Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
This graphic novel adaptation of 1984 captures the bleak, oppressive world of Orwell’s classic through stark black, grey, and red artwork. The reviewer shares that the visuals deepen the dystopian atmosphere, though some dark text is difficult to read. The story of surveillance, censorship, and rebellion remains powerful, making this a strong companion to the original novel. Readers familiar with the classic will appreciate the adaptation, while newcomers may find it less impactful on its own.
Royal Scandal ramps up the intrigue as Evan Bright navigates danger, family tension, and nonstop media scrutiny inside the palace. Reviewer Sara Tripp shares that the twists, attempted assassination, and shifting loyalties keep readers guessing until the final pages. With royal drama, suspense, and a cliffhanger ending, this sequel delivers high stakes and fast paced mystery. A great pick for teens who enjoy modern royalty, scandal, and gripping whodunits.
This top-notch Disney Twisted Tale spotlights Sally, the rag doll, as she escapes Dr. Finkelstein’s control to find her own personal victory in a journey across Halloween Town and Christmas Town. A fresh take on The Nightmare Before Christmas, Sally’s Lament delivers a fun adventure, a strong message of capability, and all the festive charm fans love.
The Dark We Know is a debut novel that offers a mysterious and pensive look at the cyclical nature of trauma, wrapped in a spooky horror package. While the excellent premise—an art student confronting a supernatural entity linked to her past—will appeal to fans of Hill House, the book suffers from vague backstories and a lack of character development.
The Wilderness of Girls starts strong with an intriguing mix of mystery, identity, and survival. Reviewer Tami Rigling notes that while the opening captivates, the story becomes confusing as major details go unresolved, especially the question of who Mother is. Simple black and white illustrations add atmosphere but not clarity. With its emotional intensity and ambiguous ending, this book may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, unresolved stories but may frustrate others.