Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Fairest of All offers a haunting backstory for Disney’s Evil Queen, exploring how heartbreak and manipulation led her down a path of darkness. Valentino balances fantasy and tragedy, showing how grief and insecurity can transform love into obsession. While the story could dive deeper into the Queen’s inner turmoil, it’s still an engaging read for fans of fairy tale retellings and moral complexity. Perfect for readers who enjoy exploring what makes a villain.
This fast paced and emotionally resonant novel follows a middle schooler discovering his strength on and off the track. A powerful and relatable story that keeps readers turning the pages.
Selznick’s Wonderstruck is a beautifully illustrated exploration of connection, identity, and resilience. Told through both prose and breathtaking pencil drawings, the dual timelines of Ben and Rose converge in a moving, unexpected way. Each character’s search for belonging feels heartfelt and timeless. This book invites readers to slow down, notice details, and experience the wonder of storytelling in both words and images.
When you’re named after a 250-year-old tortoise, you grow up believing life is full of possibilities and wonder. But ever since Addie’s family got turned upside down, those things have been harder for her to see.
How to Navigate Middle School shows readers how to handle the increasing academic demands of middle school, organizational skills and time management, how to be self-determined, have grit, and a sense of agency. Whether you are just starting middle school or getting ready for the next grade, you probably have ideas about what the school year will be like–or should be like.