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MADreads Reviews

Book reviews by library staff and guest contributors

He'll shake the universe

Posted by Jane J on Mar 19, 2025 - 7:51am
A review of Empire of Silence by
Christopher
Ruocchio

I knew nothing about Ruocchio's debut, first in the Sun Eater series, other than it's pretty long, it's going to take a long time to read. If I say I finished it in a couple days, you'll get an idea as to how exhilarating it was and how much I loved it.

Singing in celebration

Posted by Abby R on Mar 18, 2025 - 4:36pm
A review of Joyful Song by
Leslea
Newman
There's a new baby at Zachary's house and he is thrilled to be a big brother. Best of all, it's his sister's very first Shabbat, and today she will be welcomed into her Jewish faith community when her name is announced publicly for the first time. On the walk to the synagogue, Zachary, Mama and Mommy encounter many neighbors eager to meet the newest member of the family. "Want to come with us to her naming ceremony?" Zachary invites. Of course they all do, and of course we readers want to come, too!

Dreaming Big

Posted by Holly SP on Mar 14, 2025 - 2:40pm
A review of The Dream Catcher by
Marcelo
Verdad
Miguel Ángel lives with his Abuelo, and every day the two of them head off to work today. Abuelo sells coconuts, and Miguelito sells homemade dreamcatchers that his Mom taught him to make, saving coins to put in his airplane jar.

2025 Plutarch Award Longlist

Posted by Kathy K on Mar 11, 2025 - 2:05pm

Are biographies your cup of tea? Then check the annual longlist of best biographies.

When the crossbow comes out, dear reader, run for your life

Posted by Molly W on Mar 5, 2025 - 5:36pm
A review of Victorian Psycho by
Virginia
Feito

I predict this book will be the next sensation.  Everyone is going to be talking about it.  It's about a bloodthirsty governess named Winifred Notty and the havoc she wrecks upon her employers, the esteemed Pounds family of Ensor House in Grim Wolds, England.  I should clarify that the murderous mayhem is not limited to Ensor House.  Really, nothing within England is safe with Miss Notty around.  She is a character who will not be contained by man or beast or ghost or plague.

"Just us time" for the win

Posted by Holly SP on Mar 5, 2025 - 5:36pm
A review of My Daddy is a Cowboy by
Stephanie
Seales
C.J.
Esperanza

This gorgeous books tells the story of a young girl who wakes up before the sun for a chance to ride with her Daddy, just the two of them. After collecting apple slices from Abuelita, they are out the door before the sun is up, feeding and grooming the horses under a starry sky. Our protagonist usually rides after school, but today is special because she gets to ride through the streets, like a cowboy, like her Daddy. As the sky starts to lighten, they ride past houses with darkened windows, past the panadería with layered cakes in the window, waving at the few cars that drive by. 

Those who are lost

Posted by Jane J on Mar 4, 2025 - 10:48am
Nick
Medina

In his debut novel Nick Medina blends mystery, suspense and a touch of supernatural horror in a story that focuses on the disappearance of indigenous women. At the heart of the story is Anna Horn who is finishing high school and trying to figure out her place on the rez and in her tribe. While grappling with her own struggles, and feeling haunted by a entity of ancient myth, Anna is forced to reckon with a larger battle. Women on the reservation are going missing and no one seems to care. It becomes personal, and more immediate, when two women in Anna's life are lost.

Expanding your world

Posted by MADreads on Feb 28, 2025 - 2:58pm
A review of Just Like Millie by
Lauren
Castillo

A young girl gains courage and confidence from her friendly pup in Just Like Millie by Lauren Castillo (Candlewick Press, 2024). The quiet protagonist is reluctant to leave the cozy and safe apartment she shares with her mom. The big city feels too big and too full of people. Her mom encourages her to go to the park, meet new neighbors, and visit a storytime. These all feel hard and scary. Mid-story we see the mom and daughter visit an animal shelter and choose a small pup named Millie.

Sweet Anticipation for March 2025

Posted by Katie H on Feb 26, 2025 - 2:26pm

What’s your reading mood? Do you want your books to be an escape from the real world -- a literary hug of reassurance?

Choices to make

Posted by Jane J on Feb 25, 2025 - 10:02pm
A review of The Fourth Consort by
Edward
Ashton

I've loved everything I've read by Ashton and The Fourth Consort doesn't break that pattern.

2025 ALA Youth Media Awards Announced

Posted by Holly SP on Feb 24, 2025 - 9:00am
The American Library Association (ALA) announced the top books, video and audio books for children and young adults, including the Caldecott, Coretta Scott King, Newbery and Printz awards at LibLearnX: The Library Learning Experience in Phoenix today.

Too Good to Miss - February 2025

Posted by MADreads on Feb 21, 2025 - 5:10pm
Every month there are new titles purchased for the Too Good to Miss collections at our libraries. If you're not familiar with TGTM (as we call it here in library-world), it's a special collection of popular books that are truly too good to miss. Some are new and popular titles, others are older titles that might not have had as much media attention as a bestseller or celebrity book club selection but are still great reads that deserve another look. New books are added to the collection monthly, and are available at all Madison Public Library locations on a walk-in, first-come-first-served basis.