Black Girl You Are Atlas by Renée Watson

Artwork by Ekua Holmes 4 stars A fantastic collection of poetry. Absolutely stunning. Powerful words and a wonderful variety of poems. Watson pulls from her own life experiences to highlight issues of race, gender, and class in America. The collection covers topics such as growing up, hair, violence against Black people, family, community, love, influential…

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This Monster Wants to Eat Me, Vol. 1 by Sai Naekawa

Translated by Caleb Cook 4 stars Hinako want to die. Shiori wants to eat her. It’s a perfect match. After the traumatic loss of her family, Hinako finds continuing to live a chore. But after she’s attacked by yokai, saved by a beautiful mermaid, then befriended by the mermaid who wants to eat her, her…

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Rafa and the Wrong Legs by Angie Lucas

Illustrated by Ana Sanfelippo 4 stars A sweet story about what to do when you get separated from your grownup. Rafa is shopping with his Mama when he pursues a stray berry and loses sight of her. How will he ever find Mama in the sea of wrong legs? Wonderfully written. I loved the alliteration…

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Winnie-the-Pooh: The Graphic Novel Adaptation by Travis Dandro

Original story by A. A. Milne 3 stars A sweet graphic novel adaptation of some classic Hundred Acre Wood adventures. This book collects the stories from the first Winnie-the-Pooh book in an adorable comic-style presentation. Includes popular stories such as Pooh getting stuck in Rabbit’s front door, Kanga and Roo’s arrival, and the flooding of…

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Cat + Gamer Volume 6 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Another sweet volume of gaming adventures featuring Musubi, Soboro, and their human Kozakura. This volume is so heartwarming and fun, complete with new home furnishings, New Year’s celebrations, glitches, and the perfect way to revive your HP. From horror games to social games, I love how this series explores…

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Cat + Gamer Volume 5 by Wataru Nadatani

Translated by Zack Davisson 5 stars Another fantastically adorable collection of gaming and cat adventures! Follow Kozakura as she applies her gaming knowledge to her cats including the greed sensor, new features, and level grinding. There are some big moments in this volume including first baths, viral moments, and Kozakura’s 30th birthday. I absolutely love…

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 2

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars Another fascinating volume. Within the castle, Kokoro finds relief from the anxiety and pressure she feels in the outside world through connecting with the other students. But as summer begins, tensions rise and they realize they all have their own secrets….

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Plain Jane and the Mermaid by Vera Brosgol

5 stars Absolutely fantastic. Easily one of my new favorite books of all time. I wish I had this book as a kid. Jane has learned to accept her plainness. But after her parents’ death, her cousin is set to inherit everything including the house she lives in. Her only chance is to find someone…

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Lunar Boy by Jes Wibowo and Cin Wibowo

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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A Kids Book About Juneteenth by Garrison Hayes

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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