4 stars Mia doesn’t feel fully connected to her Jewish identity. She looks different than most of the kids at her Jewish day school (some of whom are quick to point it out) and she feels disconnected from her Muscogee identity. So she decides to visit her father in Oklahoma to learn more about Muscogee…
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Illustrated by Olga and Aleksey Ivanov Narrated by Christopher Hampton 5 stars I’ll admit I put off reading this one because I didn’t think I’d ever like a Western. But oh my gosh, this book was so good. Will and his father set out from Texas to Oklahoma to stake their claim during the Land…
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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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by Lisa Manuzak Wiley 3 stars After a magical teapot goes missing at the Harvest Fest, witch sisters Juniper, Lily, and Clover are on the case. Their investigation will take them through Pepperwood Bay and under the sea as they follow leads and work through sisterly disputes. I really enjoyed the artwork. Dynamic movement with…
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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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