Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Aida Salazar’s Ultra Violet is a brave and compassionate story in verse about growing up, finding identity, and redefining masculinity. Elios’s voice is authentic and funny, offering boys permission to feel and be kind. A must-read for middle schoolers finding their place in the world.
Jacqueline Woodson’s Before the Ever After is a powerful novel in verse that explores the unseen costs of sports through the eyes of a young boy watching his father fade from repeated head injuries. Told with honesty and hope, it invites readers to reflect on family, memory, and resilience.
Lisa Wingate’s Before We Were Yours is a powerful, emotionally charged story inspired by the real Tennessee Children’s Home Society scandal. Told through dual timelines, it exposes injustice, resilience, and the power of love across generations. A must-read for fans of historical fiction that lingers long after the last page.
The Spirit Bear Series is a powerful duology exploring the impact of violence and the long road to redemption. Protagonist Cole Matthews’ journey, from isolation in Alaska to confronting his past in high school, is a great read for teens, emphasizing accountability and the profound connection between self-healing and changing one’s community.
In The K Team, Andy Carpenter’s wife Laurie teams up with her former partner and his German shepherd to form a new investigative team. From David Rosenfelt, author of the bestselling Andy Carpenter mysteries, comes a story filled with sharp humor, loyal dogs, and fast-paced detective work. Fans of crime fiction and canine companions alike will love this engaging start to a new series.