Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Justice speaks from beyond the grave. Set against the glittering but dangerous 1893 Chicago World’s Fair follows a Jewish immigrant possessed by his murdered friend’s spirit. A haunting blend of historical detail and supernatural suspense, this novel uncovers the dark shadows behind the “American Dream,” exploring the resilience of a community fighting to be seen, heard, and remembered.
Survival is just the beginning. Journey navigates life after a suicide attempt and a new Bipolar II diagnosis. Through volunteering at a crisis hotline and falling for the vibrant Etta, Journey discovers that while healing isn’t linear, connection is a powerful medicine.
The war is over, but the battle for self-love is just beginning. Simon Snow must navigate a magic-less life and a complex relationship with Baz. Mature, diverse, and deeply emotional, this “ending about endings” deconstructs the Chosen One trope to find the human heart underneath.
The scariest monsters aren’t the ones in the woods—they’re the ones people refuse to see. A teen’s brutal attack becomes a powerful metaphor for trauma and the struggle to be believed. Combining queer identity with a fresh, atmospheric take on the werewolf myth, this “chilling with a conscience” read is perfect for anyone looking for horror that bites back.
Finding yourself is the ultimate homecoming. The journey of a nonbinary teen is told with warmth, honesty, and inviting illustrations. By deconstructing the “rules” of high school gender, Parish shows that identity isn’t a destination reached overnight but it’s a patient process of making your body a place where you truly belong.