Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Cannons, scabs, and “numbskulls”! Follow thirteen-year-old Elsbeth as she navigates a war-torn Boston plagued by a terrifying smallpox epidemic. This fast-paced survival story tackles the fascinating history of early medicine and the grit of a girl determined to find her father while avoiding the orphanage. It’s a powerful, period-accurate look at our nation’s chaotic birth.
Can a Muslim girl play Mary in a Catholic Nativity play? Sixth-grader Mariam navigates the “ambassador’s burden” at her new school while dealing with a family health crisis and the awkwardness of puberty. This sweet, Judy Blume-esque story is a groundbreaking look at interfaith connection, identity, and the discovery that faith is more about common ground than rigid lines.
One karate move, ten broken toes, and one legendary curse! Sixth-grader Matt must navigate the hilarious and painful “curveballs” of puberty and local myths. It’s a relatable, soccer-filled journey about the power of a genuine apology and the chaos of growing up. Perfect for fans of Diary of a Wimpy Kid!
Step into the 24-second countdown of Neon’s life. Twenty-four Seconds from Now is a sensitive, snarky, and deeply honest look at teenage love. Using a unique reverse timeline, the story explores the awkwardness and beauty of a healthy relationship from a boy’s perspective.
Is a machine capable of a “soul”? An Artificial Friend named Klara observes the human world with a hope that outshines the cynicism of her owners. This timely dystopian novel explores the ethics of genetic engineering and the rise of AI, forcing readers to ask: in a world of perfect technology, what is the one thing a human has that a robot cannot mimic?