The Hidden Magic of Walt Disney World, 3rd Edition

by Susan Veness 3 stars Uncover hidden magic in this interesting guidebook that dives in to all things Disney World. I really enjoyed reading about some of the hidden magic to look for around Disney World. Veness provides a variety of different details, some of which are obvious while others are a bit more cryptic…

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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,…

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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…

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Where There Is Love: A Story in African Proverbs

by Shauntay Grant Illustrated by Letícia Moreno 5 stars A delightfully cozy story of a young girl’s visit to Nana’s house filled with good food, good music, and good conversation. Nicely written with straight-forward text. I love how the proverbs are worked into the story as the girl shares what she has learned at Nana’s…

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Sweet Magic (Witchycakes #1) by Kara LaReau

Illustrated by Ariane Moreira 5 stars A delightfully sweet story of magic, problem-solving, and helping others. Welcome to Shellville! Join Blue as they deliver orders for their mother’s bakery and help people all over town. From missing guinea pigs to big messes to keeping a loved one’s memory alive, Blue practices their magic and comes…

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What Do We Know About Zombies? by Meg Belviso

4 stars An interesting introduction into the history of zombies and how they went from the obedient undead to the ravenous creatures we know today. The book covers various information related to zombies including the origin of zombies in Vodou, their evolution through mass media, real-world parasites and diseases, children’s pop culture, and survival tips….

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We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida

Translated by E. Madison Shimoda 2 stars Through a narrow alley in Kyoto lies the Nakagyō Kokoro Clinic for the Soul, rumored to help you with what you’re struggling with in life. All you have to do is find it and open the door. Follow a collection of people as they seek out the clinic…

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Finding Papa by Angela Pham Krans

Illustrated by Thi Bui 4 stars A heartfelt tale of family, hardship, reunion, and hope. Mai misses her father who went out to find a new home for his family. One day, Mama says they are going to go find Papa. But the journey is long and dangerous. Will they ever find Papa and their…

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Areli Is a Dreamer: A True Story by Areli Morales

Illustrated by Luisa Uribe 5 stars A touching story of one girl’s journey from Mexico where she lived with her grandmother to New York to reunite with her parents and brother. There she learns a new language and gets used to her new home, making friends, attending school, and dreaming of the future. Nicely written….

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Miso Magic by Moni Ritchie Hadley

Illustrated by Mizuho Fujisawa 5 stars A sweet story of traditions, family, and patience. Join Chiyoko as she learns how to make miso with her father. At first Chiyoko is bored with the chore, but soon she finds the magic in the process, enjoying the tradition and her family history. Nicely written and cozy with…

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