Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
When an overprotective Squirrel tries to claim a new blossom as his own, his friend Bird teaches him how to let nature grow. Seamlessly introducing seasonal science concepts alongside social-emotional themes like sharing and emotional control, this vibrant book is an ideal choice for primary grade read-alouds.
A masterpiece that reimagines antebellum slavery with striking grace. Following an enslaved girl’s heart-wrenching march from the Carolinas to Louisiana, this novel beautifully interweaves historical brutality with magical realism and allusions to Dante’s Inferno.
Katherine Marsh’s The Lost Year is a brilliant, dual-timeline novel that interweaves a teen’s isolation during the COVID-19 pandemic with a shocking family secret from the 1930s Soviet Ukraine Holodomor. Rich in historical relevance and emotional depth, this highly relatable book is an essential addition to middle and high school libraries, perfectly bridging past conflicts with contemporary themes of resilience, media literacy, and global equity.
Eleanor Shearer’s River Sing Me Home is a breathtaking, 5-star historical novel exploring the aftermath of the British Emancipation Act of 1834 in the Caribbean. Following a mother’s harrowing quest across Barbados and Trinidad to find her stolen children, this lyrical narrative beautifully captures the cruelty of slavery and the triumph of redemption. An essential addition for high school libraries exploring global Black histories and diverse perspectives.
Lindsay Ward’s Pink is not a color is a charming, picture book perfect for elementary art classes and school libraries. When Pink realizes she isn’t in the rainbow, she goes on a journey to discover her value as a tint. Personifying colors to teach shading, tints, and self-acceptance, this delightful companion to This Book Is Gray is an essential read-aloud for teaching art vocabulary and inclusion.