4 stars Delightfully strange. This book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who keep the universe working properly as they go up against sabotage, covert operations, and family struggles. Fascinating characters. Unique dynamics. Such an interesting story. Honestly, there were parts of the science and interworking that went right over my head, but it…
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by Joy Harjo Art by Dana Tiger 5 stars A stunning edition of a powerful poem of grief and healing. It was nice having read this poem previously in An American Sunrise: Poems. Because I was already familiar with the poem, I could focus on its interplay with the artwork in this edition. The poem itself…
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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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5 stars It took me way too long to start reading this but I am so glad I finally did. A hard-hitting and heartfelt book of family, human connection, grief, activism, and empowerment. Wonderfully written. This book evokes so many emotions: joy, sorrow, guilt, anger. There are so many difficult topics including death, police shootings,…
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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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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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by Yuta Takahashi Translated by Cat Anderson 5 stars Cozy, reflective, and soothing. The Chibineko Kitchen provides a unique opportunity. There you can receive a special kagezen, a remembrance meal, which may come with the chance to talk to a deceased loved one again. Told through a collection of interconnected stories, follow those seeking connection…
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2.5 stars After taking a leave of absence for her mental health, Darcy returns to her job as a public librarian. The last thing she needs is more difficulties, but she’ll have to deal with aggressive journalists, creepy emails, book bans, and protesters. Okay read. I expected to enjoy this more than I did. I…
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Illustrated by Brizida Magro 5 stars A heartfelt story of loss, grief, and keeping the memory of loved ones alive. After the death of his brother, a young boy sees the holes in his life that are left behind. But through talking with a friend about Matty and letting out his feelings, he learns to…
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Illustrated by John Picacio 4 stars While her family prepares for Dia de Muertos, Cala does not feel like celebrating. She misses her grandfather and can’t stop thinking of him. At the cemetery, Cala is separated from her family and encounters some mysterious horsemen that give her some valuable insight. A fascinating representation of the…
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