Flowerheart offers a whimsical, Victorian-inspired world where magic is tied to the language of flowers. However, a rushed magical resolution, predictable plot lines, and a problematic core romance make this novel a weak fit for mature teens.
A powerful and wryly funny graphic novel adaptation, Borders follows a Blackfoot mother and son trapped in legal limbo at the U.S.-Canada border. Seamlessly blending Thomas King’s sharp narrative with Natasha Donovan’s breathtaking illustrations, this book is a must-have for middle school libraries looking to spark profound student discussions on identity, sovereignty, and visual literacy.