Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Bunny Baxter had a plan. If she could just get expelled, she could go back to her old school and her best friend. But plans have a funny way of changing. Between embarrassing moments, new friends, and a few unexpected lessons, Bunny discovers that sometimes the only way to grow wings is to stay exactly where you are.
Sharon Draper’s Out of My Dreams continues Melody’s inspiring journey with warmth and honesty. As Melody travels to London to speak about disability advocacy, she finds courage, friendship, and purpose. A powerful read for classrooms exploring empathy and inclusion.
Tara Sullivan’s Treasure of the World is a powerful story of resilience and hope set in the Bolivian Andes. Through Ana’s eyes, readers witness the harsh realities of child labor and the courage it takes to dream beyond survival. A compelling and empathetic read for young adults.
Corey Egbert’s Visitations is a haunting, semi-autobiographical graphic novel about faith, trauma, and survival. Through striking artwork and raw honesty, Egbert portrays a teen’s struggle to see truth through the fog of manipulation and mental illness. A difficult but unforgettable read.
Set against the backdrop of Syracuse, Spiotta’s Wayward captures the quiet unraveling and rediscovery of a woman at midlife. Through Sam’s journey of independence, loss, and self-reflection, the novel examines identity, womanhood, and the pursuit of meaning. Reflective but detached, it speaks most to readers exploring reinvention.