Long Way Down: The Graphic Novel

Written by Jason Reynolds Art by Danica Novgorodoff 5 stars I loved Reynolds’ original novel-in-verse and was a little nervous about this graphic adaptation. But it really delivered. Reynolds’ words and messages shine through accompanied by Novgorodoff’s haunting artwork and stunning visuals. The watercolors perfectly capture the essence of Reynolds’ words. Absolutely stunning. A fantastic…

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The Icy Hand (Something Wickedly Weird #2)

by Chris Mould 3 stars Another exciting and creepy entry in the Something Wickedly Weird series. In this one, Stanley crosses the Wooden Mile once more for a winter visit, thinking his troubles are over. But a headless ghost informs him that his run-ins with pirates are just getting started. This book continues the story…

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Lyric McKerrigan, Secret Librarian by Jacob Sager Weinstein

Illustrated by Vera Brosgol 5 stars This book is fantastic! What a great concept. Humorous and fun with lots of library love. I especially love the idea of fighting evil by providing accurate information and connecting people with the resources they need. To be honest, I’ll read anything that Brosgol illustrates. Her artwork in this…

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Hansel & Gretel by Neil Gaiman

Art by Lorenzo Mattotti 3 stars Nicely told. This is a pretty standard version of the Hansel and Gretel story. We get all the elements we’ve come to expect: the siblings abandoned in the woods, the trails of stones and breadcrumbs, the house made of gingerbread, and the hungry old woman in the forest. Lorenzo…

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Native American Stories for Kids

12 Traditional Stories from Indigenous Tribes Across North America by Tom Pecore Weso Illustrated by Gloria Félix 4 stars A nice collection of stories from tribal nations throughout North America. The stories cover different topics from creation to explaining nature to codes of conduct. Groups included are the Menominee, Navajo/Diné, Athabascan, Cherokee, Zuni Pueblo/A:shiwi, Cheyenne,…

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All We Need is Love and a Really Soft Pillow!

by Peter H. Reynolds and Henry Rocket Reynolds 5 stars An absolutely adorable picture book about the necessities of life. This is such a sweet book. I absolutely loved it! Poppy is sure that all he and his child need is love. But Little One keeps suggesting more and more comforts to make their simple…

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The Queen of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes

Illustrated by Vanessa Brantley-Newton 5 stars A sweet companion book to The King of Kindergarten. MJ’s mom gives her a tiara to wear on the first day of school and tells her how to be a good queen. This includes brightening up the room, being caring and kind, and helping others. MJ does just that, making…

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Bera the One-Headed Troll by Eric Orchard

5 stars A reluctant hero, a lost baby, and a witch who will do anything to find them. I loved everything about this. Wonderful artwork with a perfect blend of weird, sweet, spooky, and beautiful. Bera is a pumpkin farmer who lives on an island with her loyal owl friend, Winslowe. After rescuing a human…

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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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