Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Set during South Korea’s authoritarian Fifth Republic, Banned Book Club explores censorship, student activism, and the power of reading as resistance. While the narrative may be challenging for some readers without historical context, its striking artwork and compelling true story make it a valuable addition to high school discussions on democracy, freedom of expression, and global history.
A memoir that pulls back the curtain on living with crippling social fear. By throwing herself into the supportive, chaotic world of comedy classes, Alex learns to manage her internal prisons and rebuild her self-worth.
Finding Me is a raw, autobiography that offers a brutally honest look at growing up Black in America. While tracking her journey from an impoverished childhood to the world stage, the book’s non-chronological formatting and jarring structural organization make it a challenging read.
An incredible graphic memoir capturing the bittersweet reality of growing up. Grounded in a life-changing 8th-grade trip to Europe, this heartwarming and funny coming-of-age story beautifully explores teenage vulnerability, first love, and emotional resilience. Complete with stunning illustrations and interactive digital features!
Ocean Vuong’s On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is a lyrical, epistolary novel that masterfully blends fiction and memoir. Written as a letter from a queer Vietnamese-American son to his illiterate mother, this deeply moving text tackles the haunting legacy of the Vietnam War, systemic racism, and intergenerational trauma. It is an exquisite, poetic masterpiece recommended for high school juniors, seniors, and educators exploring identity and equity.