Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Following Cesar Flores as he navigates a new diagnosis, Catholic guilt, and a desire for love, the story expertly balances “The Thoughts” with humor and resilience. It is an essential, youth-friendly resource for counselors and educators aiming to destigmatize bipolar disorder and promote the power of “mortifying vulnerability.”
What if the Sword in the Stone was a trap? Mari Mancusi delivers a 4-star “twisted” retelling of King Arthur’s legend. When Madam Mim rigs the selection of the king, Arthur and a new, fierce Guinevere must team up to reclaim their own destinies.
In this haunting 4-star debut, two Bribri American brothers fight to escape the shadow of their father’s violence. Written in accessible verse and vignettes, Saints of the Household is a raw, realistic look at trauma, brotherhood, and Indigenous identity. It’s a powerful recommendation for young men and reluctant readers, offering a hopeful model for navigating mental health crises and reclaiming one’s future from a turbulent past.
Experience the strongest earthquake in U.S. history through the eyes of eleven-year-old Jackson. In this 4-star addition to the I Survived series, Lauren Tarshis blends high-stakes adventure with historical facts about the 1964 Alaska quake. With accessible text and vivid illustrations of splitting ground and towering tsunamis, it’s a perfect pick for reluctant readers and budding scientists interested in the power of our planet.
Get ready for a “heady” and serpentine mystery with the K Team! In Good Dog, Bad Cop, Corey Douglas and his K-9 partner Simon Garfunkel take on a cold case to clear a mentor’s name. This 4-star procedural is witty, complex, and skillfully woven. While the human characters take center stage, the canine hero Simon Garfunkel is the true star of this Paterson, NJ investigation. Perfect for fans of complex puzzles.