Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Eleanor Shearer’s River Sing Me Home is a breathtaking, 5-star historical novel exploring the aftermath of the British Emancipation Act of 1834 in the Caribbean. Following a mother’s harrowing quest across Barbados and Trinidad to find her stolen children, this lyrical narrative beautifully captures the cruelty of slavery and the triumph of redemption. An essential addition for high school libraries exploring global Black histories and diverse perspectives.
Think you know the story of the Titanic? Think again. A Million to One by Adiba Jaigirdar, a thrilling, high-seas heist that gives the infamous tragedy an Ocean’s 8 makeover. Featuring four young women of color plotting to steal a priceless treasure, this fast-paced YA historical adventure delivers high stakes, intersectional representation, and a beautiful slow-burn romance.
An exceptional and award-winning graphic memoir, Tommie Smith’s Victory. Stand! chronicles the inspiring life story and personal sacrifices behind his iconic 1968 Olympic podium protest. Melding Derrick Barnes’s emotionally resonant writing with Dawud Anyabwile’s dynamic illustrations, this quick yet profound history is a powerful, highly accessible tool for school libraries and classrooms looking to explore civil disobedience, sports history, and the fight against racial injustice.
A haunting parable of deception and survival. Narrated by the cosmic voice of Truth, the story tracks an innocent Greek boy tricked by Nazis into coaxing neighbors onto trains to Auschwitz. While its unique philosophical narration occasionally distances the reader from the characters, it remains a beautifully written, essential study on honesty and redemption.
An unforgettable epic of survival. Serving as both a prequel and sequel to There There, this multigenerational novel traces the legacy of institutional violence from the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre to modern-day Oakland.