Category: Diverse Reads

On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

November 26, 2025

Cynthia Leitich Smith returns with a middle grade novel bursting with characters that pay tribute to storytelling traditions of Muscogee People, and Indigenous storytelling in general. On a Wing and a Tear captures the adventure of Melanie “Mel” Roberts, Ray Halfmoon, and Grampa Halfmoon with the legendary Great-Grandfather Bat, who’s fostering an injury to his wing. Together, they hit the road to escort Bat to the historical rematch of the infamous Great Ball Game between the Animals and the Birds on the traditional gaming lands in Georgia. On this wild adventure, readers will see the wonderful characters escape Bat-nappers, rekindle an old romance, visit many relatives, encounter mysterious creatures, and find out if Bat’s wing heals in time for the game. … More On a Wing and a Tear by Cynthia Leitich Smith

A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto

September 18, 2025

Léa Taranto’s debut YA novel, A Drop in the Ocean, brings readers into the life of teenaged protagonist Mira, who has been institutionalized at the Residency Adolescent Treatment Centre for obsessive compulsive and comorbid disorders. Drawing from her own lived experience, Taranto has written this auto-fictional novel straight from her heart. Through Mira, Taranto has penned a fiercely loyal and loveably articulate protagonist who is brutally honest, full of empathy, and impossible not to root for.  … More A Drop in the Ocean by Léa Taranto

Too Much: My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George

July 1, 2025

Getting any role in the school play, big or small, is a big deal, but finding a way into the spotlight at home is a struggle for Russell within his big, fun, and vibrant Native family. As the play approaches, Russell fails to get his family’s attention. He begins to wonder, is it time for Russell to shine on his own and give up on his wish for his family to notice him? Or will he manage to succeed and get his family to cheer him on before it’s too late? … More Too Much: My Great Big Native Family by Laurel Goodluck, illustrated by Bridget George

Métis Like Me by Tasha Hilderman, illus. by Risa Hugo

June 17, 2025

Feasting on Bannock, picking Saskatoon berries, beading moccasins and jigging with family—Tasha Hilderman’s debut picture book, Métis Like Me is a delightful tribute to her heritage. It invites young readers, Métis or not, to explore Indigenous traditions and embrace cultural diversity. … More Métis Like Me by Tasha Hilderman, illus. by Risa Hugo

Otherworldly, by F.T. Lukens

April 3, 2025

Otherworldly by F.T Lukens is a young adult narrative that explores fantasy, young queer love and learning to trust and rely on one another. There is a strong focus on family, both blood and found, which the author ties well with the slow burn romance that allows Ellery and Knox’s initially tenuous alliance to settle into a warmer friendship as they work alongside each other to solve the mystery of the goddess’ silence. … More Otherworldly, by F.T. Lukens

With Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey

March 17, 2025

Emilio, another Cuban kid whose family owns the bike shop across the street from La Rosa Blanca, has always been in Clary’s life. And despite Clary’s insistence that she hates him, it is evident they know each other inside and out, from what food the other likes and dislikes, inside jokes, and clever and funny banter that kept me wanting more. … More With Love, Echo Park by Laura Taylor Namey