Fake Chinese Sounds by Jing Jing Tsong

4 stars After a summer spent studying for Chinese school, playing soccer, and bonding with her grandmother visiting from Taiwan, Měi Yīng is excited to start fifth grade. But then she becomes the target of new kid Sid’s racist jokes. Should she ignore him like everyone suggests or stand up to his ignorance? Great themes…

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Goosebumps: Deep Trouble by R. L. Stine

2 stars This one was okay. Took a quick dive into fantasy, which was unexpected. Based on the cover, I thought there would be more sharks in this one. Growing up, I was always too scared to read Goosebumps because of the covers. But now that I’ve read a few as an adult, I realize…

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When I See You by Brynne Barnes

Illustrated by Brianna McCarthy 4 stars A truly fantastical story of an expectant mother imagining the place where her unborn child waits and dreaming of their adventures together. The artwork is stunning. Beautiful colors and imaginative scenes. They pair perfectly with the otherworldly images of the lyrical text. While the themes of the story will…

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Moon by Alison Oliver

3.5 stars A sweet celebration of nature, play, and the freedom of embracing one’s wolfy ways. The story follows a little girl named Moon whose every moment of the day is accounted for. One night she journeys out to learn to be free and a little bit wild. I absolutely love the colors in this….

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Sea of Constellations by Melissa Cristina Márquez

Illustrated by Rocio Arreola Mendoza 3 stars A The Rainbow Fish-style adventure with stronger themes and a most satisfying ending, in my opinion. When the ocean goes dark one day, Maren and Remy seek the guidance of Huixtocihuatl, the Aztec goddess of salt and salt water. Along the way, they meet various creatures that are troubled…

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My Little Pony: Camp Bighoof by Stephanie Cooke

Illustrated by Kate Sherron 3 stars A fun new pony adventure. Follow G5’s Mane 5 as they host a summer camp at Camp Bighoof to teach ponies how to use their new powers. It’s all fun and games until the entrance caves in, leaving the campers trapped. And it seems there might be something lurking…

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Two Grooms on a Cake: The Story of America’s First Gay Wedding

by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Robbie Cathro 5 stars Absolutely adorable. This delightful picture book tells the story of Michael McConnell and Jack Baker’s journey to getting married. Told by the two grooms on their wedding cake, it follows how they met all the way through their decades-long marriage. Beautifully written with lovely parallels drawn…

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Cooler Than Lemonade by Harshita Jerath

Illustrated by Chloe Burgett 3 stars An adorable story of perseverance, ingenuity, and creative problem solving. One summer day Eva starts a lemonade stand with roaring success. But as the competition mounts, she isn’t sure she’s cut out for the business world. With a little encouragement from her brother, Eva comes up with a brand…

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Next Level: A Hymn in Gratitude for Neurodiversity by Samara Cole Doyon

Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita 4 stars Another fantastic book from Doyon and Juanita. An absolutely gorgeous story that celebrates the value of different ways of thinking, neurodiversity, and challenging the status quo. This lyrical story follows a mother and child as they communicate and interact with each other throughout the day, spending time together and…

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