Review of The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels, by Beth Lincoln, read by Nikki Patel

Adventure, Audiobooks, Children's Fiction Review, Mystery, Starred Review 0

The Swifts

A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln
read by Nikki Patel

Listening Library, 2023. 9 hours, 53 minutes.
Review written October 2, 2023, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review

The Swifts is a story about an adventurous family that sets themselves apart from common folk by taking their names from the family dictionary. Shenanigan Swift is a child in this family, and she’s constantly told “You can’t help your name.” People continually expect shenanigans from her, and they are not disappointed.

She and her sisters Phenomenon and Felicity live in the ancestral Swift estate while their parents are off adventuring. But adventures happen at home when Aunt Schadenfreude calls a grand Reunion of Swifts to look for the treasure hidden long ago somewhere on the estate by Vile Swift.

But this time, the Reunion is plagued by murder and attempted murder. Gumshoe Swift is obviously not up to the task of finding the culprit, so Shenanigan and her siblings — along with their nonbinary cousin Earth — take up the task.

The mystery is full of misdirection, sinister clues, and a bit of silliness, along with Shenanigan pondering whether your name is actually your destiny.

I listened to this audiobook mostly while getting way too absorbed in a jigsaw puzzle, and it provides a fun mystery adventure the whole family will enjoy (with the warning that there are some deaths). The author wasn’t going for realism, and ended up with delightfully quirky.

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda, by Bibi Dumon Tak

Animal Characters, Beginning Chapter Books, Children's Fiction Review, Science, Starred Review 0

My Presentation Today Is About the Anaconda

by Bibi Dumon Tak
illustrated by Annemarie Van Haeringen
translated by Nancy Forest-Flier

Levine Querido, 2025. First published in the Netherlands in 2022. 223 pages.
Review written April 29, 2025, from a library book.
Starred Review

This book: Packed with information, and ever so much fun! Also the kind of book that I ordered for the library with a note: “Show to Sondy” so I could figure out if it’s nonfiction or fiction. The answer ended up being Fiction, since it’s full of talking animals. But those animals are telling you Facts! I also immediately placed the book on hold so I could read the whole thing.

Here’s how the book begins:

To Start Off…

These are oral presentations given by animals about other animals. That’s because oral presentations can really be fun, especially when they’re not being given by the human species for once. After all, humans can make presentations super boring.

Why?
Because humans only look at things through their own human eyes.
Every single time.

Human after human.
Kid after kid.
Class after class.

YAWN!

So it’s time to take a fresh look:
Animal after animal.
Here we go!

So what follows is a bunch of animals talking about other animals: A cleaner fish talks about the shark. A blackbird talks about the rose-ringed parakeet. A midwife toad talks about the koala. A zebra tells us about all the pure black-and-white animals. A death’s head hawkmoth talks about the squirrel monkey.

Altogether, twenty animals give presentations about other animals. And the reports are quirky, each from the perspective of the particular animal giving it, sometimes telling more about that animal than about the subject of the report.

After most presentations, there’s time for questions from the animals listening, and those are quirky and interesting, too.

Perfect for kids ready for chapter books, this is all very silly, but packed with facts at the same time.

I usually only find out about translated books after they win Batchelder Award Honor. This time, I’ve got an early favorite for this year’s winner. Find out a bunch of facts about animals and do some laughing, too.

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Free Kid to Good Home, by Hiroshi Ito

Beginning Chapter Books, Children's Fiction Review, Starred Review 0

Free Kid to Good Home

by Hiroshi Ito
translated by Cathy Hirano

Gecko Press, 2022. First published in Japan in 1995. 109 pages.
Review written March 1, 2023, from a library book.
Starred Review

This is a fun book for beginning but confident readers. I’m putting it with beginning chapter books, because it’s about that reading level, but it doesn’t actually have chapters. And there are black, white, and red drawings on every page.

The book begins as a little girl gets a new brother.

He looks just like a potato.

After her mother pays attention only to the potato-face baby, the girl decides to run away and find a new home.

She does this by finding a box and writing “Free Kid” on the box. She sits in the box out where people pass by and tries to look cute.

Adults are busy and don’t pay a lot of attention, but one by one a dog, a cat, and a turtle join her, also looking for a new home. They discuss together what their new home will be like and do have some envy when others are chosen first.

You can guess how the story ends, but the whole thing is a lot of fun.

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Max in the Land of Lies, by Adam Gidwitz

Audiobooks, Children's Fiction Review, Historical, Starred Review 0

Max in the Land of Lies

by Adam Gidwitz
read by Euan Morton

Listening Library, 2025. 9 hours, 6 minutes.
Review written April 16, 2025, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review

Max in the Land of Lies is the second half of the duology begun in Max in the House of Spies – and, yes, together they make one story, so you will want to read both parts in order.

In my review, I said that Max in the House of Spies is a whole lot of fun. This one? I wouldn’t use the word “fun” to describe it. Max is still super clever and outsmarts many of the people he’s up against – but now he’s in Nazi Germany. I do have to mention that Adam Gidwitz is still narrowly walking the line of believability – that the British would send a 12-year-old Jewish boy into Nazi Germany and that he could possibly get away with it. (This is a kids’ book – that’s not really a spoiler.)

There’s a huge amount of tension in this book. Max is a genius with radios, and he infiltrates the Funkhaus – the radio station in Berlin, getting a job there. And during the course of the book he meets Herr Fritscher (the “Voice of Germany”), Goebbels {the minister of propaganda), and has lunch with Adolf Hitler.

So along the way in Max’s journey, it’s not so much about fun pranks he pulls, as the first book, as about the changes happening in Germany. We see that there are as many reasons to be a Nazi as there are people in Germany, and we hear some of the people tell their reasons. We hear about how Germany was humiliated after World War I and folks’ life savings were worthless and they simply hoped that Hitler could make Germany great again. And how people were willing to turn in their neighbors, but others look the other way.

We also learn about how people are more apt to believe the Big Lie than small lies – because everyone tells small lies, so they know to watch for those, but they don’t believe that someone would tell a truly Big Lie. Even if they don’t believe it at first, they will start getting used to the Big Lie if it’s repeated often enough. The author’s note says that Hitler never admitted to doing this – but this strategy is what he said Jews were doing, and Fascists then and now accuse others of the things they are doing themselves. In the radio station, Max learns about the invented “Protocols of the Elders of Zion” and how this was used to blame the Jews for everyone’s troubles. He learns about the “science” of phrenology and how the shapes of Jews’ skulls show they are inferior – but funny thing, it doesn’t give him away. Another interesting propaganda thread that I hadn’t heard about before was about all the countries Britain had already invaded and colonized – so clearly Germany needed to defend themselves against Britain. (Never mind that Hitler started this war – how was he any worse than the British?)

Max is also looking for his parents – and let’s just say that the book doesn’t flinch from telling the reader about the cruelty of concentration camps. So yes, this book is sobering.

The author’s note at the back is fascinating. Max is fictional, but most of the characters he encounters are actual historical figures. Of course this book was written long before Trump was reelected, but there are plenty of things about Nazi Germany that resonate with America today. As the author says, history doesn’t repeat itself, but it does rhyme.

So besides an intricate and well-written spy novel, in this book you’ll also get a history lesson and a timely warning.

adamgidwitz.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Frizzy, written by Claribel A. Ortega, art by Rose Bousamra

Award Winners, Children's Fiction Review, Contemporary, Graphic Novel 0

Frizzy

written by Claribel A. Ortega
art by Rose Bousamra

First Second, 2022. 218 pages.
Review written February 26, 2023, from a library book
Starred Review
2023 Pura Belpré Winner – Children’s Author
2023 Capitol Choices Selection

This graphic novel is about the weight of expectations a middle school girl’s Dominican family puts on her about her hair.

At the start, Marlene is grumpily suffering through a visit to the salon beyond the weekly one her mother makes her endure. They’re headed to her cousin’s quince. Her hair looks beautiful at the start of the party, but what with dancing and joking around with another cousin and getting hot and sweaty, her hair gets frizzy and poofs out in time for the pictures. All her family commiserates with her mother about Marlene’s “bad hair.”

Later, she tries some things on her own, which backfire. Kids at school put tape in her bushy hair, and she doesn’t notice. When she lashes out at the bullies, she’s the one who gets in trouble.

But yes, there’s a moment of truth with a young aunt. She shows Marlene that beautiful hair doesn’t have to be straight and shows her how to care for her curls. And backs her up when her mother finds out.

This book is lovely at pointing out the hypocrisy of adults who try to tell kids to be themselves — but then make them go through agony to change their appearance to be more acceptable. The message is lovely and affirming, and the story is fun, with wonderful visuals giving it all the more punch.

claribelortega.com
firstsecondbooks.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Iveliz Explains It All, by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Award Winners, Children's Fiction Review, Contemporary, Starred Review 0

Iveliz Explains It All

by Andrea Beatriz Arango

Random House, 2022. 268 pages.
Review written February 15, 2023, from a library book
Starred Review
2023 Newbery Honor Book

Iveliz is a seventh-grader who was hoping that everything would be better now that she’s in seventh grade. But that didn’t happen. We get to listen in on her thoughts and her struggles as we read her journal, written in poetry.

We learn pretty early that Iveliz had something awful happen a couple years ago, but we don’t learn right away what it is. Now, her grandma from Puerto Rico is moving into their home because she’s getting worse with Alzheimer’s.

And even though Mimi loves her, she doesn’t think Iveliz should take pills or go to therapy. One more person who thinks she’s not enough. At school, she gets so mad at the bullies and fights back — which disappoints her Mami. Why is Iveliz never good enough for her? And surely Iveliz can make some rules that will set things right again.

I read this book because it’s a Newbery Honor book, and I appreciate the Newbery committee bringing it to my attention. It’s a compassionate look at a kid for whom life is just getting too overwhelming, spotlighting mental health and finding people who care.

andreabeatrizarango.com
rhcbooks.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of The Door of No Return, by Kwame Alexander

Children's Fiction Review, Historical, Poetry, Starred Review 0

The Door of No Return

by Kwame Alexander

Little, Brown and Company, 2022. 397 pages.
Review written January 31, 2023, based on an advance reader copy I got at ALA Annual Conference
Starred Review

Poet and Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander tackles a historical novel-in-verse with this book. He takes us into the life of Offin, a kid from the 1860 Asante Kingdom, in the part of West Africa now known as Ghana.

We get pulled into Offin’s life and family. We hear stories from his grandfather, Nana Mosi. We learn about the girl who makes him smile and his rivalry with his cousin and desire to prove himself.

But then at a wrestling match with Lower Kwanta, Offin’s brother fatally injures the wrong person. Now they have enemies.

And yes, Offin’s story takes him to the Door of No Return — a door that leads to a slave ship. He doesn’t understand until he’s on the ship.

But what’s wonderful about this book is the way it features Offin’s life in Africa, a rich and full life among his family and friends. Of course, that makes the abduction hit all the harder.

Because it’s in verse, this novel is a quick read. It doesn’t take us all the way to America, and I am wondering what happens next, so I was happy to hear that sequels are planned.

This book won a Mock Newbery vote I was part of, though not any of the official awards. But pick up this book to read a master poet at work, shedding light on a time and place you may not have “visited” before.

kwamealexander.com
lbyr.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of The Legendary Scarlett & Browne, by Jonathan Stroud

Audiobooks, Children's Fiction Review, Science Fiction, Starred Review 0

The Legendary Scarlett & Browne

by Jonathan Stroud
read by Sophie Aldred

Listening Library, 2025. 13 hours, 13 minutes.
Review written April 8, 2025, from a library eaudiobook.
Starred Review

The Legendary Scarlett & Browne is the conclusion to the trilogy about the teen outlaws Scarlett McCain and Albert Browne, living in post-apocalyptic Britain.

We’ve got the books in the juvenile section of the library, probably because there’s no sexual innuendo whatsoever, but fair warning is that it’s more for the 10-to-14-age crowd, and there’s lots of violence, death, and enslavement.

But oh my goodness, I love these books so much! And Sophie Aldred makes the characters come alive.

I won’t give a lot of details, because of it being the conclusion of a trilogy, but Scarlett and Albert are outlaws, because they defy the evil powers that run the surviving towns after the cataclysm. I do hate that the most evil forces are the Faith Houses – they have a menu of religious options to suit everyone. But I’m afraid that feels realistic, because religion always attracts those who want to control others. Those powers support slavery and leaving “deviant” children to die – anyone with any “defect” or special powers developed after the cataclysm, like Albert’s telekinesis.

In this book, there’s a new threat, with the Faith Houses discovering powerful ancient weapons and using slaves to recover them. They will then raise up an army to find and defeat outlaws like Scarlett and Albert and the friends they’ve gathered around them in the first two books.

Both Scarlett and Albert have a further quest. Albert’s is to find out more about where he came from before he got to Stonemoor. And Scarlett’s is always to find her little brother Thomas, who was left out to be eaten by creatures, but may have been sold into slavery instead. As the end of the trilogy, both quests get some resolution.

And it’s hard to explain how good these books are. There are narrow escapes throughout the books, highlighting Scarlett’s cleverness and physical prowess, and Albert’s special powers. It’s also gratifying how they fight the forces of evil and stand up for enslaved children, outsmarting evil people along the way. But most of all, the characters’ personalities and interactions make you love spending time with them.

jonathanstroud.com

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Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

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Review of Sunny the Shark, by Remy Lai

Animal Characters, Beginning Chapter Books, Children's Fiction Review, Graphic Novel 0

Surviving the Wild

Sunny the Shark

by Remy Lai

Henry Holt and Company, 2022. 108 pages.
Review written January 11, 2023, from a library book

Surviving the Wild is a graphic novel series about endangered animals based on actual things that have happened to animals in the wild. The star of this book, Sunny, is an oceanic whitetip shark who gets a plastic balloon tie wrapped around her in a way she can’t get it off. As she grows, it cuts into her body and even slips over her dorsal fin so she can’t swim properly.

Sunny is accompanied by pilot fish that clean her body and her teeth. But when Sunny stops feeding, so do the pilot fish.

This sweet and short story puts a face on an abstract problem of too much plastic in the ocean and helps kids understand the danger it poses to wildlife. The graphic novel format makes it all the more accessible to young beginning readers.

remylai.com
mackids.com

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Review of Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone, by Tae Keller

Audiobooks, Children's Fiction Review, Contemporary, Starred Review 0

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone

by Tae Keller
read by Shannon Tyo and Carolyn Kang

Listening Library, 2022. 7 hours, 4 minutes.
Review written January 7, 2023, from a library eaudiobook
Starred Review

Jennifer Chan Is Not Alone is told from the perspective of Mallory, a middle school girl who worries about fitting in. Her best friend, Reagan, is the queen bee of the school. But when her neighbor, Jennifer Chan, goes missing, Mallory is terribly afraid it has something to do with “the Incident.”

When Jennifer moved into their neighborhood last summer, Mallory knew she was different. And Jennifer’s honesty about how she believes in aliens and is researching how to find them doesn’t help.

But then when Jennifer comes to school and seems to think she can get away without following the normal rules of popularity, Mallory doesn’t know what to think. Reagan feels she needs to be taught a lesson.

The timelines of the story go back and forth. Mallory thinks Jennifer was surely searching for aliens. Maybe if she can find some allies to follow in her footsteps, they can find Jennifer. But is that simply a way to avoid thinking about The Incident? What if that’s the real reason Jennifer left?

This book explores friendship and peer pressure and bullying and trying to figure out how to make amends. And it asks the question: Who do you want to be? Oh, and it also talks about aliens and how they might make themselves known to us.

I was especially moved by the author’s note at the back, read in the audiobook by Tae Keller, where she talks about how she was horribly bullied in middle school and her process in trying to channel that for this book. She did an amazing job of turning that awful experience into art that heals.

taekeller.com

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Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate, and will earn a small percentage if you order a book on Amazon after clicking through from my site.

Disclaimer: I am a professional librarian, but the views expressed are solely my own, and in no way represent the official views of my employer or of any committee or group of which I am part.

What did you think of this book?