Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Bring crucial social justice conversations to the forefront with Brianna Jonnie’s five-star graphic novel, If I Go Missing. Combining spare, devastating text with striking black-and-white artwork by Neal Shannacappo, this high school title challenges systemic biases in policing and media coverage regarding missing Indigenous youth.
An inspiring, Caldecott Medal-winning rallying cry! A translation of complex modern environmental justice and Indigenous-led movements into a beautiful, accessible message. Rich with themes of ancestry and community responsibility is an ideal gateway for exploring environmental stewardship, modern Native American voices, and the power of civic activism.
Perry expected a boring summer, not a mission to right a historical wrong. When she discovers that the remains of an Anishinaabe ancestor are being kept in a university archive, she and her friends hatch a daring plan to bring them home. Packed with mystery, action, and powerful themes of justice and community, this thrilling story follows one teen determined to make a difference before more secrets disappear forever.
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.
An unforgettable epic of survival. Serving as both a prequel and sequel to There There, this multigenerational novel traces the legacy of institutional violence from the 1864 Sand Creek Massacre to modern-day Oakland.