Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
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.
What happens when a squirrel named Taco decides he doesn’t like the story he’s in? This hilarious picture book celebrates creativity, self-expression, and the power of storytelling. Perfect for read-alouds and writing lessons, This Is a Taco! reminds young readers that their ideas matter and that the best stories often come straight from the heart.