Slumbering Beauty, Vol. 1 by Yumi Unita

Translated by Angela Liu 4 stars An entertaining read with fun little references to Sleeping Beauty. Yaneko loves sleep. But when a sleep spirit named Nerimu gets tired of fighting to wake her up every morning, Yaneko learns there’s much more to the world of sleep. She tags along with Nerimu and finds herself helping…

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The Tunnel to Summer, the Exit of Goodbyes: Ultramarine Vol. 1

Story by Mei Hachimoku Illustrated by Koudon Translated by Alexa Frank 5 stars Definitely grabbed this one for its gorgeous cover. I didn’t initially realize it was based on a light novel that was made into an anime. Even without background though, I thoroughly enjoyed this manga. When Kaoru overhears a legend about a tunnel…

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Coral’s Reef Vol. 1 by David Lumsdon

Illustrated by Shiei 3 stars I loved the My Little Pony: The Manga – A Day in the Life of Equestria Vol. 1 so I was really excited to see these two team up again. Welcome to Reef Beach, home to many fantastical residents including ifrits, sea sprites, sirens, kappa, and more. Follow Coral as she makes…

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Communism for Kids by Bini Adamczak

Translated by Jacob Blumenfeld and Sophie Lewis 2 stars An interesting little book that presents political and economic ideas in a simplistic fashion. Through short, humorous stories, Adamczak introduces concepts such as capitalism, communism, work, the market, and crisis. Then she goes through different executions of what communism could look like, following each to their…

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Mother of Sharks by Melissa Cristina Márquez

Illustrated by Devin Elle Kurtz 3 stars A beautiful example of the power of representation and the joy of doing what you love. This book is an interesting mashup of a semi-autobiographical story mixed with magic and time travel. Meli loves exploring the waters of la Playita del Condado, especially the tidal pools. When she…

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Molly’s Tuxedo by Vicki Johnson

Illustrated by Gillian Reid 3.5 stars It’s her very first picture day and Molly is excited. But when Mom reveals the dress she wants Molly to wear, all that excitement is gone. The dress has a weird collar and puffy parts and no pockets. It doesn’t feel like Molly at all. Now Molly has to…

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Stitch by Stitch: Cleve Jones and the AIDS Memorial Quilt

by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…

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Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

3 stars A sweet novel-in-verse about family, perseverance, and the bond between a girl and her dog. Malian is visiting her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation when the COVID-19 shelter in place order is enacted. Together with Malsum, the mysterious rez dog who adopted her, and her grandparent’s stories, Malian finds the strength to overcome…

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Goodbye: A First Conversation About Grief

by Megan Madison & Jessica Ralli Illustrated by Isabel Roxas 5 stars A wonderful introduction to talking about death, dying, and grief with young ones. Told in kid-friendly language, this book provides talking points for caregivers to introduce concepts of death and grief. The book is broken down into different common questions such as what…

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