Flamer by Mike Curato

5 stars Hard-hitting and wonderfully told. Aiden has always felt different. He doesn’t fit in at school. His family life is chaotic. It’s the year before he starts high school and he’s at his favorite place, summer camp. But things aren’t going as well as he’d like. Despite his friendships and interesting camp courses, he…

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Care Bears: Unlock the Magic by Matthew Erman & Nadia Shammas

Illustrated by Agnes Garbowska 3 stars A cute spin-off of the 2019 show. I actually didn’t know about the show before reading this and have since watched a few episodes. The graphic novel seems pretty true to the characters and setting. The artwork is super cute. Really fun visuals. On the wordy side, but the…

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Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

Written by Jason Reynolds Art by Danica Novgorodoff 5 stars I loved Reynolds’ original novel-in-verse and was a little nervous about this graphic adaptation. But it really delivered. Reynolds’ words and messages shine through accompanied by Novgorodoff’s haunting artwork and stunning visuals. The watercolors perfectly capture the essence of Reynolds’ words. Absolutely stunning. A fantastic…

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Who Gives a Poop?: Surprising Science from One End to the Other

by Heather L. Montgomery Illustrated by Iris Gottlieb 3 stars A unique read packed with interesting information told in an engaging format. Each chapter shows how waste is used to better understand the world and solve problems. From protecting endangered species and producing energy to curing infections and revitalizing land, poop can do some amazing…

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That Can Be Arranged: A Muslim Love Story

by Huda Fahmy 5 stars A sweet, humorous story about Fahmy’s journey though the pressure to get married, incompatible suitors, and finally meeting her husband. The story goes through various rules of Islam related to interpersonal relationships and some of the innerworkings of arranged marriages. It offers a first-hand, positive experience with arranged marriage, corrects…

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From the Desk of Zoe Washington (Zoe Washington #1)

by Janae Marks 5 stars At times, I struggle with getting into realistic fiction, but I loved this one. Zoe has such a great voice and intriguing personality. This one really pulled me in. I also love that despite Zoe’s good intentions, she still has to face the consequences of her actions when she makes…

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How to Be a Conscious Eater

Making Food Choices That Are Good for You, Others, and the Planet by Sophie Egan 4 stars A helpful resource guide to tackle common food-related questions. Egan dives into various aspects of trying to be a more conscious eater. She focuses on three considerations when making food decisions: Is it good for me? Is it…

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Invisible Differences: A Story of Asperger’s, Adulting, and Living a Life in Full Color

Story by Julie Dachez Illustrated by Mademoiselle Caroline In collaboration with Fabienne Vaslet Translated by Edward Gauvin 4 stars This graphic memoir follows Marguerite through her daily life, showing her routines and interactions. No matter how hard she tries, Marguerite doesn’t feel like she quite fits. When she’s diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, suddenly everything comes…

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Bigfoot Baby! by Elias Barks

Illustrated by Meg Hunt 4 stars Spend the day with Bigfoot Baby as they visit friends and explore their forest home. A sweet, rhyming book with adorable illustrations. This chunky board book includes 6 thick, sturdy flaps for readers to discover what’s hidden in the forest. Sweet and whimsical. Great for bedtime. Goodreads

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