Illustrated by Loveis Wise 5 stars A fantastic book that blends the principles of Kwanzaa, Black history, poetry, and breathtaking artwork. Through moving verse, Zoboi takes the reader though time, recounting significant events in American history. The book remembers the joyful and freeing times as well as the dark and violent ones. From the Transatlantic…
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4 stars A beautiful story celebrating self-acceptance, friendship, family, and open communication. When Indu was young, he was found alone on the moon. Since then he’s lived happily with his adoptive mother on a spaceship. Now Indu is moving to New Earth to live with his mother and new stepfamily. That means Indu will have…
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by Laurel Snyder Illustrated by Dan Santat 3 stars Embark on a fairy tale adventure where you get to decide what happens next. Along the way, you’ll meet friends, foes, and the just plain weird. But beware and choose wisely. There are quite a few grisly endings. See how well you survive in a fairy…
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by Ann Hazzard and Vivianne Aponte Rivera Illustrated by Gloria Félix 3 stars A touching story about a young girl dealing with her father being taken to a detention center. One day Carmen’s father is arrested and taken away. Her mother explains that he doesn’t have the government papers he needs to stay. Through family…
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by Estela Juarez with Lissette Norman Illustrated by Teresa Martínez 5 stars A heartfelt story with a powerful message of hope, resilience, and using your voice to demand change. Estela lives happily with her family… until the government tells her mother she must return to the country she was born in. As part of coping…
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4 stars A beautiful collection of poetry celebrating the beauty of gardens, flowers, nature, and the seasons. While the collection focuses on gardens and nature, themes of death and love are also mixed in, rounding out the reading experience. The majority of the poets included are American as well as a few European poets and…
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4 stars A fantastic informational read. Provides a great detailed look at the history of Juneteenth for children and adults to read together. I love that this book doesn’t just end with emancipation but also discusses the years following, recognizing the continued inequalities and discrimination. The book covers important events in history including chattel slavery,…
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Illustrated by DeAndra Hodge 3 stars As a young girl enjoys the Juneteenth block party, she wonders what the first Juneteenth celebration was like. She talks to family and friends about their Juneteenth memories as they all share in the joy of the celebration. A nice look at some of the foods and activities associated…
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3 stars A sweet story following a young girl as her father explains the history and importance of Juneteenth. I loved that the book didn’t just stop with the news of the Emancipation Proclamation in Galveston, Texas. It recognizes the continued inequality afterward and those who fought and continue to fight for equality. The story…
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by Tomo Kitaoka Translated by Caleb D. Cook 4 stars It’s the zombie apocalypse and there’s danger around every corner. Follow Yuki, a charismatic and resourceful cat, as he navigates this new world, dodging zombies, meeting other survivors, and making a place for himself. Was definitely intrigued by the concept of this story, but was…
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