Song in the City by Daniel Bernstrom

Illustrated by Jenin Mohammed 5 stars A beautiful story of stopping to appreciate the world around you, sharing experiences, and changing perspectives. Told through rhythmic text, the book tells the story of Emmalene and Grandma Jean’s journey to church. On the way, Emmalene listens to the song of the city, but Grandma Jean doesn’t have…

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The Enchantress Returns (The Land of Stories #2) (Audiobook)

by Chris Colfer 3 stars Another fun dive into the Land of Stories. Alex and Conner are back in the real world after their first adventure in their father’s homeland. This comes with its own ups and downs, including a new dog, getting used to school again, and their mother’s changing relationship with her coworker,…

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The Wishing Spell (The Land of Stories #1) (Audiobook)

by Chris Colfer 3 stars Twins Alex and Conner are having a hard time adjusting to life after the death of their father. When their grandmother gives Alex her book of fairy tales, the siblings are transported inside into the Land of Stories. Now the two must search for the items of the Wishing Spell…

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Meesh the Bad Demon (Meesh the Bad Demon #1)

3.5 stars by Michelle Lam Meesh has little interest in being a demon. She spends more time watching her favorite show following the fairy princess, Nouna, and talking to flowers than breathing fire and puking acid. But when a new threat puts Mount Magma in danger, Meesh sets out to find help, learning to embrace…

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Matilda Makes Matzah Balls by Rhonda Cohen

Illustrated by Francesca Galmozzi 3 stars Matilda and her grandmother are preparing for the Passover seder. But this year there’s an exciting change. Matilda gets to help with the matzah ball soup. She adds her creativity to her grandmother’s recipe and together they experiment to make an out of this world creation. A cute representation…

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Keepunumuk: Weeâchumun’s Thanksgiving Story

by Danielle Greendeer, Anthony Perry, and Alexis Bunten Illustrated by Garry Meeches Sr. 5 stars A beautiful telling of the story of Keepunumuk, the time of harvest. It focuses on the relationship between humans and the natural world, specifically the Three Sisters as well as the animals. The book opens with a brief intro about…

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Girl on Fire by Alicia Keys

Cowritten by Andrew Weiner Illustrated by Brittney Williams 3 stars This action-packed graphic novel introduces a new superhero, Lolo, who develops psychokinetic powers, sparked when her brother is attacked by police. A wonderful look at family dynamics. After her mother left, Lolo and her brother have been raised by their father. I loved the representation…

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Brown Girl Dreaming by Jacqueline Woodson

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…

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Something About Grandma by Tania de Regil

5 stars A delightful picture book celebrating the intergenerational love between a child and her grandmother. While her parents wait for the new baby to arrive, Julia visits her grandmother’s house near Mexico City. There, she experiences the magic of her grandmother’s home and the magic of her grandmother herself. Through homesickness, joy, and comfort,…

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Witch Hazel by Molly Idle

5 stars An absolutely beautiful story, both visually and in its content, that explores loss, memory, and time spent together. Gentle and slow, this lovely book celebrates the connection between grandmother and granddaughter, passing on stories and making new memories. Poetic wordplay and soft, rounded illustrations make for a soothing reading experience. The artwork is…

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