Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
B. B. Alston’s Amari series blends magic, mystery, and heart. In The Great Game and The Despicable Wonders, Amari grows into a courageous young heroine facing moral choices and real-world parallels of prejudice and leadership. A must-read for middle grade fantasy fans.
Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series continues to shine with empathy and warmth. Volumes Two through Four follow Charlie and Nick’s journey through love, identity, and mental health with honesty and care. A beautifully illustrated and deeply affirming story for teens discovering who they are.
Jesse Q. Sutanto’s Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers is a heartwarming, funny, and deeply human mystery. With her bold personality and sharp instincts, Vera proves that curiosity and compassion can solve more than crimes—they can heal hearts. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.
Look on the Bright Side is a refreshing, heartfelt story that celebrates friendship, honesty, and growing up. Williams and Schneemann craft an authentic portrayal of teens navigating love, identity, and change with humor and heart. The expressive art and inclusive storytelling make this a perfect read for middle and high school students exploring what it means to truly support one another.
Set in the eerie Ozark Mountains, When the Bones Sing follows Dovie, a teen from a long line of women who can “hear the bones of the dead.” When hikers start vanishing near her town, the local sheriff turns to Dovie’s strange ability to help find the bodies.