Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Ghost Boys: The Graphic Novel follows 12-year-old Jerome after a fatal police shooting, moving between the world of the living and the “Ghost Boys” of history. With stunning, emotive artwork, this book tackles institutional racism and unconscious bias with grace and grit.
When independent Aggie finds her new cottage haunted by a cheese-stealing ghost, a high-stakes tic-tac-toe match decides who stays. Beautifully illustrated in watercolor and colored pencil, this humorous tale is a perfect tool for building reading fluency and discussing how to make room for others without losing yourself.
Take an epic 5-star road trip in Mexikid! Pedro Martín’s graphic memoir is a hilarious and heartfelt journey into his Mexican heritage. As his family squeezes into a Winnebago to fetch their legendary grandfather, Pedro discovers that heroes don’t just exist in his comic books. With eye-popping, stylized art and a relatable cast of siblings, this is a must-read for anyone navigating the beautiful chaos of family and identity.
Katherine Rundell’s Impossible Creatures is a 5-star masterpiece that feels like an instant classic. When Christopher saves a baby griffin, he is pulled into the Archipelago—a hidden world of fading magic and ancient legends. This lyrical, high-stakes adventure explores the bravery required to protect a dying world. Perfect for fans of Narnia or His Dark Materials, it’s a breathtaking tribute to the mythical and the courageous heart.
Return to Marsyas Island in this powerful, 5-star sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a moving story of resistance and found family, following Arthur and Linus as they fight to protect magical children from a society that fears them. Rich with emotional honesty, it explores what it means to create true sanctuary and the courage required to stand against systemic oppression. A must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy.