The emotional core of Tig lies in its exploration of identity and belonging. Tig’s journey towards healing is not linear; it’s a messy, unpredictable path marked by setbacks and small victories. … More Tig by Heather Smith
Reading about Benji continuing to stand up for himself and his family throughout the book was inspiring. Following along with his journey felt worthwhile: I wanted to know how he was going to tackle the various problems that were thrown at him, and to see him grow and change as the book progressed. … More Benji Zeb is a Ravenous Werewolf by Deke Moulton
Julia is courageous, determined, and confident, but still, above all, she identifies as a swimmer. Therefore, when she feels like that part of herself is stripped away, she begins to question who she truly is and spirals over what her future will be like if she cannot be the swimmer she always dreamed of becoming. … More Julia On the Go! Swimming into Trouble by Angela Ahn, illus. Julia Kim
The Longest Shot uses tools to make its occasionally heavy information easily digestible. Soon and Chiang wisely split Larry’s life story into eight shorter sections, giving the chapters titles based on their contents. I found this format helpful for divvying up reading time and seeing what might come next in Larry’s life. The two authors also collaborated with illustrator Amy Qi to bring life to Larry’s story. Qi’s vibrant images draw the eye to key moments in Larry’s life, reaffirming them in the reader’s mind. … More The Longest Shot by Chad Soon and George Chiang, illus. Amy Qi
Each one of her ancestors comes to life through their respective poems, with their own voices, wants, and beliefs. In this, the picture of Weatherford’s family feels whole and complete. Weatherford shares earnestly what she both knows and imagines to be her family’s thoughts and experiences, urging the reader to connect and empathize deeply with the text’s characters. … More Kin: Rooted in Hope by Carole Boston Weatherford, art by Jeffery Boston Weatherford
Karen S. Chow’s expert characterizations flow and the climax in Miracle is both beautiful and coherent, giving readers the sense of truthfulness of life’s circumstances, while at the same time creating a story that is not too heavy or bogged down by traumatic material. There may be controversy over whether or not a story surrounding death and trauma is good for children to read. But, in my opinion, if written correctly by tying in themes of love, friendship, and strength throughout the book, as Chow does, children will benefit from reading the type of material written in Miracle and realize that they are not alone. … More Miracle by Karen S. Chow
Although the beginning chapters make it seem that Kylie the Magnificent is a novel all about girl power and feminism, it quickly evolves into a book about friendship. Chan adeptly illustrates the harsh reality of friendship issues in a fast-moving plot that shows the highs and lows of working through challenges. The short chapters and accessible language told from the protagonist’s perspective, Kylie, simultaneously engage readers and allow them insight into how being a young girl in a male-dominated field can feel. … More Kylie the Magnificent by Marty Chan
The writing in Melanie Jackson’s The Fifth Beethoven reflects its target age-range well. The book tackles some tricky topics, and I appreciated how the nuanced the approach was to the wealth imbalance and housing crisis in Vancouver. Another highlight of the book for me was Zandi’s character and personality throughout. She seems to be one of the main constants in the book. She is steady, knows what she wants, and is determined to get it. She is the real hero of the book, and while she is only meant to be the love interest to Nate, she does so much more. … More The Fifth Beethoven by Melanie Jackson
The characters in Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels are well-rounded and believable, with each undergoing meaningful growth throughout the story. Onyeka herself is a relatable and likable protagonist, grappling with her own insecurities and fears while striving to protect those she loves. Supporting characters like Adanna, Niyì, and Hassan add depth to the story, each bringing their own unique strengths and weaknesses to the table. … More Onyeka and the Rise of the Rebels by Tolá Okogwu
Ava’s character development and the evolution of her relationships were page-turners, but I especially appreciated the backdrop of the story. The landscapes show up clearly in my mind, and wildlife is deeply woven into the narrative. Deers swim across the lake, fish leap up from its surface, and robin eggs hatch – all of which hold significant ties to Ava’s search for moral peace. … More Where the Water Takes Us by Alan Barillaro
YOUNG ADULTING 