Ghostwriter: A Match of Wills by Eric Weiner

Illustrated by Eric Velasquez 3 stars There’s a mystery and the Ghostwriter team is on the case. Jamal receives a mysterious inheritance from a woman he befriended at the community center. But he has to solve the clues and retrieve it before the woman’s greedy son can snatch it away. Help Jamal and the team…

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Ghostwriter: Courting Danger and Other Stories

by Dina Anastasio Illustrated by Eric Velasquez 4 stars Just started rewatching this show that I loved as a kid. Was definitely fun to dive into a few of the books. This one was really fun. Each story is presented as its own mystery and the Ghostwriter team collects clues. At the end, they solve…

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Big by Vashti Harrison

5 stars A touching and empowering picture book about the associations attached to words, the way our words affect others and ourselves, and the freedom of allowing yourself to take up space. Simple narration with a powerful message. The story shows the shift in childhood from when “big” is seen as a good thing (“What…

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Mama and Mommy and Me in the Middle by Nina LaCour

Illustrated by Kaylani Juanita 4 stars This is all around a touching and wholesome story. While Mommy leaves on a work trip, the main character stays home with Mama. They go about their daily routines, but things are a little different without Mommy. Works well for discussing missing someone and waiting for them to come…

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Black Roses: Odes Celebrating Powerful Black Women

by Harold Green III Illustrated by Melissa Koby 3 stars Such a great idea for a poetry collection. Pulling from various fields including sports, politics, music, art, and activism, Green highlights powerful Black women who have impacted and inspired him. This includes women such as Tarana Burke, Misty Copeland, Kamala Harris, Janelle Monáe, Nikole Hannah-Jones,…

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Not He or She, I’m Me by A. M. Wild

Illustrated by Kah Yangni 3 stars A cute picture book following a child’s typical day – eating breakfast, going to school, and hanging out with friends. Throughout, there is a catchy refrain, affirming the child’s nonbinary identity and celebrating they/them pronouns. Simple and nice. The artwork is sweet with fun collage-style visuals and a mix…

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Rainbow Brite, Vol. 1 by Jeremy Whitley

Art by Brittney Williams, Xenia Pamfil, and Christine Hipp 4 stars When I saw Jeremy Whitley was coming out with a new Rainbow Brite story, I was so excited. This volume did not disappoint. Best friends, Wisp and Willow, bring big adventure to their small town with their amazing imaginations. But when Wisp has a…

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Princess Unlimited by Jacob Sager Weinstein

Illustrated by Raissa Figueroa 3 stars A fun twist of an adventure story with humor, kindness, and bravery all its own. Princess Susan is worried about her kingdom’s dragon problem, but her parents are too concerned with buying sparkles and frills to do much about it. The enterprising princess takes matters into her own hands…

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Song in the City by Daniel Bernstrom

Illustrated by Jenin Mohammed 5 stars A beautiful story of stopping to appreciate the world around you, sharing experiences, and changing perspectives. Told through rhythmic text, the book tells the story of Emmalene and Grandma Jean’s journey to church. On the way, Emmalene listens to the song of the city, but Grandma Jean doesn’t have…

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Repeat After Me: Big Things to Say Every Day

by Jazmyn Simon and Dulé Hill Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice 5 stars Short and sweet review because this book has me smiling so big. A stunning picture book filled with positive affirmations to repeat every day. Each spread contains a daily affirmation along with a poem that expands on it. The illustrations are absolutely gorgeous….

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