Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Step back into a time before iPhones, where the woods were a kingdom and siblings were your best (and worst) friends. The oldest of nine children shares hilarious and heartfelt stories of growing up in the 1950s. With quick chapters and real family photos, it’s the perfect “mentor text” for young writers looking to turn their own memories into stories.
Sometimes, saving something small is the only way to stay whole. Louie takes in a sickly newborn mini donkey against all odds. As Louie nurses Winslow to health, he finds a way to cope with the “Gus-sized” hole in his heart.
True courage is being afraid and doing it anyway. Jessie navigates her mother’s overseas deployment by rescuing a dog from a local puppy mill. Set against the backdrop of a stormy Minnesota summer, this moving story explores how friendship, family, and a four-legged companion can help us find the strength to be “fearless” in the face of our greatest anxieties.
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.
Sunny is back and facing the most confusing math problem of all: pre-teen romance. In the 6th volume of this beloved series, Sunny navigates the shift from “just friends” to “dating” while tackling academic pressures in the late 70s. It’s a relatable, light-hearted look at persistence and staying true to yourself when everyone else is pushing you to grow up too fast. Perfect for fans of the series and reluctant readers!