Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
When independent Aggie finds her new cottage haunted by a cheese-stealing ghost, a high-stakes tic-tac-toe match decides who stays. Beautifully illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil, this humorous tale is a perfect tool for building reading fluency and discussing how to make room for others without losing yourself.
Experience the strongest earthquake in U.S. history through the eyes of eleven-year-old Jackson. In this 4-star addition to the I Survived series, Lauren Tarshis blends high-stakes adventure with historical facts about the 1964 Alaska quake. With accessible text and vivid illustrations of splitting ground and towering tsunamis, it’s a perfect pick for reluctant readers and budding scientists interested in the power of our planet.
Lola: The Bracelet of Courage is a vibrant, rhyming tale that addresses childhood anxiety with grace and magic. When Lola the mermaid loses her “lucky” bracelet, she must learn that true bravery comes from within. With stunning illustrations and a “Fun Fact” section about sea life, this picture book is a perfect tool for parents and teachers to help children build resilience and self-confidence.
Aria’s curls seem to attract attention everywhere she goes, but she is ready to make one thing very clear. This playful, imaginative story delivers a powerful message about respect, boundaries, and asking first.
A cozy, lyrical picture book that celebrates the beauty of noticing what makes you unique. The language alone will pull you in and make you want to reread it immediately.