Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Claribel Ortega’s Witchlings is an absolute triumph of middle-grade fantasy, packed with girl-power vibes, magical world-building, and a heartwarming story of friendship. Following three “Spare” witchlings on an impossible quest, this modern classic brilliantly tackles themes of empathy, classism, and belonging.
Inspired by true events, this gripping thriller exposes the dark side of the music industry and the price of naive ambition. Blending raw poetic power with complex, fiercely loyal characters, it offers an unforgettable exploration of exploitation and survival.
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.
A chilling and compact contemporary retelling of Edgar Allan Poe’s classic tale, T. Kingfisher’s What Moves the Dead balances eerie body horror with fast-paced Gothic suspense. Following retired soldier Alex Easton into a nightmare of bizarre fungal overgrowths and family secrets, this masterful novella delivers rich atmosphere without graphic violence. An excellent addition for high school collections exploring literary retellings and environmental dread.
A road trip to California turns into a fight for survival. Part social commentary, part cryptid horror, this gut-wrenching novel follows two trans teens as they escape bigotry only to face a literal monster in the Kentucky woods.