Stitches of Tradition (Gashkigwaaso Tradition) by Marcie Rendon

Illustrated by Mangeshig Pawis-Steckley 4 stars A sweet, gentle story of tradition, family, and ceremony. As Tatiana grows, her grandmother makes her different ribbon skirts to celebrate important events. Each skirt portrays meaning through the colors and symbols used. Sweet and lyrical. A touching story of quality time spent with grandparents, the accomplishments of women…

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Ping-Pong Shabbat: The True Story of Champion Estee Ackerman

by Ann Diament Koffsky Illustrated by Abigail Rajunov 4 stars A wonderful nonfiction picture book that tells the story of Estee Ackerman’s choice between celebrating Shabbat with her family and competing in the US National Table Tennis Championships. Nicely written. A great example of choosing what is right for you. I love how supportive Ackerman’s…

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School-Live!, Vol. 2 by Norimitsu Kaihou

Illustrated by Sadoru Chiba Translated by Leighann Harvey 4 stars A school club, a promising idea, and the zombie apocalypse. In this volume, the School Living club goes on their first field trip off school grounds together. We also get some background on a new character, Miki, who has been living in the zombie-infested mall….

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Free to Learn: How Alfredo Lopez Fought for the Right to Go to School

by Cynthia Levinson Illustrated by Mirelle Ortega 4 stars A powerful fictionalized account that tells the story of Plyler v. Doe, which mandated free public school education for all US residents regardless of immigration status. This nonfiction picture book follows Alfredo Lopez who loves school where he can learn and see his friends. But one…

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My Cat is Such a Weirdo Vol. 1 by Tamako Tamagoyama

Translated by Elina Ishikawa 4 stars A hilarious and relatable collection of comics perfect for cat-lovers. Tamako Tamagoyama shares the strange behaviors of her two rescue cats, Ton-chan and Shino-san. Includes relatable adventures in living with a cat such as intense cat stares, nail cutting, navigating the dynamics of a two-cat household, converting husbands to…

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The Girl from the Other Side: Siúil, A Rún, Vol. 8

by Nagabe Translated by Adrienne Beck 4 stars Ah, my heart can’t take this! In order to save Shiva, Teacher must make an unbearable decision, but can their relationship withstand his choice? Beautiful artwork. An intriguing story. I absolutely adore these characters. This volume takes quite the turn. We also get a peek at how…

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Lonely Castle in the Mirror, Vol. 1

Story by Mizuki Tsujimura Illustrated by Tomo Taketomi Translated by Jacqueline Fung 4 stars I watched the anime adaptation and absolutely loved it so of course I had to check out the manga. The first volume did not disappoint. Plagued with intense stomach pains, Kokoro is staying home again. But today is different. Today she…

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The Wild Ones by Megan Lacera & Jorge Lacera

Illustrated by Jorge Lacera 4 stars A short and sweet comics-style picture book. Absolutely adorable. Four friends are convinced there is a monster living in the forest near their shared apartment building, Wild Oaks. They just can’t decide which monster (and their favored snack). When their beloved apartment building is scheduled for demolition, they turn…

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