Not Quite a Ghost by Anne Ursu

Reviewed by: Alyssa Young, Youth Services Assistant

Genre: Horror; Realistic Fiction

Suggested Age: 5th-8th grade (or adults & teens!)

What is the book about?

This middle grade novel focuses on Violet, who is going through significant life changes (a new school, friend group problems, a new house, a mysterious illness) and includes a slightly spooky ghost story.

Ursu’s book discusses chronic or invisible illness, the effects it can have on your relationships, and the emotions that come from not being believed by doctors or friends.

Throughout the story, Violet learns about finding inner strength and advocating for yourself – whether that involves your health, your relationships with friends and family, or any other situation!

My Review:

This book is great for children in grades 5th-8th who love Horror and Realistic Fiction. Adults may also enjoy it, as it was inspired by the novella The Yellow Wallpaper by Charlotte Perkins Gilman.

Find it in the Youth Services Department or on the Boundless app!

Dogtown by Katherine Applegate and Gennifer Choldenko

Reviewed by:  Reviewed By: Jacob Roberts, Youth Services Specialist

Genre: Fiction

Suggested Age: 8-11 years old

What is the book about? Dogtown follows a three-legged dog, named Chance, and her life at a local dog shelter that has recently added robot dogs to their adoption list. Many of the “real” dogs disapprove of the new dogs, but one robot dog soon proves to be able to learn and maybe even feel like the “real” dogs in the shelter. Soon the robot dog, named Metal Head, shares its plan to escape and return to its owner—but it will need the help of Chance and another unlikely friend, Mouse, to help it escape back to its old life. Throughout the book, Chance contemplates what it means to love, be a dog, and have hope in a world that seemingly is stacked against dogs like her.

My Review: This book really surprised me. I enjoy many of the books that Applegate writes; however, I did not expect to enjoy this story so much. I read this book with my daughter, and she and I spent many hours laughing at the quirkiness of the book together, along with just feeling the pain that comes along with being abandoned that many shelter dogs must feel. It even had some good tips at the end for the reader on how to best help local shelters and take care of their own pets. I thought the story was really well down, and is a must read for all those who have a soft spot for dogs in their own life.

Three Words That Describe This Book: Noble, heartfelt, contemplative

Give This a Try if You Like…The Good Dog by Cam Higgins, The Underneath by Kathi Appelt, Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!

Junior High by Tegan and Sara Quin

Reviewed By: Chelsea Bunton, library volunteer

Genre: Coming of age (graphic novel)

Suggested Age: Middle School (11-14)

What is This Book About? If junior high wasn’t hard enough- twins Tegan and Sara are entering with the caveat of a whole new school. Having just moved to a new neighborhood, they only have each other as they navigate the super confusing dynamics and politics that is being a junior high girl. As they make friends (and frenemies), they begin to discover more about themselves. Fitting in is a battle in itself- but they must also confront crushes, body changes, grades, and…chicken pox?! Tegan and Sara have written this graphic novel about their own encounters growing up, though set in a different era as they were actually tweens in the 90s. Times have changed…but the experiences of junior high can always relate- no matter the generation. Indie-pop artists turned graphic novel authors, the Quin sisters have bared themselves to show readers they are not alone in their circumstances and there ARE better days ahead!

My Review: When I learned that one of my favorite Indie groups had written a graphic novel- I had several thoughts. First…what??!? Second… I MUST read this! I assumed this would be a bit of a biopic about the Quin sisters’ experiences as tweens. I did not realize it would be more of a reimagining of their ordeals set in modern times. I think it would be so fun to reflect on my own past in a more current setting! Even though it’s been quite a few years since Tegan and Sara have been in Junior High (and, admittedly, me as well-), these types of experiences are timeless and so relatable to us all. Though much of the story is fiction, the authors sprinkle in easter eggs for readers who are aware of who they would grow up to become. I’m always drawn in to “coming of age” stories as they hit so close to home- there’s a reason this is such a big genre in media, it’s a pivotal time in our lives and makes such an impact that it deserves its own special story-telling. This was such a fun graphic novel and I can’t wait for the follow-up (Crush)!

Three Words that Describe this Book: Musical, Relatable, LGBTQ+

Give This A Try if You Like… Berrybrook Middle School series by Svetlana Chmakova, Drama by Raina Telgemeier, The Babysitters Club (Books, show, graphic novel)

Rating: 5/5

Find it at the library!