The Color of Us: My First Book of Skin Colors

Illustrated by Edward Miller Consultant: Lezette Rivera 4 stars A sweet board book celebrating different skin colors. I loved the interactive aspects of the book, from the spinning wheel to a spot to look at and incorporate your own skin color to those presented in the book. Talks about people having different skin colors and…

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The Rainbow Parade: A Celebration of LGBTQIA+ Identities and Allies

By Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix Illustrated by Jieting Chen Back matter by Christy L. Olezeski, PhD. 4 stars A sweet, inclusive book encouraging readers to be true to themselves and support others. Beautiful, vibrant illustrations wonderfully capture themes of color, joy, and diversity. Includes some great backmatter on the importance of compassion, pride, empathy,…

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My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino

Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz 4 stars A sweet picture book following a family through their day and showcasing how they show their love. From a trip to the farm and car singalongs to bath time and watching a storm, baby loves spending time with their two mothers and feeling their love. Lovely, soft, calming…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 3 by Kirro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Fantastic. When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I’m not much for reading romance. But I absolutely love the Library Forces and their fight against censorship. I’m really enjoying getting to learn more about the characters and…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 2 by Kirro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars An action-packed story of fighting against censorship. As a public librarian, I love this volume’s focus on privacy protections and equal protections being applied to all. A great second volume. The action really picks up as Iku continues her training with the Library Forces….

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Sustainable Badass: A Zero-Waste Lifestyle Guide by Gittemarie Johansen

Translated by Gittemarie Johansen, Jens Damborg Jens, and Christian Bredvig Fjordside 4 stars A great introduction to living more sustainably. I love the approach Johansen takes in this book. She recognizes that people don’t have the same abilities and privileges, and encourages readers to do what works for them and not to feel guilty about…

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A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill

4 stars A ranger who loses sight of who they are. A shepherd more focused on music than the sheep. Follow Rowan and Leone as they find the confidence to be their true selves. A gentle fantasy filled with stunning landscapes, soft moments, deepening connections, and fun characters. Not surprising for O’Neill, but the artwork…

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Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner

4 stars Following a traumatic school shooting, Bea takes up horseback riding to help her cope. We see glimpses of Bea’s life before and after the shooting, learning about her experience with cerebral palsy, her adopted mom Max, and her attempts to get her Little, Josie, to come out of her shell. A heartbreaking story….

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School-Live!, Vol. 3 by Norimitsu Kaihou

Illustrated by Sadoru Chiba Translated by Leighann Harvey 4 stars Back from their first field trip, the trio welcomes new addition, Miki, to their home and puts on a field day. As Miki slowly settles in to life at the school and learns more about the club’s past, she must decide whether to become an…

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