3 stars A fascinating superhero origin story steeped in Nigerian culture and lore. After the murder of his father, the chief of police, Nnamdi vows to avenge his death. The means to actualize that vow come with a powerful artifact, an ikenga, which gives him unparalleled abilities. Will revenge settle Nnamdi’s restlessness or is the…
Read More
by Jacqueline Woodson 5 stars A beautiful novel that tackles many difficult topics in an approachable way. When a group of students are told by their teacher that every Friday they will meet without an adult in the old art room to talk about whatever they want, they are hesitant. But as the year goes…
Read More
5 stars A wonderful picture book that tells the story of a big idea and a community coming together to make it happen. Amara loves bats. But when she moves to a new town, there are none in sight. With the help of the park ranger along with her new friends and neighbors, Amara helps…
Read More
5 stars A fantastic autobiographical novel-in-verse that beautifully showcases Woodson’s voice. Set in the 1960s and 1970s, Woodson shares stories from her life living in Ohio, South Carolina, and New York. Woodson tackles so many themes in this book. From family upheaval to moving to a new place, experiencing death of family members to standing…
Read More
5 stars A delightfully sweet story with a fun spin to explain the phases of the moon. Perfect for reading during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival or any time you’re looking for a tasty story. Little Star’s mother makes a big mooncake and hangs it in the sky to cool. She instructions Little Star not to…
Read More
Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight 4 stars A delightful picture book centered on hope, community, and recovery. River is excited for powwow day. But still recovering from an unnamed illness, she is too tired to join in the dancing. Finding strength in the drum beat and the remembering the meaning of the dances, River feels the…
Read More
Illustrated by Charles Santoso 5 stars A new favorite from Katherine Applegate! I loved this story. A beautiful representation of how plants and animals coexist and form mutually beneficial relationships. It show demonstrates human intervention can unintendedly alter that balance with unintended consequences. A blend of eco-mystery and coming of age with a touch of…
Read More
Illustrated by Emily Balsley 5 stars A delectable read about finding the right cake to tell your story. Phil loves baking with his parents, but after their divorce, things are different. His favorite recipe doesn’t feel right anymore. After talking it out with his friend, inspiration strikes, and Phil creates something entirely new, a blending…
Read More
Illustrated by Sara Palacios 4 stars A delightful picture book that serves as a love letter to plátanos and Dominican culture. In the story, the main character shows the diversity of plátanos, both in what dishes they can be used in and how they add to different situations. Whether to soothe disappointment, to share community,…
Read More
by Jessica Betancourt-Perez and Karen Lynn Williams Illustrated by Gina Maldonado 4 stars A sweet story about new experiences, a new home, and a new friend. After Isabella and her mother move to the United States from Colombia, Isabella is anxious for the first day of school and making new friends. There’s a lot to…
Read More