Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Slugfest is Gordon Korman’s “Breakfast Club” for the middle school gym set. When star athlete Yash is forced into summer school PE with a group of academic misfits and pranksters, he expects a boring summer. Instead, he finds a group of unlikely friends and a teacher with a secret. It’s a humorous, fast-paced look at breaking stereotypes and finding common ground, perfect for fans of sports fiction and school-centered comedies.
Christmas at Holiday House is a heartwarming, wholesome tale of healing and holiday magic. Following a young widow and her son as they find a fresh start in Colorado, the story explores the definition of found family and the courage it takes to trust again. Perfect for fans of Hallmark movies, this 5-star romance is a cozy, emotionally resonant read that beautifully addresses grief and resilience.
A powerful middle grade novel that balances real friendship and courage with a touch of magical realism, all set against swirling dust storms that feel almost alive. This one is tender, tough, and unforgettable, especially for the reader who needs it most.
If your brain still stores core memories in AIM away messages, Limited Too receipts, and Spice Girls feminism, this audiobook is going to feel like a time capsule with a pulse. Kate Kennedy is funny, sharp, and unexpectedly tender, and you will keep pausing just to say, “I thought it was only me.”
A cozy, lyrical picture book that celebrates the beauty of noticing what makes you unique. The language alone will pull you in and make you want to reread it immediately.