Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
J. Reuben Appelman delivers a rapid-response, deeply thorough chronicle of the tragic University of Idaho student murders. While it tenderly humanizes the young victims and captures the toxic hysteria of internet culture, its repetitive pacing holds it back.
Anna-Marie McLemore’s The Mirror Season is a heart-wrenching yet hopeful look at trauma, consent, and healing. While the ornate magical realism and YA pacing might not resonate with every reader, its delicate, honest portrayal of sexual assault survivors makes it a valuable, impactful addition to high school libraries and mature young adult collections.
Dive into the shadows of Manchester Prep with The Mary Shelley Club, an engaging high school thriller perfect for young horror fans. While the pacing has its flaws, its authentic look at teenage isolation and secret societies delivers solid suspense. Recommended for high school libraries and fans of fast-paced mysteries.
Exploring the beautiful complexities of Deaf culture, Anna Sortino’s debut novel Give Me a Sign follows seventeen-year-old Lilah as she navigates community, identity, and romance at a summer camp for the Deaf and Blind. While the story features vital representation and an innovative audiobook production that captures hearing loss, a lagging mid-plot and some unrealistic pacing choices keep it from being a total page-turner.
Separated by a world ravaged by climate change, sisters Cee and Kasey navigate isolation, secrets, and survival. While boasting vivid prose and a unique eco-dystopian setting, this complex sci-fi thriller features a convoluted plot and elusive characters that may leave readers more perplexed than satisfied.