Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
In the Vossen house, every move could be your last. Fourteen-year-old chess whiz Ruby must navigate a “deliciously dysfunctional” family to solve a crime at her grandmother’s estate. Combining the tension of a high-stakes chess match with a modern Cinderella twist, this gripping story explores the power of choosing your own allies and outsmarting the “villains” in your own home.
Kindness is the gravity that holds us together. Addison returns to high school after a suicide attempt, finding her life tethered to four peers hiding their own silent battles. A gentle, empathetic read for older teens.
Recovery isn’t about being perfect; it’s about being enough. Twelve-year-old Riley fights to reclaim her identity from anorexia while in an inpatient treatment center. This raw, compassionate story avoids glamorization, focusing instead on the messy reality of healing and the courage it takes to silence the voices of self-doubt.
Anger is a fire that can either destroy or transform. Marisol navigates the sudden death of a mother she was always at odds with. This raw, honest story explores the intersection of grief and guilt, showing the messy reality of “complicated” love.
Aida Salazar’s Ultra Violet is a brave and compassionate story in verse about growing up, finding identity, and redefining masculinity. Elios’s voice is authentic and funny, offering boys permission to feel and be kind. A must-read for middle schoolers finding their place in the world.