Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
All is Nat Lost delivers a fun and heartfelt adventure as Nat tries to prove her independence on a class trip to Philadelphia. The reviewer notes how the book blends humor, history, and relatable tween struggles as Nat navigates lost phones, scavenger hunts, and big city challenges. With engaging illustrations and a strong sense of place, this graphic novel offers a perfect mix of friendship, adventure, and growing up, making it a great pick for middle grade readers.
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.
Something Like Home is a heartfelt novel in verse that uses its poetic structure to give students a gentle, honest window into the themes of family, belonging, and resilience. This powerful story is a quick, engaging read perfect for sparking deep ELA discussions on character development and poetic structure in grades 4-6.