Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Is the truth worth the camera’s glare? Bel Price’s missing mother returns after sixteen years just as a documentary crew begins filming. While the psychological tension and critique of true-crime media are sharp, the far-fetched twists may polarize readers.
Through vibrant art and diverse storytelling, creators share personal journeys of self-love and discovery. Perfect for high school health classes or independent reading, this collection reinforces that there is no “right” way to be yourself. It’s a comforting, life-affirming resource for students navigating the universal search for belonging.
Part mystery, part psychological study, Happiness Falls explores the disappearance of a father through the eyes of his biracial Korean-American family. With a heavy focus on Angelman Syndrome and nonverbal communication, Angie Kim challenges our perceptions of intelligence and disability. Though dense with scientific footnotes, this 3-star novel is a profound inquiry into how we understand those who cannot speak, making it a must-read for psychology and special education enthusiasts.
KB Brookins’s Pretty is a raw, 4-star exploration of Black trans-masculinity and the journey to self-definition. Part memoir, part cultural critique, it navigates the “messy and painful” realities of living between governmental labels and personal truth. For educators and GSA facilitators, it’s a powerful tool for empathy, highlighting the resilience required to survive in a world that insists on defining you before you can define yourself.
Return to Marsyas Island in this powerful, 5-star sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a moving story of resistance and found family, following Arthur and Linus as they fight to protect magical children from a society that fears them. Rich with emotional honesty, it explores what it means to create true sanctuary and the courage required to stand against systemic oppression. A must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy.