Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans

Illustrated by Thi Bui 4 stars A heartfelt tale of family, hardship, reunion, and hope. Mai misses her father who went out to find a new home for his family. One day, Mama says they are going to go find Papa. But the journey is long and dangerous. Will they ever find Papa and their…

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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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Huda F Wants to Know? (Huda #3) by Huda Fahmy

5 stars Another hilarious, touching, and insightful story based on Huda Fahmy’s high school experiences. Huda has her whole junior year figured out. At least, she thinks she does. Until her parents announce they’re getting a divorce. Now she’s having a hard time dealing with her grades, her sisters, her parents, and her best friend….

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Love of the Half-Eaten Peach by Lee Wing

Illustrated by Jieting Chen 5 stars A stunning fictionalized depiction of the story of Yuan, Duke Ling of Wei, and Mi Zi Xia. This gorgeous story showcases their love in China in 500 B.C.E. Yuan is told he must strive to be perfect in his rule. But since nothing is perfect, how can he possible…

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Nour’s Secret Library by Wafa’ Tarnowska

Illustrated by Vali Mintzi 5 stars A beautiful story of hope and light in dark times and the power of books. When war reaches their home in Damascus, cousins Nour and Amir band together to create a secret library. Together with their friends and neighbors, they collect books from abandoned homes and bombed buildings to…

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The Rainbow Parade by Emily Neilson

3 stars A sweet story based on the author’s memories of attending Pride parades with their mothers. To be in the parade, Emily knows you have to be loud, proud, and colorful, but is Emily enough of those things to participate? With the encouragement of Mama and Mommy, Emily learns there is no one way…

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A Song for Nolan by Rushie Ellenwood

Illustrated by Sally Chen 3 stars Nolan is excited to attend a friend’s birthday party at the roller rink. They pick out the perfect outfit and are ready for the festivities. But when the DJ announces “boys skate” and “girls skate”, Nolan doesn’t feel they belong. Based on a true story, this book is nice…

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What Happened to You? by James Catchpole

Illustrated by Karen George 4 stars A sweet story with important messages. Joe is playing pirates on the playground. When other kids see him, all they want to talk about is that he has one leg. Joe does his best to answer their questions, but really just wants to get back to his game. A…

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The Water Princess by Susan Verde

Illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds Based on the childhood experience of Georgie Badiel 5 stars A stunning picture book following a young girl’s daily journey to collect water for her family. Along the way, Gie Gie and her mother dance, sing, and socialize, bringing their own fun to the task. The story emphasizes the power…

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