Another winner in this series featuring a very thoughtful main character. Perfect to help discuss quiet complex emotions. –Earl, Green Bean Books, Portland, OR We think the world would be a better place if more people were equipped with tools to handle their emotions. Read a book like this by yourself or with someone, and …
Dear Bookseller, I was 14 when I traumatically lost ~50% of my hearing. As I grappled with this loss, my Generalized Anxiety Disorder skyrocketed. For years after, my only solace was found in stories—I’d get lost in books, focusing on fiction in an act of desperate self-preservation. But the more I read, the less I …
There are many paths in life to take, whether it’s the boys you date or the college you choose—and everyone seems to have an opinion on what’s best for June Chu, but she has yet to decide what she thinks is best for herself. Boys I Know is Judy Blume’s Forever for the modern age, carrying with …
A gripping, propulsive free verse novel that addresses the first year of college in a way I haven’t seen but absolutely loved: through exploration of self-love, overcoming trauma, trusting one’s instincts, questioning the socially-normalized paths, and pursuing passion. I hope adults and teens will read and discuss together. (It should be required reading for any …
Despite my natural pessimism, this book broke down my defenses and set me up to root for a well-earned, conventional kind of happy ending. But then it took a turn and became an altogether different story, leaving me to sputter along with the characters, “Unfair—this is not what I was expecting.” I was crushed. And …
One of my childhood favorites. Justin doesn’t like to do “women’s work,” but a few days at his grandfather’s ranch teaches him more lessons than he can ask for! Great middle grade read! –Derrick, The Well-Read Moose, Coeur d’Alene, ID Revisit old book friends and introduce them to new readers at The Well-Read Moose and …
Watch this video recommendation by Hanna from Rediscovered Books in Boise, ID. The Poet X won the National Book Award for Young People’s Literature, the Michael L. Printz Award, and the Pura Belpré Award. More praise, this time from favorite authors: “Crackles with energy and snaps with authenticity and voice.” —Justina Ireland, author of Dread …
Compelling narrative. Fantastic pre-teen middle reader that does an excellent job of exploring race and race-related issues via the clever mechanism of a young Black student who begins her middle school journey with some color-blind ideas and anti-Black biases that prevent her from forming meaningful relationships with other Black students. Great book to approach students …
I ordered this book around what would have been Bookstore Day in late April and it languished in a stack of to-be-read books until I watched the KidLit4BlackLives Rally—the author was one of the speakers. I pulled it out this morning and was charmed by Ryan and her family; I’m so glad to see that …
Nima may be awkward and a little lost in life, but she’s funnier than she thinks and so endearing. You can’t help but fall for her voice and feel for her situation. While she may think life is boring and want some changes, she doesn’t quite bargain for all she gets. Filled with kings, queens, …
