Lost Legends of Nothing (Nothing #2)

by Alejandra Green and Fanny Rodriguez 4 stars Another fun adventure into the world of Nothing. This one starts out the same as the first. Nathan wakes up in a strange place. But this time, he’s on a mission. He must reunite with his friends, find the truth about Lerina, and stop Stryx. With Nothing…

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Moon’s Ramadan by Natasha Khan Kazi

5 stars A stunning picture book that shows how Ramadan is celebrated all around the world. Follow Moon through her different phases as she watches people fast, gather for Iftar, do kind acts, collect for charity, pray, and come together. From Indonesia to the UK to Somalia to Argentina to the US, Khan Kazi beautifully…

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The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels

by Beth Lincoln Illustrated by Claire Powell 5 stars An absolutely fantastic read. Lincoln creates a fun blend of The Westing Game and Lemony Snicket with a style and characters all her own. Each member of the Swift family is named by the Family Dictionary with the expectation they will live up to their name. But Shenanigan isn’t so…

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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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Ikenga by Nnedi OkoraforIkenga

3 stars A fascinating superhero origin story steeped in Nigerian culture and lore. After the murder of his father, the chief of police, Nnamdi vows to avenge his death. The means to actualize that vow come with a powerful artifact, an ikenga, which gives him unparalleled abilities. Will revenge settle Nnamdi’s restlessness or is the…

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Amara and the Bats by Emma Reynolds

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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A Big Mooncake for Little Star by Grace Lin

5 stars A delightfully sweet story with a fun spin to explain the phases of the moon. Perfect for reading during the Mid-Autumn Moon Festival or any time you’re looking for a tasty story. Little Star’s mother makes a big mooncake and hangs it in the sky to cool. She instructions Little Star not to…

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Powwow Day by Traci Sorell

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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Willodeen by Katherine Applegate

Illustrated by Charles Santoso 5 stars A new favorite from Katherine Applegate! I loved this story. A beautiful representation of how plants and animals coexist and form mutually beneficial relationships. It show demonstrates human intervention can unintendedly alter that balance with unintended consequences. A blend of eco-mystery and coming of age with a touch of…

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Just the Right Cake by Christina Tosi

Illustrated by Emily Balsley 5 stars A delectable read about finding the right cake to tell your story. Phil loves baking with his parents, but after their divorce, things are different. His favorite recipe doesn’t feel right anymore. After talking it out with his friend, inspiration strikes, and Phil creates something entirely new, a blending…

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