I Was Their American Dream by Malaka Gharib

Balancing Filipino customs, Egyptian traditions, and American high school is no easy feat. Follow a funny, endearing journey of self-discovery. Perfect for middle schoolers, this interactive book which is complete with zines and games and it is a brilliant tool for discussing identity, code-switching, and microaggressions.

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Isle of Ever by Jen Calonita

Can a 200-year-old curse be broken by a 12-year-old? Two girls separated by two centuries are linked by a mysterious treasure hunt. With a fast-paced dual-timeline structure, clever puzzles, and themes of loyalty and resilience, this is a must-read for fans of fantasy and mystery. It’s a race against time that proves some bonds and some secrets last forever.

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The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Anderson & Kazu Kibuishi

Think this is a boring book? Think again! In The Most Boring Book Ever, the narrator insists nothing is happening while the vibrant illustrations show pirates, dragons, and epic adventures unfolding. It’s a clever, hilarious read that perfectly teaches students about tone, irony, and the power of looking beyond the surface. A must-have for any classroom library that wants to spark critical thinking and a lot of laughs.

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ZENgaged: An Educator’s Guide to Teaching the Anxious Generation by Carl Hooker

Stop playing “phone police” and start building focus. A essential classroom roadmap for educators navigating the digital age. Moving beyond simple bans, this practical guide offers actionable strategies—from “Tech Audits” to “Digital Sabbaths”—to help students regain their attention and cultivate self-regulation. It’s an empowering, witty, and necessary read for anyone who wants to help students thrive in a world that never stops scrolling.

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The Murder of Cora Sweet by Lee Ellen Hickey

A dark chapter in upstate New York history is meticulously reconstructed. By blending court records with historical storytelling, Hickey examines the 1905 tragedy that rocked Scriba, NY. This is a sober, deeply researched investigation into a cycle of abuse and violence. It’s a compelling and essential read for local history enthusiasts, though best suited for mature readers.

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