Strange Buildings by Uketsu (Strange Houses #2)

Translated by Jim Rion 5 stars Another unsettling exploration of truths revealed through a complex web of diary entries, interviews, magazine articles, and floorplans. After the popularity of Strange Houses within the novel, the author receives a variety of additional cases related to unique floorplans, strange renovations, and odd buildings. As he explores the stories,…

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This Day in June by Gayle E. Pitman

Illustrated by Kristyna Litten 4 stars A sweet, simple little book depicting common events at a pride parade. Told through rhyming text paired with colorful illustrations, this acts as a sweet little story for young children, and a helpful guide for introducing specific topics as they get older. The text is very simple, generally consisting…

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The Librarian of Basra: A True Story from Iraq

by Jeanette Winter 4 stars The powerful story of Alia Muhammad Baker, the brave librarian who save 70% of her library collection during the Iraq War. The book focuses on Baker’s efforts to move the books to safe locations as the war nears Basra. It ends with a message of hope amid the chaos. The…

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Thomas’ Snowsuit by Robert Munsch

Illustrated Michael Martchenko 4 stars A goofy little story about a boy and his ugly snowsuit. When Thomas’ mother buys him a new snowsuit, he refuses to wear it. It is just too ugly. His mother gets him into the snowsuit and sends him off to school. But at recess, Thomas again refuses to wear…

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Brave Molly by Brooke Boynton-Hughes

5 stars A heartfelt, wordless tale that shows that bravery is being scared and doing it anyway. Molly is an introvert and mostly keeps to herself, but when she sees some kids talking about books, she longs to join in. The only problem? There’s a monster that follows her everywhere she goes. When Molly tries…

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Magick Hoodoo Child by Amber McBride

Illustrated by Violeta Encarnación 5 stars A beautiful picture book that celebrates a young girl’s connections to her grandmother, her ancestors, nature, and hoodoo. It’s the end of the school year and Juniper can’t wait to get away from the bullies at her school and visit her grandmother for the summer. There she will connect…

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The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister

4 stars So weird. When a Haddesley patriarch dies, he is released into the bog. In return, the bog produces a bog wife for the new patriarch to continue the compact between the two entities. At least, that’s how the Haddesley siblings have been told it’s supposed to happen. But when their father dies, the…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 5 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars So conflicted about this volume. I absolutely loved the trial sequence. Great tension and some fun twists as Penelope figures out how to get herself out of the main episode’s current predicament. We also finish up the royal hunting tournament. I don’t love the…

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Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 4 by Suol

Original Story by Gwon Gyeoeul Translated by Ah Cho 3 stars The Eckharts join the hunting tournament on the palace grounds. Not to be left behind, Penelope heads off into the small-game area only to lose her way and come face-to-face with a dangerous foe. An unexpected acquaintance comes to her aid, but there is…

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