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.
Tara Sullivan’s Treasure of the World is a powerful story of resilience and hope set in the Bolivian Andes. Through Ana’s eyes, readers witness the harsh realities of child labor and the courage it takes to dream beyond survival. A compelling and empathetic read for young adults.
Resau’s What the Moon Saw is a beautifully written coming-of-age story about identity, family, and cultural roots. Through Clara Luna’s summer in Oaxaca, readers experience the magic of discovering where you come from and who you are meant to be. Filled with warmth, spirituality, and self-discovery, it inspires reflection and connection.
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.
In this companion to Marshfield Dreams, Ralph Fletcher returns with more heartfelt reflections on his childhood in Marshfield, Massachusetts. As the oldest of nine children, he captures the “in-between” years of adolescence—balancing responsibility, curiosity, and the chaos of growing up in a large family during the 1950s and 60s.