Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
All is Nat Lost delivers a fun and heartfelt adventure as Nat tries to prove her independence on a class trip to Philadelphia. The reviewer notes how the book blends humor, history, and relatable tween struggles as Nat navigates lost phones, scavenger hunts, and big city challenges. With engaging illustrations and a strong sense of place, this graphic novel offers a perfect mix of friendship, adventure, and growing up, making it a great pick for middle grade readers.
Rory is an orca who dreams of seeing the Northern Lights. Along his adventure he meets new friends, forming a special bond as they travel together. The book teaches young readers about determination, friendship, and reaching goals. The illustrations are gorgeous and the “Fun Facts” section at the end adds another layer of learning. A beautiful and memorable read.
In The Puppets of Spelhorst, five puppets dream of freedom and purpose as they pass from owner to owner until finding themselves part of a magical play that fulfills each of their secret wishes. Through imagination, friendship, and self-discovery, Kate DiCamillo reminds readers that every story, no matter how small, holds meaning and heart.
In the realm of Awara, where gods, monsters, and humans exist side by side, Miuko is an ordinary girl resigned to a safe, if uneventful, existence as an innkeeper’s daughter. But when she is cursed and begins to transform into a demon, she must decide if saving her soul is worth returning to an ordinary life that no longer fits her.
Aaron Blabey’s Cut to the Chase delivers fast-paced humor, bizarre adventures, and plenty of chaos as the Bad Guys navigate yet another dimension. With quick dialogue, expressive illustrations, and over-the-top antics, this installment is full of the slapstick humor kids love.