by Kit Rosewater Illustrated by Sophie Escabasse 4 stars A fast-paced story of leadership, making room for new friends, and sharing a love of roller derby. Best friends Kenzie and Shelly (a.k.a. Kenzilla and Bomb Shell) long to play roller derby but they’re too young. That is, until a new Junior Derby League starts up….
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by Philip C. Stead 2 stars Full disclosure, I listened to the audiobook of this and think that may have hindered my enjoyment of the book. I fully expected to enjoy this one. It had a Terry Pratchett feel to it so I really thought I’d love it, but the whole book just fell through…
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Illustrated by Jerry Pinkney 4 stars A beautifully written story, the first book of the Logan Family Saga showcases the bravery, creative problem solving, and resolve of the Logans. Cassie loves the forest on her family’s property. No matter what her brother says, she knows she hears the trees singing. But then the siblings witness…
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5 stars A powerful story depicting a child’s-eye view of racism is the 1930s. Narrated by Cassie, the book follows the Logan family as they fight for survival in Depression-era Mississippi. Join Cassie as she goes to school, helps with the household, and deals with her annoying siblings. But as Cassie gets older, there are…
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3 stars When the Solstice Blessing turns into a violent political coup, twins Grayson and Hawke must flee their home. They find refuge in the Communion of Blue where girls and women learn to spin the threads of reality. While Hawke (now Hanna) feels stifled and wants nothing more than to avenge the family and…
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by Lily Williams and Karen Schneemann Illustrated by Lily Williams 5 stars A fantastic story of friendship, activism, and the fight for period equity. I loved this story and its characters from the very first page. When Sasha gets her first period at school, it feels like the end of the world. Until she meets…
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Illustrated by Marcin Minor Narrated by Marisa Calin 4 stars Follow the tale of Clare, an undead fox who ushers animals into one of the four realms of the afterlife: Peace, Pleasure, Progress, or Pain. Clare loves his undeath as an usher, his cozy home, and his garden of mushrooms. But when the spirit of…
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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…
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5 stars This was such a fun read! Humor, magic, and adventure collide in this fast-paced story with plenty of heartfelt moments. With adventurers for parents, the Wolf-Drake household is anything but normal. But when their parents’ latest quest goes longer than expected and the youngest starts exhibiting strange powers that should have been chased…
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4 stars A fast-paced adventure of magic, mystery, and friendship. Yumi was born into a family of Crickets. Unfortunately, she hasn’t quite figured out her magic. But when a surprise invitation leads her to the capital, she sees it as an opportunity to hone her metal working skills. That is, until the Firefly Crown goes…
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