Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Throughout the ordeal with the police, the public, and the family, the book shows how privilege, media, racism, and distrust interact to control both parts of a story — the spun narrative and the harrowing truth. As more secrets come to light, things become even more morally complex and layered. The descriptions of violence and terror (clarified in the book’s content warnings) are intense and don’t hold back, creating a suspenseful, disturbing atmosphere in a truly enthralling way. … More Tender Beasts by Liselle Sambury

Don’t Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton

What truly stands out is the inclusiveness of the book as a host of under-represented communities find a place in the story. Moulton truly provides a rich tapestry of gender, sexuality, race, religion and culture without tokenizing or stereotyping these characters. Deeper questions about familial bonds, the historical Othering of marginalized groups, and the difficulty of ‘doing the right thing’ are also addressed, making it a more rewarding and layered experience. … More Don’t Want to Be Your Monster by Deke Moulton

The Skull by Jon Klassen

These instances of horror showcase Klassen’s ability to push the boundaries of children’s literature, creating a tale that not only entertains but also challenges readers’ emotions and expectations. The evocative yet simplistic writing style further conveys sense of dread throughout the story and makes this book great for younger readers interested in exploring scarier genres. … More The Skull by Jon Klassen