Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Following Cesar Flores as he navigates a new diagnosis, Catholic guilt, and a desire for love, the story expertly balances “The Thoughts” with humor and resilience. It is an essential, youth-friendly resource for counselors and educators aiming to destigmatize bipolar disorder and promote the power of “mortifying vulnerability.”
KB Brookins’s Pretty is a raw, 4-star exploration of Black trans-masculinity and the journey to self-definition. Part memoir, part cultural critique, it navigates the “messy and painful” realities of living between governmental labels and personal truth. For educators and GSA facilitators, it’s a powerful tool for empathy, highlighting the resilience required to survive in a world that insists on defining you before you can define yourself.
Born on Independence Day in the heart of Tegucigalpa, Libertad Morazán is a young poet searching for her own freedom. Set against the real-world 2017 Honduran election crisis, this powerful queer coming-of-age novel explores the heavy intersection of family loyalty, political activism, and the heart-wrenching choice between staying to fight or migrating for safety. A moving and authentic look at how national unrest shapes individual identity.
A bold and intense sequel that deepens the political landscape of Iron Widow’s world. Fans of intricate sci fi will appreciate Zetian’s struggle with power and revolution.
A moving story of grief, healing, and the blurred space between reality and imagination. A beautiful and emotional read for teens who need to be reminded they are not alone.