Mary Anning and the Great Fossil Discoveries

by Jordi Bayarri Translated by Sofia Huitron Martinez 2 stars This is the first book I’ve read in the GraphicScience Biographies series. The book goes through various events in Mary Anning’s life, sharing interesting stories, connections she made, and some of her wonderful discoveries and contributions to science. Touches on some of the hardships in…

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Komi Can’t Communicate by Tomohito Oda

Translated by John Werry 2 stars Tadano just wants to blend in at school. But when he meets Komi and discovers her difficulty talking to people, he resolves to help her, even when it puts unwanted attention on him. For me, this one was just okay. Based on the title, I assumed the story followed…

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The Good Hair Day by Christian Trimmer

Illustrated by J Yang 4 stars Such a sweet story. What Noah wants more than anything is long hair. But he isn’t sure if he can ask for it. Most of the boys and men in his life have short hair. Will he get the courage to ask to grow out his hair in time…

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Food Wars!: Shokugeki no Soma, Volume 1

by Yuto Tsukuda Illustrated by Shun Saeki Translated by Adrienne Beck 3.5 stars Hilarious and weird. It’s an odd one to rate. I’m not a huge fan service person, but I love the cooking aspect. I have watched the anime previously so I knew what I was getting into. For those unfamiliar with the series,…

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Legends & Lattes (Legends & Lattes) by Travis Baldree

5 stars A fantastic cozy fantasy filled with coffee, cats, and just enough danger to keep things interesting. This was such a sweet story. I loved going along for the ride on this low stakes, slice of life adventure. It was so satisfying to see all the pieces come together as Viv builds her dream…

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The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan

3 stars A tale of secret societies, spies, fantastic inventions, and flight. Adventure, humor, and history combine as the story interworks historical events with fantastical elements. A fun blend of text and illustrations to advance the story. A historical flight taken by a sheep, a rooster, and a duck; a plot to steal the plans…

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An American Story by Kwame Alexander

Art by Dare Coulter 5 stars Masterful. This book is hard-hitting, beautiful, powerful, hopeful, unabashed, and well-told. It acknowledges that the histories and realities of the past can be hard to face and difficult to discuss. But encourages us all to keep fighting for a better future. A story of hope and hardship, of remembering…

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Cape by Kevin Johnson

Illustrated by Kitt Thomas 5 star A truly beautiful story, well-told. Follow the events of a funeral as seen through the eyes of a child. The story perfectly captures the happy-sadness of remembering loved ones lost. A gorgeous reminder not to block out memories that make you sad, but to embrace them and find the…

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The Legend of Grimm’s Woods (Hocus & Poucs #1)

by Manuro Illustrated by Gorobei Translated by Mélanie Strang-Hardy 3.5 stars A fun adventure that puts you in charge of where to go next. Follow either Hocus or Pocus as they explore Grimm’s Woods in search of missing children. Along the way, you’ll collect stars, answer riddles, play games, and keep your magical creature fed…

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