Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Born on Independence Day in the heart of Tegucigalpa, Libertad Morazán is a young poet searching for her own freedom. Set against the real-world 2017 Honduran election crisis, this powerful queer coming-of-age novel explores the heavy intersection of family loyalty, political activism, and the heart-wrenching choice between staying to fight or migrating for safety. A moving and authentic look at how national unrest shapes individual identity.
Darcie Little Badger returns with a powerful prequel to Elatsoe. In Sheine Lende, traditional Lipan Apache knowledge is the key to a supernatural rescue mission. By blending ghost-raising and fairy rings with real-world issues of Indigenous sovereignty and displacement, this 4-star fantasy offers a unique, compelling look at cultural preservation. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves high-stakes adventure and mythology grounded in authentic Indigenous perspectives.
Step into a 1960s coastal mystery where the “Hardy Boys” vibe meets the supernatural. The Montague Twins: The Witch’s Hand follows Pete and Al as they uncover family secrets and latent magical powers. With expressive art and a moving coming-out story, this graphic novel balances thrilling detective work with a heartfelt exploration of identity and family. A perfect choice for readers who love high-stakes mysteries with a magical twist!
For middle schoolers who aren’t quite ready for Stephen King but crave a real chill, Harrow Lake is the perfect “bridge” horror. Kat Ellis delivers a suspenseful, supernatural thriller featuring a “bone tree,” mysterious disappearances, and the unsettling Mr. Jitters. As the daughter of a horror filmmaker enters a town obsessed with a slasher film, students will be hooked by the cinematic atmosphere and nightmarish plot twists.
In his haunting debut fiction novel, Rex Ogle explores the gut-wrenching price of loyalty. Written in propulsive verse, When We Ride follows two best friends trapped between the hope of a future and the pull of the streets. While its graphic content and “edgy” themes require careful guidance, the story of Diego and Lawson is an essential, relevant read for high schoolers navigating complex choices and the cycle of poverty.