Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Don’t cave to the counter-offers! Don’t Let the Pigeon Stay Up Late! puts young readers in charge of keeping a stubborn bird on track for bedtime. From demanding hot dogs to begging for “just five more minutes,” the Pigeon’s recognizable negotiation tactics will make early elementary students laugh out loud.
Earthy, honest, and profoundly human. U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón’s collection The Carrying navigates the delicate space between the wildness of youth and the quiet grace of acceptance. Moving seamlessly from the grief of infertility and chronic pain to the soothing rhythms of nature, Limón uses brilliant, accessible diction to explore what our bodies and spirits carry.
Gregg Olsen’s If You Tell is a true crime story of horrific abuse and survival. While not for the faint of heart, this powerful account of the Knotek sisters’ unbreakable bond offers validation to students facing violence and provides crucial awareness for educators seeking to understand their students’ struggles. A true story of perseverance and love.
Let your love for green things grow! This lighthearted volume combines charming botanical puns, propagation tips, and a hidden-object cactus scavenger hunt. Brimming with vibrant, adorable illustrations and bonus stickers, it’s a joyful read that brings a smile to plant lovers and young gardeners alike.
Jennifer A. Nielsen’s Resistance breathes fresh, thrilling life into a crowded historical fiction market. Focusing on the harrowing journeys of a teenage courier in Nazi-occupied Poland, this masterfully researched novel perfectly balances heart-pounding suspense with the devastating realities of the Holocaust. An absolute must-have for middle and high school library collections, especially for fans of fast-paced survival stories and historical narratives like those of Alan Gratz.