Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Oppel’s Best of All Worlds hooks readers from the first page with its mysterious dome setting and high-stakes survival. The clash between two trapped families becomes a sharp exploration of belief, privilege, and human nature under pressure. Fast-paced, thoughtful, and layered, it’s perfect for teens drawn to sci-fi that blends suspense with social reflection.
Teer’s Brownstone is a moving bilingual graphic novel about rebuilding more than just a home—it’s about rebuilding family and identity. Through vivid art and tender storytelling, Almudena’s summer with her estranged father reveals the power of language, love, and cultural connection. Perfect for classrooms exploring identity, belonging, or Latin American culture.
Look on the Bright Side is a refreshing, heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, honesty, and growing up. Williams and Schneemann craft an authentic portrayal of teens navigating love, identity, and change with humor and heart. The expressive art and inclusive storytelling make this a perfect read for middle and high school students exploring what it means to truly support one another.
Fairest of All offers a haunting backstory for Disney’s Evil Queen, exploring how heartbreak and manipulation led her down a path of darkness. Valentino balances fantasy and tragedy, showing how grief and insecurity can transform love into obsession. While the story could dive deeper into the Queen’s inner turmoil, it’s still an engaging read for fans of fairy tale retellings and moral complexity. Perfect for readers who enjoy exploring what makes a villain.
Nurah and her family move from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, where she struggles to fit in while holding on to her cultural identity. Her accent, clothing, and faith set her apart from her peers, but swimming becomes her refuge and strength.