Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Eric Gansworth shatters and reclaims a painful slur in Apple (Skin to the Core), a heartbreaking memoir-in-verse. Chronologically tracking his youth on the Tuscarora Nation Reservation, Gansworth confronts the dark history of government boarding schools alongside the struggles of poverty and identity.
Karyn Parsons’ Clouds Over California is a heartwarming, masterpiece set in 1970s Los Angeles. Through the eyes of a young girl navigating her parents’ crumbling marriage and the arrival of an activist cousin, this novel brilliant balances relatable domestic changes with the historical rise of the Black Panthers.
Sunny is back and facing the most confusing math problem of all: pre-teen romance. In the 6th volume of this beloved series, Sunny navigates the shift from “just friends” to “dating” while tackling academic pressures in the late 70s. It’s a relatable, light-hearted look at persistence and staying true to yourself when everyone else is pushing you to grow up too fast. Perfect for fans of the series and reluctant readers!