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,…

Read More

Lu and Ren’s Guide to Geozoology by Angela Hsieh

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…

Read More

Is This a Cry for Help? by Emily Austin

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…

Read More

The Hole by Lindsay Bonilla

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…

Read More

The Invisible Parade by Leigh Bardugo

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…

Read More

Hidden Strings by K. J. Mist

2 stars After the death of her grandmother, Tessa’s family takes over the Fairy Tale Family Fun Park & RV Campground. They hire a new puppeteer to run the puppet show, but instead of cute stories like her grandmother told, Liza tells spinechilling ones. As strange things start happening on the campground, Tessa wonders if…

Read More

Missing Violet by Kelly Swemba

Illustrated by Fabiana Faiallo 5 stars A sweet picture book for helping children cope with the death of a friend or classmate. Violet is Mia’s best friend. She brings sunshine to every day. But after Violet dies, everything changes. With the help of others, Mia is able to learn ways to remember, grieve, and say…

Read More

The Boy and the Gorilla by Jackie Azúa Kramer

Illustrated by Cindy Derby 4 stars A gentle story of grief and loss that presents ways to keep a person with you after they are gone. After the death of his mother, a young boy must cope with the ways his life has changed and the grief he feels at her absence. A wise gorilla…

Read More