Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
My Friends follows Louisa as she uncovers the history of a mysterious painting and the “lost souls” who created it twenty-five years prior. While it tackles heavy themes like addiction and abuse, it is ultimately a luminous testament to found families and the loyalty of misfits.
Step into the ring with Pillow Talk! Follow college student Grace as she transforms into “Cinderhella,” a viral star in the gritty world of indie pillow fighting. Tackling body positivity, cyberbullying, and the power of found family, this vibrant read uses shifting color palettes to tell a poignant story of self-acceptance.
Return to Marsyas Island in this powerful, 5-star sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea. Somewhere Beyond the Sea is a moving story of resistance and found family, following Arthur and Linus as they fight to protect magical children from a society that fears them. Rich with emotional honesty, it explores what it means to create true sanctuary and the courage required to stand against systemic oppression. A must-read for fans of character-driven fantasy.
A Witch’s Guide to Magical Innkeeping is a heart-centered “cozy fantasy” that proves community is more powerful than any spell. Following a disgraced witch and her misfit “found family” at a sentient inn, Sangu Mandanna explores grief and self-worth with humor and incredible diversity. While it contains one explicit scene for adult readers, its themes of neurodivergence and inclusivity make it a standout for discussions on belonging and identity.
Dustborn is a gritty, high-octane post-apocalyptic Western that feels like The Hunger Games meets Mad Max. Following Delta as she navigates a world ravaged by solar flares to rescue her family, the novel explores powerful themes of found family and the dismantling of societal myths. Due to its intense themes and violence, it is best suited for Grade 12 readers looking for a complex story about trust and survival.