Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Perry expected a boring summer, not a mission to right a historical wrong. When she discovers that the remains of an Anishinaabe ancestor are being kept in a university archive, she and her friends hatch a daring plan to bring them home. Packed with mystery, action, and powerful themes of justice and community, this thrilling story follows one teen determined to make a difference before more secrets disappear forever.
Lou thought surviving the summer would be hard enough with her ex-boyfriend and the return of her former best friend, King. Then a letter arrives from the biological father she never wanted to hear from again. As old wounds, buried secrets, and unexpected feelings surface, Lou must decide what parts of her past she’s willing to face. Honest, emotional, and unforgettable, this powerful story explores identity, family, and finding the courage to move forward.
Four orphaned children flee a harsh boarding school and set off on a daring journey down a Minnesota river during the Great Depression. Facing danger, mystery, and unforgettable characters along the way, they search for freedom, family, and a place to call home. Heartfelt, adventurous, and beautifully written, this is a story that will stay with readers long after the final page.
One year after her sister’s death, Mitra returns home for a traditional family observance and uncovers secrets that change everything she thought she knew. As grief, family expectations, and long-buried truths collide, Mitra and her mother must confront the choices that shaped their lives. Emotional, powerful, and rich in Persian culture, this unforgettable story explores love, loss, and finding the courage to forge your own path.
A powerful and wryly funny graphic novel adaptation, Borders follows a Blackfoot mother and son trapped in legal limbo at the U.S.-Canada border. Seamlessly blending Thomas King’s sharp narrative with Natasha Donovan’s breathtaking illustrations, this book is a must-have for middle school libraries looking to spark profound student discussions on identity, sovereignty, and visual literacy.