Free Piano (Not Haunted) by Whitney Gardner

3 stars This one definitely pulled me in with that killer title. A fun story with great messages. Margot hates feeling invisible. Her mom is always at work, her dad is preoccupied with getting famous, and she’s not getting much attention for her song videos online. When she finds a discarded synthesizer, Margot sees it…

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The Boxcar Librarian by Briana Labuskes

3.5 stars Historical fiction with some mystery, a bit of romance, and plenty of drama. Join a cast of book-lovers as they navigate Depression era Montana. There’s Millie, a writer for the Federal Writers’ Project sent to Missoula to investigate a delivery scandal; Alice, a well-off woman who uses her influence to get books into…

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Ali and the Sea Stars by Ali Stroker

Illustrated by Gillian Reid 5 stars A sweet story of creativity, collaboration, perseverance, and creative problem solving. Ali loves performing. With a little inspiration, she decides to put on a show with her friends and family at the beach. But when a big storm rolls in and washes away the sets, the cast will have…

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Crank (Crank #1) by Ellen Hopkins

3 stars Kristina has lived most of her life trying to be perfect. But during a visit with her father, a new side of Kristina come out: Bree. Bree is everything Kristina is not; confident, bold, flirtatious, and unafraid to try to new things. With nothing else to do and the appeal of getting close…

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A Most Unusual Princess (Cursed Princess Club #1)

by Michelle Knudsen 5 stars I absolutely love the Cursed Princess Club graphic novels. Because of that, I was a little nervous to read the novelization of the series, but Knudsen did not disappoint. She perfectly captures the characters and provides humorous descriptions and narration that matches the original imagery. I haven’t read the first…

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The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas

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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Cursed Princess Club Volume Five by LambCat

5 stars I love this series and this volume did not disappoint. Gwen’s family life and the Cursed Princess Club collide as she hosts a dinner party at her home. The CPC will have to be on their best behavior while also carrying out a secret mission of their own – to learn more about…

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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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Miso Magic by Moni Ritchie Hadley

Illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa 5 stars A sweet story of traditions, family, and patience. Join Chiyoko as she learns how to make miso with her father. At first Chiyoko is bored with the chore, but soon she finds the magic in the process, enjoying the tradition and her family history. Nicely written and cozy with…

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