Fantastic Tales of Nothing (Nothing #1)

by Alejandra Green and Franny Rodriguez 3 stars Enter a fantastic world featuring humans, shape-shifting volkens, and mysterious fae. Nothing is quite as it seems in the magical world of Nothing. Strange things are happening to Nathan. After a chance meeting with a mysterious new friend, Haven, the duo must avoid a pair of volken…

Read More

African Town by Irene Latham and Charles Waters

5 stars From the poetic team that brought us, Can I Touch Your Hair? Poems of Race, Mistakes, and Friendship comes a powerful novel-in-verse that tells the story of the last American slave ship. Waters and Latham give voice to the survivors of the journey on the Clotilda, the enslavers who put them on that journey, and even…

Read More

The Dog that Ate the World by Sandra Dieckmann

4 stars Another stunning picture book from Dieckmann. When a dog arrives in the peaceful valley and begins eating everything in sight, the other animals try to confront him. But when their efforts are in vain, they band together to create beauty in their own world. This fable-style story has a lovely emphasis on community…

Read More

Delicates (Sheets #2) by Brenna Thummler

5 stars A stunning follow-up to Sheets. This one wonderfully captures some of the hardships of growing up female with crush confusion, toxic friendships, and the pressure to fit in. Despite such difficulties, it is filled with hope, kindness, empathy, supportive friendship, and the little moments that bring joy. It shows the power of doing the…

Read More

Up to No Ghoul (The Ghoul Next Door #2)

By Cullen Bunn Illustrations by Cat Farris 4 stars A fantastic follow-up to the wonderfully creepy The Ghoul Next Door. This one picks up right where the last one left off, with Grey and Lavinia forced apart. But when a new threat rolls in to Ander’s Landing, they must break the rules to save the town….

Read More

Birthday Blues (Nikki & Deja #2) by Karen English

Illustrated by Laura Freeman 3 stars A cute series for young readers. Deja is excited for her upcoming birthday party. But when her class rival decides to have a party the same day, she worries whether her party will be so great after all. This is the first book in the series that I’ve read….

Read More

Dragon Noodle Party: A Story of Chinese Zodiac Animals

by Ying Chang Compestine Illustrated by Paula Pang 4 stars A sweet story about the animals of the Chinese zodiac preparing for a party. While the book is simple, it is a pleasure to read, especially for a young audience. The illustrations are delightful. Works well for discussing the Chinese zodiac, various animals, action labels,…

Read More

Leaf by Sandra Dieckmann

4 stars A stunning picture book featuring a lost polar bear, some helpful crows, and the effects of climate change. When Leaf washes up on the shore of the wild wood, the other animals fear the large, strange, dangerous-looking creature. It isn’t until they talk to him that they learn the truth of his arrival….

Read More

Friends Are Friends, Forever by Dane Liu

Illustrated by Lynn Scurfield 5 stars A beautiful story of friendship, sharing traditions, and making new connections. This was such a sweet book. Best friends Dandan and Yueyue spend one last Lunar New Year together before Dandan moves to America. Before she leaves, Yueyue gives Dandan a special gift and an important message. In America,…

Read More

Shark Princess (Shark Princess #1) by Nidhi Chanani

3 stars A sweet story about two friendly sharks and their underwater adventures. A cute start to the series. Great for fans of the Narwal and Jelly series. The illustrations are absolutely adorable. Loved the color and details. The dialogue and story felt a bit disjointed and rushed in areas, but overall it was a…

Read More