The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen

The Adventure is Now by Jess Redmen is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Milton is off for an adventure on Lone Island with his uncle, in order to give his parents some time to figure out their problems. But Lone Island has some surprises in store, magical creatures, fantastical flora, if only Milton and his new friends can find them. They have to, because the island is in danger if they don't.

I love fantasy stories! In the story a group of kids have to follow clues left behind in a field guide. I loved the way the characters had to work together as a team to solve the puzzles. It reminded me of the levels in a video game or coding! I think this book would make a great movie.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi

Unsettled by Reem Faruqi is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Unsettled is about a young girl named Nurah. She moves to the United States from Pakistan and is a Muslim. It is hard for her to feel like she fits in in Georgia, where there are very few people who look like her. But in the water, on the swim team, she hopes to be the best. She admires her big brother, who is a star swimmer. Until... something happens that throws both Nurah and her brother into the deep end of trouble.

This story deals with some difficult issues, such as bullying, sibling rivalry and betrayal. Everyone can relate to feeling different, alone, and unsettled. The story is told through simple, heart breaking poems.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Willodeen by Katherine Applegate

 

Willodeen by Katherine Applegate is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Willodeen loves nature, all of nature. But she especially has a soft spot for screechers. Screechers are creatures that smell so bad, other people hate them. The people of Perchance, where Willodeen lives, instead love hummingbears. They are small flying bears that attract a lot of tourists that want to see the beautiful bubble nests they build in the trees. The town has a problem though, every year it is harder to find any hummingbears. What could be wrong? Will anyone listen to Willodeen's ideas in a town that shuns her because she is different?

I too love nature and know that it is a delicate balance. Every tiny bug is important. If you are a nature lover, and a lover of fantasy fiction, this may be the book for you! You may have read some of the other stories by Applegate.... like The One and Only Ivan, or The One and Only Bob.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson

Playing the Cards You're Dealt by Varian Johnson is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Have you ever played the card game spades? I haven't either, but that doesn't matter. You'll still get into the excitement of the tournament. Anthony, (Ant), Joplin has a reputation to live up to. His family members are all great spade players and he has to be ready to win. But life seems to be conspiring against him as problems crop up with the new girl at school, his old tournament partner, and family secrets that threaten to unravel the whole thing.

I have had many students who really enjoyed this book. It is very dramatic and deals with some tough family problems. But it's also sweet. I really liked the way Ant and Shirley, the new girl, form a friendship. Pick this up and you won't want to put it down!

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro
 

Bea is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard

Bea is for Blended by Lindsey Stoddard is a 2023 RICBA nominee. Bea is new in the neighborhood and new in the school. She has a new family too! A new dad and 3 new brothers. That is a lot to deal with, but hopefully she can continue to be a soccer star and hang on to something from her old life. Except, her new school doesn't have a girls' soccer team. What?! Hopefully Bea can advocate for change... with some help from new friends.

I love this story. It has so much heart! Bea is tough and courageous and speaks up for herself, just like we want all our children to be able to do for themselves. This is a great story to inspire and encourage sports minded students, and teaches all students to be good sports.

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

 

Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed

Simon B. Rhymin' by Dwayne Reed is a 2023 RICBA Nominee. Written by a Chicago teacher it is a story about Simon, who is small and shy. But Simon has a big heart and something to say. He loves to rhyme and wants to be a famous rapper one day, but if he can't even speak in front of his class, how will he achieve his goal?

This story will inspire students to try and make a difference in their communities. Simon has a friend who is homeless, and through interviews for a class project he learns how serious and difficult a problem homelessness is. Can he open up the hearts of his classmates and help them understand?

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm

The Lion of Mars by Jennifer L. Holm is a great Science Fiction story about a colony of scientists on Mars. It is also a 2023 RICBA nominee. When the adults all start to get sick, the kids have to step up and solve the problem. This is a great adventure story and is very exciting as the kids race against time and have to make friends with their enemies.

I love science fiction stories and really enjoyed this book. There is a cute cat that is friends with Bell, the main character. It is fun to imagine living on Mars, but also eye opening to think about all of the problems a colony would face. 

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro

 

Maya and the Robot is by Eve L. Ewing

Maya and the Robot is by Eve L. Ewing and was a 2023 RICBA nominee. It is about a young girl named Maya and opens with a great scene where her robot is flinging mashed potatoes and other food all over the cafeteria! It's a new school year and Maya is in a class without all of her friends from last year. She is feeling quite lonely, until she discovers a partially completed robot in the back of her neighborhood store. 

I really enjoyed this story. There are some very touching scenes where Maya is coming to terms with loss and change in her life and the lives of some of her friends. It's also a great book to promote science, girls in science and robotics. 

Reviewed by Mrs. Castro