Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Don’t ignore the warnings. A Hollywood film crew learns the hard way that some legends are true. Guided by the mysterious Alon, they venture onto a cursed Philippine island where the trees hold mummies and nature demands payment. This atmospheric, folklore-driven thriller is a satisfying serving of karma, perfect for middle and high schoolers looking for a spooky, suspenseful mystery with an authentic cultural heart.
At Last She Stood restores the legacy of Joey Guerrero, a Filipino WWII hero who used the stigma of her Hansen’s Disease to bypass Japanese checkpoints as a spy. From taping minefield maps to her back to receiving the Medal of Freedom, Joey’s life is a masterclass in resilience. Erin Entrada Kelly’s narrative nonfiction is a must-read for students interested in military history, medicine, and the fight against racial and medical discrimination.