Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Can you outrun your own story? A survivor of a school shooting moves to a town where the internet is illegal to find a quiet place to heal. Hilarious, heartbreaking, and deeply empathetic, this story of a neurodivergent friendship and a very unique family proves that you can find light in the darkest of times.
From the Bronx to the burning brush. A young girl haunted by a past tragedy must lead her friends through a devastating California wildfire. A pulse-pounding page-turner that asks: what does it take to find your way out?
Justice is rarely simple in a town built on secrets. The murder of a hated landowner in 1958 Minnesota ignites long-simmering prejudices against a Native American veteran. It explores the deep scars of war and the enduring power of forgiveness.
In this haunting 4-star debut, two Bribri American brothers fight to escape the shadow of their father’s violence. Written in accessible verse and vignettes, Saints of the Household is a raw, realistic look at trauma, brotherhood, and Indigenous identity. It’s a powerful recommendation for young men and reluctant readers, offering a hopeful model for navigating mental health crises and reclaiming one’s future from a turbulent past.
A gripping memoir that pulls you into a chapter of history many readers realize they have never fully understood. It is a devastating and deeply human story that stays with you long after you finish the last page.