Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
The glass slipper has shattered. 200 years after Cinderella, the kingdom of Mersailles is a nightmare for women. Sophia refuses to be “chosen” at the royal ball. Choosing her own heart over a Prince’s decree, she teams up with a forgotten rebel to expose the lie of the fairy tale.
Poetry that breathes. Through invented definitions and raw spoken-word energy, the book explores racism, mental health, and the beauty of human resilience. This isn’t your textbook’s poetry; it’s a contemporary lifeline for older teens looking to find their own voice in a world that often feels wordless.
From the Bronx to the burning brush. A young girl haunted by a past tragedy must lead her friends through a devastating California wildfire. A pulse-pounding page-turner that asks: what does it take to find your way out?
BIG is a powerful, Caldecott-winning picture book that explores a child’s journey to self-love amidst societal pressure and bullying. With exquisite illustrations and spare text, this book is essential for teaching children that their unique identity should be celebrated, and that words have the power to both hurt and heal. Highly recommended for all elementary libraries.
This vivid reimagining of Arthurian legend blends magic, grief, and hidden history into an unforgettable journey. A bold, powerful fantasy that challenges who gets to be a hero.