Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Almost American Girl is an incredibly honest, deeply moving graphic novel memoir exploring immigration, extreme culture shock, and a tumultuous mother-daughter relationship. Through creative color choices and brilliant visual storytelling, Ha beautifully depicts the pain of isolation and the power of finding oneself through art.
A culturally immersive YA thriller set in the intense world of competitive Scrabble. Tackling themes of long-term grief, peer relationships, and mental health, this mystery is highly recommended for readers seeking authentic representation and high-stakes suspense!
Hilarity, heart, and historical charm collide in Not Your All-American Girl which delivers a lighthearted yet deeply relevant look at racism, microaggressions, and identity in the 1980s. Centering on a half-Jewish, half-Chinese sixth grader navigating theater typecasting and friendship which promotes inclusivity, cultural pride, and self-advocacy.
The Dark We Know is a debut novel that offers a mysterious and pensive look at the cyclical nature of trauma, wrapped in a spooky horror package. While the excellent premise—an art student confronting a supernatural entity linked to her past—will appeal to fans of Hill House, the book suffers from vague backstories and a lack of character development.