Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
This stunning graphic novel adaptation of Ruta Sepetys’ Between Shades of Gray brings the harrowing history of Soviet deportations to life through expressive, haunting artwork. Following 15-year-old Lina from Lithuania to the depths of Siberia, the story explores the trauma of family separation and the power of art as a means of survival. An accessible yet deeply moving resource for middle and high school classrooms studying WWII.
Kneel is a compelling YA novel that tackles the heavy weight of social justice and police violence through the lens of high school football. When star athlete Rus Boudreaux kneels during the anthem to protest his friend’s unfair arrest, he risks his future for his convictions. This nuanced story explores the intersection of family expectations, racial history, and the courage it takes to stand up for what is right.
Welcome to the Grandest Game, a high stakes competition designed to give anyone a chance at fortune. Seven golden ticket holders enter with different motives, secrets, and ambitions. As challenges grow more dangerous, tensions rise and alliances shift. Each puzzle pushes the players mentally and physically, revealing who is willing to bend the rules to win.
This is the story of George, Garrett, Rall, and Rasul, four children raised by their beloved Nanny. Through early brushes with racism, challenges of identity, and moments of deep love, they learn they are never broken, only strengthened by the family that surrounds them.
This graphic novel follows Christine, a Mexican American teen spending the summer with family in Mexico. Through vivid art and heartfelt storytelling, the book explores identity, bilingualism, family bonds, and the experience of living between cultures. Christine struggles to understand family traditions and connect across language gaps, while also discovering comfort, belonging, and parts of herself she did not know were missing.