Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
A Second Chance on Earth is a poignant novel in verse that follows sixteen-year-old Marcos to Cartagena, Colombia, as he seeks to understand his late father’s past. Through the lens of Gabriel García Márquez’s classic literature and a new friendship with a local taxi driver, Marcos explores themes of forgiveness and cultural identity. It is a vivid, sensory-rich journey perfect for students exploring grief and the complexities of family history.
This stunning graphic novel adaptation of Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray brings the harrowing history of Soviet deportations to life through expressive, haunting artwork. Following 15-year-old Lina from Lithuania to the depths of Siberia, the story explores the trauma of family separation and the power of art as a means of survival. An accessible yet deeply moving resource for middle and high school classrooms studying WWII.
The Color of a Lie is a high-stakes social justice thriller that uncovers the hidden history of Northern segregation and redlining in the 1950s. As Calvin’s family attempts to “pass” in an all-white suburb, they face the suffocating pressure of a dangerous lie. While a controversial ending may give some educators pause for a whole-class study, it remains an essential look at the systemic roots of housing inequality in America.
These Vengeful Wishes is a gripping YA supernatural thriller that breathes new life into the Latin American legend of La Cegua. When aspiring artist Ceci moves into a cursed mansion and discovers a wishing well, she learns that every desire comes with a sinister price. Appropriate for all high school readers, this standalone novel expertly balances eerie suspense with complex family dynamics and compelling characters.
It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime is a fascinating, witty, and often moving memoir of growing up mixed-race in South Africa when his very existence was illegal. Noah uses his signature humor to navigate stories of poverty and prejudice under the apartheid system. This young readers’ edition is a powerful tool for discussing racial justice and history, making it a perfect companion for World History or ELA classrooms.