Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales

Illustrated by Luisa Uribe 5 stars A touching story of one girl’s journey from Mexico where she lived with her grandmother to New York to reunite with her parents and brother. There she learns a new language and gets used to her new home, making friends, attending school, and dreaming of the future. Nicely written….

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Call Us What We Carry by Amanda Gorman

3 stars A nice collection of poetry. Includes topics of COVID-19, connection, history, racism, war, loneliness, politics, and grief. I enjoyed the different styles used and the various forms the poems take, from erasure poems to a screenplay, found poetry to concrete poems. The formatting is visually interesting, utilizing different page colors, shapes, and orientations…

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Food-Related Stories by Gaby Melian

3 stars A little book with a lot of heart. A sweet collection focusing on the power of food and connection. Follow Melian in this mini-memoir as she discovers her love of cooking, explores all her senses, and revisits memories of food and family. A nice look at the meaning we place on food, cooking,…

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Garlic and the Vampire (Garlic #1) by Bree Paulsen

5 stars I honestly had no idea what to expect going into this, but I absolutely loved it. All the stars for this one! The last thing the anxious Garlic wants is adventure. She is content hanging out with her friend Carrot and tending to her garden. But when a vampire arrives at a nearby…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 11

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 5 stars A bittersweet ending to a beautiful series. After learning how he was cursed and where Shiva came from, Teacher grapples with a difficult decision: keep his soul and retain his memories or give it up in the hope of reuniting with Shiva. This was such a satisfying…

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The People Remember by Ibi Zoboi

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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The Walking Cat: A Cat’s-Eye-View of the Zombie Apocalypse Vols. 1-3

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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Adventures with My Daddies by Gareth Peter

Illustrated by Garry Parsons 5 stars Absolutely adorable. This is such a cute book and a pleasure to read. Join a family on their bedtime adventures as they read stories and let their imaginations run wild. Sweet rhymes, action-packed illustrations, and wonderful messages about what makes a family. This rhythmic picture book is perfect for…

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