Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Sharon Draper’s Out of My Dreams continues Melody’s inspiring journey with warmth and honesty. As Melody travels to London to speak about disability advocacy, she finds courage, friendship, and purpose. A powerful read for classrooms exploring empathy and inclusion.
Cassandra Calin’s The New Girl is a funny, heartfelt graphic novel about friendship, change, and finding yourself in a new place. Lia’s story of moving from Romania to Montreal captures the awkward yet empowering journey of growing up and belonging.
In this companion to Marshfield Dreams, Ralph Fletcher returns with more heartfelt reflections on his childhood in Marshfield, Massachusetts. As the oldest of nine children, he captures the “in-between” years of adolescence—balancing responsibility, curiosity, and the chaos of growing up in a large family during the 1950s and 60s.
This fast paced and emotionally resonant novel follows a middle schooler discovering his strength on and off the track. A powerful and relatable story that keeps readers turning the pages.
Selznick’s Wonderstruck is a beautifully illustrated exploration of connection, identity, and resilience. Told through both prose and breathtaking pencil drawings, the dual timelines of Ben and Rose converge in a moving, unexpected way. Each character’s search for belonging feels heartfelt and timeless. This book invites readers to slow down, notice details, and experience the wonder of storytelling in both words and images.