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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Shark Girl by Kate Beaton

3 stars An odd little story with nice age-appropriate messaging about ethical fishing practices. The story follows Shark Girl who, after witnessing human irresponsibility and greedy fishing practices, decides to take revenge by starting a mutiny. A nice blend of humor and an examination of human nature. Showcases both the good and the bad of…

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Lily the Pond Mermaid by Lucy Fleming

3 stars A sweet story about a pond mermaid and her overwhelming worries. Lily does everything she can to help her friends who live in and around the pond. But she worries that the responsibility is just too much for her to handle alone. After a major storm, Lily finds the courage to talk to…

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Little Bird Laila by Kelly Yang

Illustrated by Xindi Yan 5 stars A touching story filled with sweet moments and delightful humor. Laila is used to translating things from English to Chinese for her parents. But one day, she decides to do something bigger. She sets out to teach them English. Together, the family learns from one another, figuring out all…

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My Moms Love Me by Anna Membrino

Illustrated by Joy Hwang Ruiz 4 stars A sweet picture book following a family through their day and showcasing how they show their love. From a trip to the farm and car singalongs to bath time and watching a storm, baby loves spending time with their two mothers and feeling their love. Lovely, soft, calming…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 3 by Kirro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars Fantastic. When I first started this series, I wasn’t sure if I’d like it because I’m not much for reading romance. But I absolutely love the Library Forces and their fight against censorship. I’m really enjoying getting to learn more about the characters and…

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Library Wars: Love & War, Vol. 2 by Kirro Yumi

Original Concept by Hiro Arikawa Translated by Kinami Watabe 4 stars An action-packed story of fighting against censorship. As a public librarian, I love this volume’s focus on privacy protections and equal protections being applied to all. A great second volume. The action really picks up as Iku continues her training with the Library Forces….

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A Song for You and I by K. O’Neill

4 stars A ranger who loses sight of who they are. A shepherd more focused on music than the sheep. Follow Rowan and Leone as they find the confidence to be their true selves. A gentle fantasy filled with stunning landscapes, soft moments, deepening connections, and fun characters. Not surprising for O’Neill, but the artwork…

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Please Pay Attention by Jamie Sumner

4 stars Following a traumatic school shooting, Bea takes up horseback riding to help her cope. We see glimpses of Bea’s life before and after the shooting, learning about her experience with cerebral palsy, her adopted mom Max, and her attempts to get her Little, Josie, to come out of her shell. A heartbreaking story….

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