

Submitted by Mary Pong

A Consuming Fire by Laura E. Weymouth

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Reviewed by OHS Substitute

Readers who enjoy Fantasy Adventure will love this book! The characters are very intriguing, especially since one is even an all-consuming evil God.

“Love requires nothing by gives everything.” Anya, the main character, sets off to kill the unappealing, all-consuming evil God after the demise of her twin sister Ilya. On her quest she finds a love and strength that she has never before known, making her feel invincible. Anya embodies a powerful force that aids her in conquering evil raised against her.

The characterization is the books strong suit; characters are very well developed with strength, forgiveness, mercy, and perseverance.

The only downside was that at times the dialogue was difficult to follow.

Everyone Hates Kelsie Miller by: Meredith Ireland

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Reviewed by OHS Substitute

This novel is definitely light reading with lots of fluff: romantic inclinations, rules of friendship, and the pressures to be perfect. Two rivals, Eric and Kelsie, find themselves on a roadtrip to U Penn to visit their exes who have recently ghosted them. Along the way, these high school seniors reveal haunting memories and insecurities to one another that leads them to an unexpected friendship.

The book attempts to warn teens of the pressures of growing up and accepting yourself and others. The author touches on relevant issues for a high school audience: prejudice, friendship demands, perfectionism, fear of failure, underage drinking, and risky sexual behaviors. Although these themes and topics are in the book they are mentioned superficially and without depth, making characters seem pretty shallow as well.

Class Pet

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Harvey the Hammerhead Shark is busy drawing his latest Iron-Manta-Ray comic book when he gets caught not paying attention in class. His teacher, Ms. Lumpy, chooses this time to teach Harvey a lesson in responsibility by having Harvey take the class parrotfish Pirate home for the weekend. Pirate is annoying with his squawking, to say the least. Harvey’s parents don’t want pets and are upset that Harvey was not paying attention in class. As a consequence, Harvey’s parent make the decision that Harvey choose between taking care of Pirate at home or take care of Pirate at the big birthday party Harvey’s been looking forward to going to all week.

Flash, the birthday boy, has already asked Harvey not to bring Pirate to the party. Harvey chooses to go to the party. The party’s DJ, Sea J. Marsh-shallow, has an allergic reaction to Pirate and leaves immediately.

The party is ruined! but NO! Pirate is a terrific DJ. Problem solved.

And Harvey has the rest of the weekend to put the finishing touches on his Iron-Manta-Ray comic.

This series includes: a Cast of Characters list ( character’s names are in bold the first time they appear in the story), word list (glossary), glossary words featured in bold type in the story, statements said with strong emotion are in larger font in bold type, five chapters, three or more black and white illustrations per chapter, and questions at the end.

My biggest problem is with Ms. Lumpy. I realize this is a children’s story but in real life Ms. Lumpy would be in hot water for sending the class pet home for the weekend without the parents’ consent.

Submitted by Mary Pong

The Friendship Wish

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Moving to a new place is just as hard for this little mermaid- Rosie- as it is for any other person. In this first book of the Mini Mermaid Tales series, Debbie Dadey works her magic of sharing life experiences with which young readers will be able to relate.

Rosie, the little mergirl, is too young to start Trident Academy. Rosie just moved into the area 3 days ago and is lonesome. Rosie has only just met Aqua, who talks her into going to take a quick look at the school. From there, they get swept into the school as the regular students enter the building. Impetuous Aqua cannot help herself from exploring the school, while shy Rosie is weary and reluctant, but follows Aqua deeper into the school.

First, they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for making a mess in the art/music room and later they are in ‘deep-sea trouble’ for leaving their neighborhood without telling anyone.

Despite their destressing first experience together, Aqua and Rosie become friends when their parents are shown a school for younger ‘mini mermaids and merboys’.

Six chapters, two or more black and white illustrations per chapter, table of contents, large font, word list (glossary),and story questions at the end all make this a fin-tastic (47) first book in a new series!

Words from the glossary appear in bold type within the story. Even bigger and bolder words of strong emotions also appear.

Submitted by Mary Pong