Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Being thirteen is hard. Being the Prime Minister’s daughter is harder. Elle McNicoll, autistic teenager Aeriel Sharpe is forced into the spotlight when her mom takes office. Expected to be a spokesperson for all neurodivergent youth, Aeriel must learn to drown out the noise of social media to find her own voice.
Can a rat and an owl be best friends? Orris and Timble, a cautious rat must decide between his instincts and his heart. Inspired by a motto on a sardine tin, Orris makes the “noble choice” to rescue his natural enemy. This is a perfect story for early readers about bravery, kindness, and the magic of unlikely connections.
Life goes on, but they’re still watching. Grief in the Fourth Dimension follows two deceased classmates trapped in a mysterious room with a TV showing their grieving families. As they learn to send cryptic signals back to Earth, they uncover the tragic links between their lives. It’s a poignant, direct look at mental health and the enduring power of connection across space and time.
A rescue, a mystery, and… pancakes? Outfoxed follows Skye and her new friend Ivy as they hunt down a poacher in the Massachusetts woods. This heartwarming story blends Indigenous heritage with environmental conservation, showing how two girls can make a big difference for the wild world. It’s a perfect pick for young animal lovers who want a fast-paced mystery with a lot of heart.
Happiness isn’t about having “more.” Children Who Dance in the Rain follows Sophie as she leaves her iPad behind for a transformative journey to India. Through her friendship with a resilient girl named Nanaki, Sophie learns the true meaning of privilege and the wealth found in a grateful heart. It’s a stunningly illustrated lesson in empathy that will change how readers perceive their own world.