Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
A hauntingly beautiful blend of desert folklore and emotional realism. Following a survivor of domestic abuse who seeks refuge in a town governed by strange, local gods, the novel explores the power of found family and the grit required for true recovery. It is a unique, standalone contemporary fantasy that balances chilling horror with the stubborn, saving power of community kindness.
Christmas at Holiday House is a heartwarming, wholesome tale of healing and holiday magic. Following a young widow and her son as they find a fresh start in Colorado, the story explores the definition of found family and the courage it takes to trust again. Perfect for fans of Hallmark movies, this 5-star romance is a cozy, emotionally resonant read that beautifully addresses grief and resilience.
Co-authored by powerhouses Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia, On Again, Awkward Again is a hilariously cringey 9th-grade romance. Featuring “love at first sight” in a nurse’s office amidst IBS and water fountain injuries, it perfectly captures the awkward transition to high school. It’s a rare “sweet spot” book: pacy and funny enough for middle schoolers, but aspirational enough for early high schoolers—all without mature content.
Part travelogue and part “Roman Holiday” reimagining, All Roads Lead to Rome follows a diplomat’s daughter caught in a celebrity fake-dating scheme. While the romance is sweet and the setting is breathtakingly vivid, the story offers a timely look at digital reputation and the impact of social media scandals. It’s a perfect pick for students who love stories about travel, identity, and the complexities of living in the public eye.
A Second Chance on Earth is a poignant novel in verse that follows sixteen-year-old Marcos to Cartagena, Colombia, as he seeks to understand his late father’s past. Through the lens of Gabriel García Márquez’s classic literature and a new friendship with a local taxi driver, Marcos explores themes of forgiveness and cultural identity. It is a vivid, sensory-rich journey perfect for students exploring grief and the complexities of family history.