Fresh Reads, Honest reviews, Educator-approved
Dustborn is a gritty, high-octane post-apocalyptic Western that feels like The Hunger Games meets Mad Max. Following Delta as she navigates a world ravaged by solar flares to rescue her family, the novel explores powerful themes of found family and the dismantling of societal myths. Due to its intense themes and violence, it is best suited for Grade 12 readers looking for a complex story about trust and survival.
Co-authored by powerhouses Erin Entrada Kelly and Kwame Mbalia, On Again, Awkward Again is a hilariously cringey 9th-grade romance. Featuring “love at first sight” in a nurse’s office amidst IBS and water fountain injuries, it perfectly captures the awkward transition to high school. It’s a rare “sweet spot” book: pacy and funny enough for middle schoolers, but aspirational enough for early high schoolers—all without mature content.
The Color of a Lie is a high-stakes social justice thriller that uncovers the hidden history of Northern segregation and redlining in the 1950s. As Calvin’s family attempts to “pass” in an all-white suburb, they face the suffocating pressure of a dangerous lie. While a controversial ending may give some educators pause for a whole-class study, it remains an essential look at the systemic roots of housing inequality in America.
These Vengeful Wishes is a gripping YA supernatural thriller that breathes new life into the Latin American legend of La Cegua. When aspiring artist Ceci moves into a cursed mansion and discovers a wishing well, she learns that every desire comes with a sinister price. Appropriate for all high school readers, this standalone novel expertly balances eerie suspense with complex family dynamics and compelling characters.
A welcoming guide to Autism and ADHD that uses video game metaphors to make neurodivergence understandable and empowering. A thoughtful resource for teens seeking clarity, connection and self acceptance.