Ghost Book

Ghost Book
Remi Lai
Holt, 2023
313 pages
Grades 3-7
Graphic Novel

July Chen does not have an easy life. She is often overlooked by her friends and teachers and--even more disturbing--can see ghosts. Her single father says that ghosts aren't real and July's abilities are impossible. Now it is ghost month and the Hungry Ghosts are allowed out to devour other ghosts and it is then that she saves the ghost boy from getting eaten. The two become friends and July discovers that William is not really a ghost at all but something hovering between life and death. Further investigation reveals that they have a connection from the time of July's birth and mistakes were made. The only way to make William a real boy is for July to die. Is there any other way to make the impossible happen and to save them both? Meanwhile, family secrets are revealed and more supernatural beings are introduced. Will July be able to save both William, herself, and her relationship with her father?

Seeped in Chinese culture and legend, this new graphic novel by a wonderful creator is a work of art. Kids who like their stories somewhat spooky and atmospheric will be the natural audience, but fans of Rick Riordan and his many spin offs will also find much to enjoy. Shy readers will relate to July felling often overlooked and applaud her finding her voice, having the courage to help her new friend and fight for their survival. The illustrations are in full color and enhance the plot. Lai skillfully makes clear who is human and who is a ghost and readers will not be confused, even with William's transformation. Although of a serious nature and gently scary, the creator manages to infuse humor into the proceedings, making for an enjoyable and entertaining read and softening the scare factor. Age appropriate, unique, and a lot of fun--with some surprises along the way.

Best Books: the 2023

This was a crowded year for great books, especially in middle grade, which is my main area of focus. Highlights of the year included my first ever ALA Youth Media Awards banquet. It was wonderful to be part of the scene that I have observed from the wings for my entire career. Unfortunately, that experience was probably a "one and done", but regardless, my enthusiasm for the field will never flag! Here are my favorite titles of this past eventful year:

Picture Books:

An American Story written by Kwame Alexander & Illustrated by Dare Colter

The illustrations are breathtaking and help to communicate the narrative in a powerful way. Written as a way to explain the horrors of slavery in a school setting, the book is disturbing and geared towards an older audience than traditional picture books.

The Skull by Jon Klassen

Super weird, this Tyrolean folktale could only be shared through the capable hands and imagination of Jon Klassen. Also not for a young audience due to the disturbing nature of the story, but I loved it!

Do You Remember? by Sydney Smith

Beautiful storytelling and illustrations convey yet another sad tale that will help kids process their emotions in times of upheaval and change.

In Every Life by Marla Frazee

I think that Frazee is my favorite living illustrator (along with the Fan brothers). In this new book the text is irrelevant because they take a back seat to the gorgeous pictures.

Middle Grade:

The Labors of Hercules Beal by Gary Schmidt

This is the only book this year that made me cry. I felt very invested in the characters, setting, and community. One thing about Gary Schmidt: the man can write!

The Mona Lisa Vanishes by Nicholas Day

Nonfiction that reads like fiction. Yes, I'm an art lover, but this book delves in further with historical information, exciting heists, and quirky real-life characters. Even the most educated art historians will learn something--and be entertained along the way.

The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams by Daniel Nayeri

An unusual setting, quirky characters, life and death adventures, hilarious scenarios, and excellent storytelling made this new title by a former Newbery winner one of my favorites of the year.

Graphic Novels:

A First Time for Everything by Dan Santat

The story starts out hilarious and embarrassing--and stays that way, bringing us all back to our youth and our various first times as the author recounts his european adventures as a tween. Santat had me at the playlist!

Mexikid by Pedro Martin

Martin did a great job at creating a book that in some ways I completely identified with, and in some ways completely didn't, discovering a cultural experience that though specific, felt universal. There is a scene taking place in Mexico that is so crazy I will remember it forever. I love to be surprised! 

Teen:

True disclosure: I read less teen books this year and actually read more adult books than ever before (gasp!). Reason being: my kids are finally leaving their teen years and I think that I need a break from teenagers. I plan to try to get into the genre a bit more regularly in 2024.

Impossible Escape by Steve Sheinkin

A holocaust book based on actual people, this riveting story traces two childhood friends now fighting for survival in two different unbelievable situations--and then finding each other again. An excellent piece of research and storytelling.

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

Boulley takes her world of Printz winner The Firekeepers Daughter and explores the story of the next generation with a new mystery and further eye-opening injustices against indigenous Americans and women in general.

The Probability of Everything

The Probability of Everything

Sarah Everett

Harper Collins, 2023

326 pages

Grades 5-7
Realistic Fiction

Kemi is enjoying a typical Sunday morning breakfast with her family when something crazy happens. They discover that a giant asteroid will hit the earth in a mere matter of days. Kemi, a probability expert, learns that AMPLUS-68 has an 84.7% chance of hitting Earth, which are not good odds. Mom & Dad leave Kemi and her toddler sister with a neighbor until their aunt picks them up and whisks them to her house so the whole family can wait out the end of the world together. Safe within the confines of her family, Kemi undertakes a project to put together a time capsule of everything that is important to all of her family members. She hopes to bury it in order for any future civilizations to have a record of them and their lives. As the days tick by we learn about what is important to individuals in Kemi's family, but something seems off. Finally, it is the last day of the world and the worst happens--only it is not exactly as the reader was led to believe and in some ways the truth is much worse.

This is a great book that has affected many young readers to the point that I felt compelled to read it myself. I love the premise and Everett had me at the first page. I also love an unreliable narrator and once I started to see the cracks in Kemi's story and suspected that there was more there, I started turning pages quickly to get to the reveal. The book is a tearjerker and will appeal to kids who love sad problem novels, of which my library has many. Everett packs an emotional punch, while bringing current social issues into sharp focus and making them personal. Readers will learn what it is like to walk in someone else's uncomfortable shoes, all while being challenged to ask themselves how they would handle the end of the world. The author does a great job developing her characters and I appreciate that Kemi is interested in math and statistics. Readers will feel like a part of this family and genuinely care about what happens to them. Hand it to middle grade kids that love an emotional tale that pulls at the heartstrings, yet offers substance over fluff.

The Blood Years

The Blood Years
Elana K. Arnold
Harper Collins, 2023
390 pages
Grades 9-Up
Historical Fiction

Frederike (Rieke) is a Jewish teenager growing up in late 1930's Romania. As Hitler rises to power in Germany, antisemitism in her home city increases by the day, making going to school and her grandfather keeping his business impossible. The Soviets invade and take control, which is both a blessing and a curse. When the Nazi's eventually kick out the Soviets and absorb Romania into their empire, life gets even harder, as families are taken away and all human rights are stripped. Meanwhile, life continues for Rieke and her older sister Astra. Having had to fend for themselves when their father left the family and their mother fell into a deep depression, their lives have been centered around dance and each other. Everything changes as Astra falls in love with a philandering doctor and becomes a crazy person. As her personal life shifts, so does Rieke's existence, as it becomes increasingly difficult to find food, stay warm and simply survive. A deadly disease and move deportations threaten her small family unit. Will they survive this terrible war? And what will become of whoever is left when the communists take over yet again?

Historical Fiction is making a comeback and it feels like holocaust books are on the rise. This new story by an accomplished author brings something new to the table: the holocaust experience in Romania. Through reading this story, I learned about the political culture of the time and the back and forth of the controlling governments. The story, based on the author's own grandmother's experiences, is gripping. What Rieke and her family goes through and what they resort to for survival is eye-opening. Arnold, as always, tells the story in a way that is both beautifully written and fully compelling and well paced. I love that there is truth behind the tale. My favorite part is the actual family pictures at the end of the volume and my only complaint is that I would like to have been told more about these real-life figures after the war. Some truly disturbing events take place within the pages of this volume, including extreme violence and rape, and it is not suitable for younger teens. Human rights are important, especially in our world right now, and the timing for this book is perfect. Let's hope that many young people read it and are compelled to be kind and speak for the voiceless.

The Hobbit: or, There and Back Again

The Hobbit: or, There and Back Again

J.R.R Tolkien

George Allen & Unwin, 1937 (original publication)

320 pages

Grades 4-Adult

Fantasy/Adventure/Classic

Bilbo Baggins is surprised one day by a knock at his door only to be greeted by a party of dwarfs, expecting refreshment, and a wizard named Gandalf. The dwarfs are in need of a thief to help them retrieve their family treasure from an evil dragon and Gandalf thought that the quiet home-body was just the ticket. Naturally Bilbo resists, but something deep in his nature decides to go the adventure. Positive events happen along the way of this important quest, such as new friendships and being entertained by kind elves. Unfortunately, grave danger also awaits in the form of nasty trolls, wolves, giant spiders, and-finally-the dragon himself. Through it all Bilbo gains a new sense of confidence, as well as a sword and a magical possession that gets him out of many scrapes. The action reaches a crescendo as all of the creatures encountered throughout the tale come together in a battle of good verses evil. Who will come out the victor and will any of our friends parish? Most of all, will Bilbo ever return to the safety of his Hobbit hole?

The days are cold, we are stuck inside and it's time to revisit a classic. Before there was Harry Potter there was Bilbo Baggins, who sets the stage for many works of fantasy in the years to come. Although not strictly a children's novel, it is a tale that smart kids who want a challenge can safely dive into and enjoy. I find this book just the right size and it moves along quickly. The Lord of the Rings trilogy is a bit more hardcore and too much for kids. It practically broke me when I read it as a young adult. Bilbo's adventures will excite even the homiest homebody and encourage all of us to step out of our comfort zone and find adventure. Besides taking chances, Tolkien explores themes of loyalty, brains over brawn, and courage, while warning the reader of the traps of greed. There are plenty of magical creatures and characters and the plot move along quickly. It is written as if in days of old when dragons roamed the earth, which may put off today's readers. I find the writing style helpful to place me firmly in Middle Earth and I felt fully absorbed in this magical world of old. A readable classic, give this title to kids who need something more advanced, but aren't ready for adult themes.

Chinese Menu

Chinese Menu

Grace Lin

Little Brown, 2023

288 pages

Grades 3-6

Short Stories

The history of Chinese food is explored in this heavily illustrated book, organized like a menu in a Chinese restaurant. Section headings divide the origin stories into groups labeled Tea, Appetizers, Soup, Side Orders, Chef's Specials and Dessert. An introduction, timeline and map set the scene and Lin expertly explains the difference between food in China and American-Chinese food as found in American restaurants. She also delves into several origin stories about chopstick and explains the proper way of using them with helpful diagrams. All of the stories are introduced by the author and tell the place and time period of the tale. The volume ends with an author's note, explaining why Chinese food in America is considered "cheap" with a brief history of the Chinese experience in America, as well as her inspiration and process in writing the book, a family recipe, extensive endnotes, bibliography and index.

Award winning children's author, Grace Lin, has created a truly original book based on her culture as a first generation American raised by Taiwanese parents. Her love of Chinese food (both what her mother authentically made at home and that ordered at an Americanized Chinese restaurant) comes through in her words. Meticulously researched and noted, Lin did her homework and offers entertaining, yet authentic, tales behind some of our most favorite foods--and others yet to be explored. The extemporary writing is highlighted by Lin's wonderful illustrations. Looser and simpler drawings accompany the stories, while striking and colorful illustrations (featuring the author's daughter) introduce the sections. I was expecting more recipes, but this is not a cookbook, as I soon found out. Including a single family recipe (Scallion Pancakes) is enough and readers can find more if they are so inspired in other sources. One thing is for sure, after reading this book you will crave Chinese food and your mouth is sure to water! Lin ties-in the current hostilities towards Chinese-Americans since the COVID outbreak and touches on the difficult history of the Chinese in America. Readers will learn plenty about food, Chinese culture, and folklore, all while being highly entertained. A great choice for a family read-aloud or independent reading.

Hope in the Valley

Hope in the Valley

Mitali Perkins

FSG, 2023

297 pages

Grades 5-8

Realistic/Historical Fiction

Pandita's plans for a quiet summer are shattered when her bossy older sisters convince her widowed father to send her to theater camp. She is naturally shy and though she likes to sing, she is uncomfortable doing it publicly. Pandita would rather visit her elderly friend at the nursing home and hang out on the porch of the abandoned house across the street, remembering her deceased mother and writing her letters. The worst happens when the property is slated to be sold to developers and all of her mother's hidden letters disappear in the demolition of the house. Hope arrives in the form of a new friend at theater camp, reuniting with an old friend who moved on with a different bestie, and joining the preservation committee to fight change. Plans to save the property don't go as planned, but Pandita sees that change is not always a bad thing and maybe it is time to let go of some of the past to make way for the future. Meanwhile, Dad is bringing a new lady around. Are Pandita and her sisters ready to share their father with a new love?

Perkins' latest offering harkens back to the California of her youth, as the Silicon Valley transitions from farms to housing and tech. The place is well developed, but readers might not fully pick up on the time period. We know it's in the past because the kids don't have cell phones, but that is really the only major distinction. I enjoyed the battle for preservation, having experienced a bit of that myself. Pandita learns that progress is not always a bad thing, but it must be mindful and better the present. I also appreciated the transformative experience of theater camp. Through theater and participating in The Sound of Music, Pandita gains confidence, friends, and finds her voice. This is a book about standing up for what is right, finding your people, and learning to see the world through the eyes of others. Our hero grows up quite a bit within the summer of this novel and gains clarity, maturity, and empathy. A splashy town meeting scene at the end of the novel will get readers cheering and leave them feeling satisfied and happy. Tying the past to the future, Pandita finds her place within the history of her California community and makes her mark, while alerting the world to it's important past. Though not a book for everyone, thoughtful young readers will enjoy this novel and speed through it handily.

Project F

Project F
Jeanne DuPrau
Random House, 2023
210 pages
Grades 3-7
Dystopian/Science Fiction

Set in Earth's distant future, folks now live only with clean energy and all fossil fuels are against the law. Keith is sent by electric train (the only allowed mode of transportation outside of bicycles) to fetch his recently orphaned six-year-old cousin. On the train he meets an interesting scientist, who departs at a seemingly unhabituated outpost and leaves his suitcase behind. Keith becomes interested in Malcolm's mysterious project and longs to find out more. On the return trip with Lulu in tow, Keith gets off at the outpost under the guise of returning the case, but is actually craving a good look-around to see what this project is all about. He and Lulu stumble onto the scientists and they appear to be trying to fly. Could Malcolm and his team have invented a flying machine? It would appear to be so, but how is it getting power? Keith returns home, but Project F continues to haunt his thoughts. Could he get involved in revealing this incredible invention to the world? Would he be able to fly himself? What exactly is the fuel on which the machine runs? And, most importantly, should he tell the secret of Project F to his parents? Lulu has similar qualms and they are making her physically ill. Read this quickly paced adventure to see how it all pans out!

One of the tightest books for young people ever written is DuPrau's The City of Ember. This new stand alone title is not as good as that first novel, but is certainly original and an entertaining read. Kids will identify with Keith's curious spirit and agree with his decisions to further investigate and do anything to try to fly, even though we all see it as a bad idea. Lulu provides the conscience for the book and is a sympathetic counter-point to her daring cousin. The writing is clear and tight. The plot is linear and does not get bogged down with bonus storylines. DuPrau offers a cautionary tale for our current environmental concerns and shows a future where the worst has already happened. That said, the folks in DuPrau's future are calmer and more peaceful with a better quality of life without the constant noise of technology. Other lessons include the importance of honesty and doing the right thing. Malcolm is clearly the greedy villain of the story and gets his comeuppance by the book's end. Keith learns lessons, Lulu clears her guilty and all ends as it should, which will please the target audience. More dystopian than science fiction, it will scratch the itch of readers looking for futuristic imaginative tales.