Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
One fight, two sides, and zero apologies. Eb & Flow dives into the hearts of two Black seventh graders serving a ten-day school suspension. Refusing to offer a preachy moral lesson, this authentic, dual-perspective story tracks the surprising similarities between two rivals.
Poetry, secrets, and dangerous boundaries. Bright Red Fruit follows 16-year-old Samira as she navigates her Sudanese-American identity in Washington, D.C. When an online poetry forum leads her into a relationship with a predatory older man, her artistic dreams are put at risk. Written in gorgeous, lyrical free verse, this honest coming-of-age story masterfully explores family expectations, isolation, and the power of a young woman finding her true voice.
Survival is just the beginning. Eighth-grader Bea must navigate life with cerebral palsy and the heavy trauma of a school shooting. Through the healing power of equine therapy, Bea finds the strength to move from helplessness to advocacy.
Put on your dancing shoes for the “Word King!” The legacy of Langston Hughes is celebrated with rhythmic prose and vibrant art. Perfect for introducing the Harlem Renaissance, this joyous book shows students that poetry is a living, breathing party. It’s an essential mentor text for young writers ready to stomp, clap, and find their own literary rhythm.
Survival isn’t just about being alone; it’s about holding on together. We see the other side of the crisis explored in Alone. Trapped in government camps, a group of kids discovers that their world wasn’t just upended it was lied to. A powerful, fast-paced companion that masterfully explores community, conspiracy, and the courage to seek the truth.