by Beth Garrod & Jess Hitchman Illustrated by Chris Danger 3 stars The first in the series, this book follows a group of inflatable pool toys from the Lost and Found pool on an epic adventure to visit the new wave pool. We’re introduced to the mastermind Cactus, fame-obsessed Flamingo, perpetually hungry Donut, supportive Watermelon,…
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Illustrated by Joe Pitt, Ian Worrel, Asaf Hanuka, Dana Terrace, Jacob Chabot, Jim Campbell, Kyle Smeallie, Meredith Gran, Mike Holmes, Priscilla Tang, Serina Hernandez, Stephanie Ramirez, and Valerie Halla 4 stars Another fantastic trip to Gravity Falls. Join Shmebulock the gnome on the one night a year he can speak words other than his name…
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5 stars I always love a visit to Berrybrook Middle School. The third book in the series does not disappoint. I loved Jorge’s character is the second book, so was especially excited to follow him in this one. Jorge is perfectly content to hang out with his two best friends and serve as the quiet…
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5 stars This book contains a content note for depictions of disordered eating. A hauntingly beautiful story of friendship, loss, family, and healing. Valerie has always tried to be a “good” daughter. To her, that means giving in to her mother’s concerns about her gaining weight, even if it means taking unhealthy measures to comply….
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by Rii Abrego and Joe Whitt Illustrated by Rii Abrego 3 stars A sweet story with stunning artwork. This gentle fantasy follows Wisteria, a new sprite to the neighborhood. When humans came to the land long ago, sprites took a backseat and let them take over caring for the plants. But after watching a wannabe…
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Illustrated by Xochitl Cornejo 5 stars A delightful picture book that normalizes questioning one’s gender identity, surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, and finding a good fit for you. Payden doesn’t quite feel like a boy and sets out to talk to friends and community members about how they found their pronouns. The books…
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Illustrated by Jenin Mohammed 5 stars A beautiful story celebrating new life and special connections. Amira is excited for her baby sister’s naming ceremony. But as her friends and family arrive, she worries the name she’s chosen isn’t special enough. Soon baby sister will wake and the naming ceremony will begin. Will Amira be ready…
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by Rhiannon Fielding Illustrated by Chris Chatterton 4 stars A sweet bedtime story with a bit of adventure. This is the first Ten Minutes to Bed story that I’ve read. I loved the map of the The Land of Nod on the endpapers (daytime and nighttime versions), which shows places and characters introduced in the…
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Illustrated by Faith Erin Hicks 4 stars Pumpkin spice and everything nice. It’s Deja and Josie’s last autumn working at the Patch and they each have a mission. Josie to finally talk to the Fudge Girl and Deja to eat all her favorite foods at the Patch one last time. While the night doesn’t go…
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by Sandhya Menon 2 stars A fun, fairly light rom-com between a not-like-other-girls coder and a family-focused romantic. I loved the show adaptation so figured I’d read the book. Dimple loves coding and will do whatever it takes to bring change to the world. Rishi is a hopeless romantic off to meet the girl of…
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