Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
The Wilderness of Girls starts strong with an intriguing mix of mystery, identity, and survival. Reviewer Tami Rigling notes that while the opening captivates, the story becomes confusing as major details go unresolved, especially the question of who Mother is. Simple black and white illustrations add atmosphere but not clarity. With its emotional intensity and ambiguous ending, this book may appeal to readers who enjoy darker, unresolved stories but may frustrate others.
They call me La Furia. It did not happen all at once. It was born the moment I realized I did not have to stay quiet. On the field, I am faster than the fear that tries to chase me. I am stronger than the expectations that try to contain me. When I run, I feel my heart open like a door to the world. There, I am not what anyone says I am. I am what I choose to become.
This graphic novel follows Christine, a Mexican American teen spending the summer with family in Mexico. Through vivid art and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores identity, bilingualism, family bonds, and the experience of living between cultures. Christine struggles to understand family traditions and connect across language gaps, while also discovering comfort, belonging, and parts of herself she did not know were missing.
Bunny Baxter had a plan. If she could just get expelled, she could go back to her old school and her best friend. But plans have a funny way of changing. Between embarrassing moments, new friends, and a few unexpected lessons, Bunny discovers that sometimes the only way to grow wings is to stay exactly where you are.
Sadie Katz and Cleo Chapman have been rivals since birth. Now, framed for a series of pranks, they must work together to uncover the truth. But as their investigation unfolds, Sadie’s depression and Cleo’s quiet confidence blur the lines between rivalry and something deeper. With futures on the line, they must decide if they’re meant to be enemies—or something more.