This gripping historical fiction novel follows a determined teen uncovering a long buried small town tragedy that reshapes everything she thought she knew. It is a powerful story of truth, resilience, and the lasting impact of family secrets.
Cat on the Run in Cucumber Madness continues Princess Beautiful’s chaotic escape with humor, suspense, and quirky adventure. The reviewer highlights how the story blends fast action, high vocabulary, and expressive illustrations that keep young readers hooked. Princess Beautiful’s fear of cucumbers, her new friendship with Marv, and the nonstop twists make this installment fun and engaging for ages seven to ten.
All is Nat Lost delivers a fun and heartfelt adventure as Nat tries to prove her independence on a class trip to Philadelphia. The reviewer notes how the book blends humor, history, and relatable tween struggles as Nat navigates lost phones, scavenger hunts, and big city challenges. With engaging illustrations and a strong sense of place, this graphic novel offers a perfect mix of friendship, adventure, and growing up, making it a great pick for middle grade readers.
The Dark We Know is a debut novel that offers a mysterious and pensive look at the cyclical nature of trauma, wrapped in a spooky horror package. While the excellent premise—an art student confronting a supernatural entity linked to her past—will appeal to fans of Hill House, the book suffers from vague backstories and a lack of character development.
The Encanto’s Daughter has potential with its magical, Filipino-mythology plot, but the execution falls short. The narrative is weighed down by irrelevant details and sluggish pacing, making it difficult to recommend for a high school audience. While the main character is likable, the book needed more focus and stronger character development.