Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Can a Muslim girl play Mary in a Catholic Nativity play? Sixth-grader Mariam navigates the “ambassador’s burden” at her new school while dealing with a family health crisis and the awkwardness of puberty. This sweet, Judy Blume-esque story is a groundbreaking look at interfaith connection, identity, and the discovery that faith is more about common ground than rigid lines.
Bisi Adjapon’s Daughter in Exile is a powerful, gut-wrenching exploration of the “American Dream” through the eyes of an undocumented Ghanaian woman. Navigating the intersections of racism, religious hypocrisy, and the resilience of motherhood, Lola’s journey is a testament to the strength required to survive when the odds are stacked against you. A thought-provoking read for older students looking to understand the complex reality of the immigrant experience.
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.
For the first time ever, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate His Holiness the Dalai Lama addresses children directly, sharing lessons of peace and compassion, told through stories of his own childhood.