Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
In A Soft Place to Land, Janae Marks delivers a deeply moving, relatable story of resilience that upper elementary and pre-teen readers will truly root for. Facing sudden financial struggles and family tension, Joy Taylor must redefine her meaning of home while navigating a secret neighborhood mystery.
Time to Roll is a spectacular, sequel that finds favorite protagonist Ellie taking on a summer beauty pageant on her own terms. Balancing complex family dynamics, authentic disability representation, and fierce female solidarity, this witty and eye-catching middle-grade novel tackles self-worth with immense heart and humor.
Nat for Nothing, a graphic novel tracking the ups and downs of middle school friend groups. When Natalie struggles to find an after-school club and faces friend drama, she must discover how to move forward.
Absolutely Nat is a fantastic, graphic novel that sends favorite character Natalie off to summer camp. When camp fails to match the brochure, Natalie must confront her fears and navigate difficult social changes.
Karyn Parsons’ Clouds Over California is a heartwarming, masterpiece set in 1970s Los Angeles. Through the eyes of a young girl navigating her parents’ crumbling marriage and the arrival of an activist cousin, this novel brilliant balances relatable domestic changes with the historical rise of the Black Panthers.