Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Float follows Alaskan student Waverly as she navigates a Florida summer, a secret inability to swim, and a broody lifeguard named Blake. It’s a relatable, awkward, and colorful journey about finding your footing even when you’re just trying to stay afloat.
When serious-minded Manya’s parents are arrested after a prank goes lethally wrong, she must trade her science textbooks for stink bombs to clear their names. Filled with developed characters, potty humor, and real-world chemistry, this fast-paced “whodunnit” is perfect for fans of Encyclopedia Brown and any student who enjoys a mystery with a side of silliness.
Looking for an entry point into fantasy without the 500-page lore dump? Fast-paced adventure perfect for younger or reluctant readers featuring a hero who gains divine powers to avenge a family tragedy, it offers straightforward action and clear stakes. While simple for seasoned fantasy fans, it’s a solid introduction to the “Hero’s Journey” and the influence of fickle gods.
What if the Sword in the Stone was a trap? Mari Mancusi delivers a 4-star “twisted” retelling of King Arthur’s legend. When Madam Mim rigs the selection of the king, Arthur and a new, fierce Guinevere must team up to reclaim their own destinies.
In Robin Gow’s Dear Mothman, a young trans boy navigates the heavy silence of grief by writing letters to a local legend. This 4-star novel in verse breaks the mold of LGBTQ+ fiction by focusing on healing and friendship rather than just hardship. It’s a gentle, paranormal-tinged journey through the Poconos woods that reminds us that even when we feel misunderstood, we are never truly alone.