Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
The Paper Girl of Paris is a captivating YA historical fiction novel that blends the tragedy of the Holocaust with a compelling family mystery. As Alice uncovers the secrets of her grandmother’s abandoned Paris apartment, readers are drawn into a story of harrowing survival and the enduring power of family, making it an excellent supplemental read for a unit on WWII.
Blackout is a simple, effective picture book about a city family who finds connection when their power goes out. This story highlights the beauty of slowing down and making memories, transforming a power outage into a neighborhood party under the stars. It’s a great read for children and a helpful reminder for adults about setting aside the hustle and bustle.
Mission Defrostable is a delightfully rhyming picture book adventure perfect for PreK-3rd grade. Join Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast as they race to save the fridge from a mysterious frost! Kids will love the awesome characters and mystery, while adults will appreciate the humor and clever wordsmithing. A top-notch, highly recommended read for any classroom library!
The Spirit Bear Series is a powerful duology exploring the impact of violence and the long road to redemption. Protagonist Cole Matthews’ journey, from isolation in Alaska to confronting his past in high school, is a great read for teens, emphasizing accountability and the profound connection between self-healing and changing one’s community.
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.