3 stars A sweet story based on the author’s memories of attending Pride parades with their mothers. To be in the parade, Emily knows you have to be loud, proud, and colorful, but is Emily enough of those things to participate? With the encouragement of Mama and Mommy, Emily learns there is no one way…
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3.5 stars Wei has always loved lion dancing. But after his father’s death, Wei quits his team and gives up on his dream. Years later, Wei gets a second chance at lion dancing. Will he be able to push through all of the obstacles to do what he loves? A nice story about what it…
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Illustrated by Hala Tahboub 5 stars An absolutely beautiful story about being there for those you care about when they’re grieving. As different people in his life experience loss, the narrator wants to help them, but they all seem to need different things. The narrator learns there is no one-size-fits-all approach and that just being…
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Illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell 5 stars A beautiful story of grief, loss, and remembering. The narrator and her grandfather have a special box of treasures that is all their own. Together, they add to the collection. But when her grandfather passes away, the narrator doesn’t want to open the box anymore; it will just…
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Illustrated by Kat Fajardo 5 stars Another wonderful volume in The Kids in Mrs. Z’s Class series. The third book follows Poppy Song, who loves baking and spending time with her grandmother. Poppy can’t wait for her grandmother, Po Po, to be the Valued Visitor in Mrs. Z’s class. But when Po Po starts acting…
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Illustrated by Coma Hashii Translated by Jocelyne Allen 4 stars Noshiro and Sanada’s friendship continues to grow, but their relationships with others complicate things. In this volume, Ayumi reveals her own feelings and we meet Makoto who develops a huge crush on Noshiro. Now Noshiro and Sanada must reflect on what they want for themselves…
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Illustrated by Kitt Thomas 5 stars Another powerful story from Abrams. After witnessing a classmate have to give his tray back when he can’t pay for lunch at school, Stacey decides to do something about it with the help of her friends and family. Even though public speaking makes Stacey uncomfortable, she knows using her…
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5 stars Ever read a book and get frustrated by the silly choices the main character makes? Ever wish the character had just killed off the antagonist instead of drawing out the problem? This novel scratches that itch and it was so satisfying. A fascinating exploration of the twisted road one’s life can take based…
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Translated by Jim Rion 5 stars An oddly fascinating collection of macabre tales featuring strange drawings and dark secrets. Well-constructed and deeply intriguing. Its format of interconnected logic puzzles paired with a dark tone really pulled me in. Mind-bending in the best of ways. Each tale invites the reader to solve the clues along with…
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Illustrated by Kat Fajardo 4 stars After his mom gives a presentation to his class about starting your own business, Rohan is inspired to create a new pet-sitting business to raise funds for the school garden. The only problem? He doesn’t have much experience with pets and if he’s honest… they make him a little…
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