Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome (Sarai Gonzalez #1)

by Sarai Gonzalez and Monica Brown Illustrated by Christine Almeda 4 stars A nice, upbeat chapter book about working together, helping others, and what it means to be awesome. When she learns her grandparents will have to move from their home, Sarai Gonzalez uses her skills in baking, dance, and problem-solving to help them. I…

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Marley’s Pride by Joëlle Retener

Illustrated by DeAnn Wiley 5 stars An adorable story highlighting that there is no right or wrong way to celebrate Pride. Marley’s grandparent Zaza is getting ready for the Pride celebration where they will receive an award. Marley wants to be there with them, but the crowds and noise make them nervous. With the support…

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Challah for Shabbat Tonight by Sara Holly Ackerman

Illustrated by Alona Millgram 5 stars In this delightful rhyming and rhythmic story, join the narrator and her grandmother as they bake challah for the Shabbat. Well-written and engaging. Told through catchy rhymes, the book goes through each step of making challah, from mixing together the ingredients and waiting for the dough to rise to…

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Love without Bounds: An IntersectionAllies Book about Families

by Drs. Chelsea Johnson, LaToya Council, and Carolyn Choi Illustrated by Ashley Seil Smith 4 stars A wonderful exploration of some of the different ways people can be part of a family told through rhyming narration. Each page spread introduces readers to a new family who represents different concepts. The book shows different types of…

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Jane Steele by Lyndsay Faye

5 stars Ever read a book and get frustrated by the silly choices the main character makes? Ever wish the character had just killed off the antagonist instead of drawing out the problem? This novel scratches that itch and it was so satisfying. A fascinating exploration of the twisted road one’s life can take based…

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Strange Pictures by Uketsu

Translated by Jim Rion 5 stars An oddly fascinating collection of macabre tales featuring strange drawings and dark secrets. Well-constructed and deeply intriguing. Its format of interconnected logic puzzles paired with a dark tone really pulled me in. Mind-bending in the best of ways. Each tale invites the reader to solve the clues along with…

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Moomin: The Complete Tove Jansson Comic Strip, Vol. 3 by Tove Jansson

4 stars Delightful as always. Join the Moomin family in this volume where adventure takes the lead as they adapt to life in the jungle, encounter visitors from Mars, become lighthouse keepers, and more. Wonderfully odd stories and charming artwork filled with humor. The third collection of comics includes “Moomin Falls in Love”, “Moominvalley Turns…

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Old Clothes for Dinner?! by Nathalie Alonso

Illustrated by Natalia Rojas Castro 4 stars A humorous picture book that explores the unique names we give certain dishes. Magaly loves her abuela’s cooking, but when she learns they’ll be eatin ropa vieja for dinner, she starts hiding her “old clothes” so they don’t end up in the pot. Delightful humor. Bright, warm illustrations….

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Please Be OK: A Story about Addiction by Diane O’Neill

Illustrated by Anastasiya Kanavaliuk 4 stars Fiona loves spending time with her older brother, Dylan, but lately Dylan has been acting differently. He rarely leaves his room and Fiona notices him acting strangely. They’ve always been a team, but now Fiona must decide whether to tell her parents about Dylan’s odd behavior. A heartfelt story…

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