Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Spanning a thousand years, two timelines, and a cosmic prophecy, Claire Legrand’s The Empirium Trilogy is an astonishing, high fantasy triumph. Following the interlocking destinies of two complex queens, this dark, magical, and fiercely diverse saga delivers an emotionally raw and epic narrative.
Ever wonder what happens after the Chosen One fulfills the prophecy? F.T. Lukens tackles the aftermath in this delightfully self-aware, queer fantasy romantic comedy. While seasoned fantasy fans might find the plot predictable and the prose simple, its refreshing diversity, joyful LGBTQ+ representation, and cozy, low-stakes humor make it an uplifting choice.
Don P. Hooper’s gripping YA debut, True True, is a powerful, addition to high school libraries. Following a Black Brooklyn teen navigating a hostile Manhattan prep school using Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, this fast-paced contemporary novel masterfully tackles institutional racism and performative diversity. It is an enticing, thought-provoking read that will keep students hooked while sparking vital conversations about equity, identity, and resilience.
Malavika Kannan’s All The Yellow Suns is a vibrant, coming-of-age story that masterfully explores identity, art, and activism through the eyes of a queer Indian American teen. Featuring a deeply relatable, diverse cast and a unique perspective on student resistance, this novel is a powerful addition to high school libraries looking to inspire critical thinking and conversations around community, equity, and self-expression.
Maggie Stiefvater’s The Dreamer Trilogy is a stunning, 5-star urban fantasy masterclass that secondary educators and librarians must stock on their shelves. Blending unmatched world-building with profound character growth, this spellbinding series follows Ronan Lynch through a landscape of miracles and catastrophes. It delivers exceptional LGBTQ+ representation and intricate plotting that will captivate fantasy lovers from the first page of Call Down the Hawk to Greywarren’s breathtaking end.