Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
New From Here is a deeply poignant, “Own Voices” masterpiece capturing the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic through the eyes of an unforgettable young protagonist. Balancing the realities of anti-Asian racism with a heartwarming story of sibling bond and neurodivergent strength.
Anthony Joplin is finally old enough to compete in his family’s legendary spades tournament, but winning may be the least of his worries. Teaming up with an unexpected partner, Ant discovers that secrets, expectations, and family traditions can be harder to navigate than any card game. Heartfelt, funny, and full of surprises, this story explores friendship, courage, and what it really means to grow up.
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.
When worry takes on a life of its own! This graphic novel personifies a middle-schooler’s anxiety as a chaotic, shadowy twin named Viola. Blending the trial of changing schools with the complex cultural pressures of growing up in a Chinese immigrant family, it offers a visually striking, deeply poignant look at finding coping strategies and seeking clinical help.
A harvest of hope. Lula Viramontes finds herself in the heart of the 1965 Delano Grape Strike. As she navigates her father’s traditional expectations and the powerful words of activist Dolores Huerta, Lula must decide if she has the courage to join the fight for justice.