Every Day I Read: 53 Ways to Get Closer to Books

by Hwang Bo-reum Translated by Shanna Tan Narrated by Rosa Escoda 3 stars A delightfully cozy collection of essays about the joys and comfort of books and reading. Bo-reum shares different ways to read more and connect more deeply with the books you read. Nicely written with an interesting blend of literature, memoir, and moments…

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The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest by Aubrey Hartman

Illustrated by Marcin Minor Narrated by Marisa Calin 4 stars Follow the tale of Clare, an undead fox who ushers animals into one of the four realms of the afterlife: Peace, Pleasure, Progress, or Pain. Clare loves his undeath as an usher, his cozy home, and his garden of mushrooms. But when the spirit of…

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CeeCee: Underground Railroad Cinderella by Shana Keller

Illustrated by Laura Freeman 5 stars A wonderful book blending history, fairy tales, and biblical stories. Much like Cinderella, CeeCee is mistreated and disrespected. As an enslaved girl in the household, she is ordered around, isn’t allowed to learn, and is locked away in the attic whenever she is caught looking at books. The only…

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A Most Unusual Princess (Cursed Princess Club #1)

by Michelle Knudsen 5 stars I absolutely love the Cursed Princess Club graphic novels. Because of that, I was a little nervous to read the novelization of the series, but Knudsen did not disappoint. She perfectly captures the characters and provides humorous descriptions and narration that matches the original imagery. I haven’t read the first…

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Suitor Armor, Vol. 3 by Purpah

4 stars Things have certainly gotten complicated for fairy-in-hiding Lucia. After learning some dark truths about the world around her, Lucia can’t go back to her normal life. Everything has changed, straining her relationship with Lady Kirsi and the others in the castle. Memories, mysteries, and secrets will unravel in this continuation of the story….

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Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh

5 stars A beautiful story of family, friendship, and adventure. When Ah-ma doesn’t return from her latest geozoological adventure, Lu sets out to find her in time to see the sunfish eclipse together. Along the way, she’ll use what she’s learned from her grandmother to identify the fascinating geofauna she encounters and help restore balance…

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Where There Is Love: A Story in African Proverbs

by Shauntay Grant Illustrated by Letícia Moreno 5 stars A delightfully cozy story of a young girl’s visit to Nana’s house filled with good food, good music, and good conversation. Nicely written with straight-forward text. I love how the proverbs are worked into the story as the girl shares what she has learned at Nana’s…

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Suitor Armor, Vol. 2 by Purpah

4 stars Another fascinating collection. In the second volume, Lucia starts her mage apprenticeship, Modeus learns more about the complicated world of humans, and Lady Kirsi makes a breakthrough in her relationship with King Reimund. But recent events have opened Lucia’s eyes and she makes her question whether what she thought she knew of the…

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Sweet Magic (Witchycakes #1) by Kara LaReau

Illustrated by Ariane Moreira 5 stars A delightfully sweet story of magic, problem-solving, and helping others. Welcome to Shellville! Join Blue as they deliver orders for their mother’s bakery and help people all over town. From missing guinea pigs to big messes to keeping a loved one’s memory alive, Blue practices their magic and comes…

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What Do We Know About Zombies? by Meg Belviso

4 stars An interesting introduction into the history of zombies and how they went from the obedient undead to the ravenous creatures we know today. The book covers various information related to zombies including the origin of zombies in Vodou, their evolution through mass media, real-world parasites and diseases, children’s pop culture, and survival tips….

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