Reviews Juvenile Books

Downriver byWill Hobbs (1991)

August 28, 2019
It’s possible I have read this before. I can’t remember which Will Hobbs titles I read years ago. I have always loved his books. I was reminded of him by an article in SLJ. This . . . read more »

Forever or a Long Long Time by Caela Carter 2017

December 14, 2018
This is a very powerful story about adoption and the hugely complicated emotional landscape of the children and parents involved. I loved it and will highly recommend it.  12-14-18 Reviewed by Susan Plimpton

You Go First By Erin Estrada Kelly 2018

September 10, 2018
Another great book by this year’s Newbury winner that I couldn’t resist reading. She seems to find odd little bits of middle school trauma /culture and personalize them into lovable characters who survive by making creative . . . read more »

Grace for Gus By Harry Bliss 2018

September 10, 2018
A graphic picture book wordlessly tells the story of Grace who lives in NYC and sneaks out at night to play her violin in the subway and otherwise entertain people in order to make money . . . read more »

Patina By Jason Reynolds 2017

September 10, 2018
Another great read from Jason Reynolds. This is the sequel to Ghost, where we are introduced to a track team of middle schoolers who all face adult sized problems but somehow keep it together and . . . read more »

Ghost by Jason Reynolds 2016

September 10, 2018
I’ve been wanting to read this for a few years… it was worth the wait. It’s a great story about a 7th grader turning his life around when recruited for the track team by a . . . read more »

Mad Wolf’s Daughter By Diane Magras 2018

September 10, 2018
It’s fun to read a book by a Maine author who grew up on MDI! There’s nonstop action, danger, adventure and a bit of historical fiction. The characters are compelling with girl power and colorful . . . read more »

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