Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
At Last She Stood restores the legacy of Joey Guerrero, a Filipino WWII hero who used the stigma of her Hansen’s Disease to bypass Japanese checkpoints as a spy. From taping minefield maps to her back to receiving the Medal of Freedom, Joey’s life is a masterclass in resilience. Erin Entrada Kelly’s narrative nonfiction is a must-read for students interested in military history, medicine, and the fight against racial and medical discrimination.
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 Otherwhere Post is a magical-school mystery perfect for fans of academic fantasy. Following Maeve, an apprentice learning the art of scriptomancy (language-based magic), the story balances a quest for justice with authentic relationship growth. While the magic system is complex, the themes of resilience and self-discovery make it a compelling read for secondary students interested in mystery and “magic with a price.”