3 stars Set five years after a devastating hurricane, this novel-in-verse finds the community of Holgate, New Jersey still picking up the pieces. Follow Eliza as she deals with anxiety after facing the hurricane’s destruction firsthand, simultaneously fights for the preservation of the marshlands, and develops feelings for a wealthy new arrival to her island…
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5 stars Another fantastic story in the Berrybrook Middle School series. This book works in many of the issues brought up in the first book. It really focuses on bullying and the culture that normalizes it. I loved that the characters examine the deeper issues of bullying and the ways they can change their environment…
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4 stars An entertaining read about fighting the dragons in your life, both real and metaphorical, and living up to your dreams of becoming a knight. There are a lot of exciting changes happening in Imogene’s life. After being homeschooled, she starts middle school and becomes a squire-in-training at the Renaissance Faire where her parents…
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Illustrated by Meenal Patel 5 star An adorable story about one girl finding inspiration in the women she sees in her life. Flowing through various colors, Tima showcases women she admires and their special traits, associating each trait with the color of hijab the woman wears. Great variety of characteristics presented, from hardworking and stylish…
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5 stars Another fantastic volume in the Heartstopper series. This one is heavier than the previous volumes. While the others tend to be sweet with a hint of hardship, this one really focuses on the hardships of life and relationships. It deals with some serious topics including mental health, specifically eating disorders and references to…
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4 stars A powerful read about friendship and family with an emphasis on the continuous learning and action against prejudice, specifically racism and ableism. Nicely written. This book tackles quite a bit. From police shootings and microaggressions, to dissuading Deaf individuals from using ASL, to family making (intentional and unintentional) racist remarks. While it is…
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2.5 stars I am usually a huge fan of novels-in-verse so I was really excited to read this one. Maddie lives a relatively normal life. But when a state-wide evacuation takes place during a secret sleepover, Maddie finds herself alone. Can she figure out how to survive? Is anyone coming back for her? The premise…
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by Jacqueline Woodson 5 stars A beautiful novel that tackles many difficult topics in an approachable way. When a group of students are told by their teacher that every Friday they will meet without an adult in the old art room to talk about whatever they want, they are hesitant. But as the year goes…
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5 stars A wonderful picture book that tells the story of a big idea and a community coming together to make it happen. Amara loves bats. But when she moves to a new town, there are none in sight. With the help of the park ranger along with her new friends and neighbors, Amara helps…
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Illustrated by Madelyn Goodnight 4 stars A delightful picture book centered on hope, community, and recovery. River is excited for powwow day. But still recovering from an unnamed illness, she is too tired to join in the dancing. Finding strength in the drum beat and the remembering the meaning of the dances, River feels the…
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