by HF Brownfield and Kayla Coombs 3 stars Delightfully-sweet chaos. Quinnelope’s got a craving for cookies, but they seem in sort supply. Together with her trusty butler, Bub, and companion, Star, she sets off on a quest to rescue the Cookie King and bring back the cookies. Packed with humor, bright illustrations, and sugary fun….
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Translated by Leo McDonagh 4 stars Initially I wasn’t sure about this based on the title, but it was pleasantly sweet. Hiroki’s mother is pretty sure her son is gay. His various slipups seem to confirm her suspicions. Through it all, she is caring, accepting, and patient with him, always letting him know that she…
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Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita 4 stars This is all around a touching and wholesome story. While Mommy leaves on a work trip, the main character stays home with Mama. They go about their daily routines, but things are a little different without Mommy. Works well for discussing missing someone and waiting for them to come…
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Illustrated by Gillian Reid 3.5 stars It’s her very first picture day and Molly is excited. But when Mom reveals the dress she wants Molly to wear, all that excitement is gone. The dress has a weird collar and puffy parts and no pockets. It doesn’t feel like Molly at all. Now Molly has to…
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by Rob Sanders Illustrated by Jamey Christoph 4 stars A beautiful book that depicts the remarkable story of the AIDS Memorial Quilt through lyrical text and wonderful illustrations. In this narrative nonfiction picture book, Sanders tells some of the major events in Cleve Jones’ life alongside the development of AIDS in America. Interspersed throughout the…
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5 stars Hard-hitting and wonderfully told. Aiden has always felt different. He doesn’t fit in at school. His family life is chaotic. It’s the year before he starts high school and he’s at his favorite place, summer camp. But things aren’t going as well as he’d like. Despite his friendships and interesting camp courses, he…
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by Sarah Prager Illustrated by Caitlin O’Dwyer 5 stars A fantastic overview of LGBTQIA+ history that includes events and people from various places in the world. The book provides an introduction to LGBTQIA+ topics, contributions, and famous individuals, as well as a breakdown of events from ancient times, 1600s-1940s, 1950s-1960, 1970s-2020s, and a brief look…
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by Mariko Tamaki Illustrated by Rosemary Valero-O’Connell 2 stars A slow-paced story about what happens when the power of love works against you and how it can overshadow other aspects of your life. Freddy loves Laura Dean. But their on-again-off-again relationship leaves her confused and wondering, is it worth staying with someone you love if…
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Edited by g. haron davis Stories by Saundra Mitchell, Sonora Reyes, Renée Reynolds, A. R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy, Francesca Tacchi, Ayida Shonibar, Nik Traxler, g. haron davis, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, Mason Deaver, Ash Nouveau, Cam Montgomery, Dove Salvatierra, and Emery Lee 5 stars Generally with anthologies, there are some stories that resonate with a reader…
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5 stars I went into this expecting a simple, easy-going romance read, but was pleasantly surprised. It tackled a lot of issues with insight and humor. The fabulous femme teen, Riley Weaver knows joining the Gaybutante Society will help him on his journey to podcast stardom. But when he makes a bet with Skylar, who…
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