Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
T. J. Klune’s Somewhere Beyond the Sea revisits Marsyas Island with tenderness and heart. Told from Arthur’s perspective, this emotional sequel explores identity, family, and courage in the face of oppression. It is a beautiful continuation of a world defined by love, empathy, and belonging.
Cassandra Calin’s The New Girl is a funny, heartfelt graphic novel about friendship, change, and finding yourself in a new place. Lia’s story of moving from Romania to Montreal captures the awkward yet empowering journey of growing up and belonging.
Ilaria Tuti’s The Sleeping Nymph combines mystery, history, and women’s strength in a haunting tale of art and murder. Teresa Battaglia must unravel a decades-old secret tied to an ancient sect of women, confronting both personal demons and the darkness of human nature.
Marissa Moss brings to life the inspiring story of physicist Lise Meitner, the woman who discovered nuclear fission but refused to help create the atomic bomb. This engaging biography highlights Meitner’s courage, intellect, and moral conviction as she defied sexism and anti-Semitism to change the world.
B. B. Alston’s Amari series blends magic, mystery, and heart. In The Great Game and The Despicable Wonders, Amari grows into a courageous young heroine facing moral choices and real-world parallels of prejudice and leadership. A must-read for middle grade fantasy fans.