Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Resau’s What the Moon Saw is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about identity, family, and cultural roots. Through Clara Luna’s summer in Oaxaca, readers experience the magic of discovering where you come from and who you are meant to be. Filled with warmth, spirituality, and self-discovery, it inspires reflection and connection.
This heartfelt middle grade novel blends wildlife conservation with friendship and family changes in a touching summer story. Readers will connect with its emotional warmth and love for Florida’s gentle manatees.
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.
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.