Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
In this haunting 4-star debut, two Bribri American brothers fight to escape the shadow of their father’s violence. Written in accessible verse and vignettes, Saints of the Household is a raw, realistic look at trauma, brotherhood, and Indigenous identity. It’s a powerful recommendation for young men and reluctant readers, offering a hopeful model for navigating mental health crises and reclaiming one’s future from a turbulent past.
Born on Independence Day in the heart of Tegucigalpa, Libertad Morazán is a young poet searching for her own freedom. Set against the real-world 2017 Honduran election crisis, this powerful queer coming-of-age novel explores the heavy intersection of family loyalty, political activism, and the heart-wrenching choice between staying to fight or migrating for safety. A moving and authentic look at how national unrest shapes individual identity.
Bisi Adjapon’s Daughter in Exile is a powerful, gut-wrenching exploration of the “American Dream” through the eyes of an undocumented Ghanaian woman. Navigating the intersections of racism, religious hypocrisy, and the resilience of motherhood, Lola’s journey is a testament to the strength required to survive when the odds are stacked against you. A thought-provoking read for older students looking to understand the complex reality of the immigrant experience.
A Long Stretch of Bad Days is a gritty exploration of classism and buried small-town secrets. When a “good girl” podcaster teams up with a “bad reputation” classmate to solve a cold-case murder for school credit, they uncover more than they bargained for. While the pacing is slow, Mindy McGinnis delivers a timely look at how intergenerational trauma and natural disasters shape a community’s narrative. Perfect for fans of true-crime podcasts.
Hockey Girl Loves Drama Boy is a charming YA graphic novel exploring the unlikely bond between Alix, a hotheaded hockey star, and Ezra, a poised drama student. Beyond the romance, Faith Erin Hicks expertly navigates complex themes of emotional regulation, identity, and the pressures of competitive sports. It’s an honest, contemporary look at self-discovery and finding calm in the storm, making it a must-read for high schoolers navigating their own social rinks.