Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Stop shrinking. Start starfishing. Young Ellie fights back against a world—and a mother—determined to make her feel small because of her weight. Through the sanctuary of the pool and the power of true friendship, Ellie learns that she deserves to take up space and define herself on her own terms.
Grief comes in every shade of blue. Thirteen-year-old Sage navigates the sudden loss of her best friend. Through poetic snapshots and a heart-wrenching support group journey, Sage learns that healing isn’t a straight line.
In Robin Gow’s Dear Mothman, a young trans boy navigates the heavy silence of grief by writing letters to a local legend. This 4-star novel in verse breaks the mold of LGBTQ+ fiction by focusing on healing and friendship rather than just hardship. It’s a gentle, paranormal-tinged journey through the Poconos woods that reminds us that even when we feel misunderstood, we are never truly alone.
Something Like Home is a heartfelt novel in verse that uses its poetic structure to give students a gentle, honest window into the themes of family, belonging, and resilience. This powerful story is a quick, engaging read perfect for sparking deep ELA discussions on character development and poetic structure in grades 4-6.
Will Chambers is the only “round kid” in a school full of thin ones. He hides behind oversized hoodies and avoids the cafeteria, struggling with shame and self-doubt. When a cruel comment in fourth grade triggers years of pain, Will begins to spiral, using food restriction to cope.