Featured Reviews

A slow-burn work of realistic fiction, this novella may speak to readers who defy conventional narratives in favor of outdoor experiences, survival stories, and the intersection of humans and animals. 

Aimed toward pre-readers and their caregivers, the first book in The Robe Squad series explores themes of friendship and kindness in acts that are not governed by wealth or abundance.

Aim this at fans of introspective literary fiction who appreciate flawed, self-absorbed protagonists and Chekhovian-style tales of thwarted ambition. Presner the Remarkable explores the difficulty of moving forward when grief and disappointment have become part of your identity.

This book explores the well-known story of the “Unsinkable Molly Brown” alongside the less-familiar tale of a cow named Molly, comparing their experiences in a surprising way. While survival is the primary theme of the story, considerations of humane animal treatment will inspire conversation in homes and classrooms alike.

The superhero sports mashup feels a bit derivative, but the characters are likeable for middle grade readers, especially those leaning toward sports-fiction. It, or future books in the apparent series, will need to be shortened to really knock this out of the park.

An ABC book with rhymed couplets for each letter, which nab readers’ attention by the shape of a monster or an eerie thing or element. The vocabulary is pretty advanced for little kids still learning their letters, so save the book for adult-child sharing.

A sharp, tech-savvy satire with built-in classroom appeal, Accidental Tribes will hook teens drawn to gaming, coding, and influencer culture, while its reflective workbook makes it a natural fit for educators, book clubs, and digital literacy programs looking to spark conversation between young readers and the adults in their lives.

A meandering, provocative character study of an abuse survivor, best suited for readers and collections with niche or thematic interests in the intersections of power, abuse, sexuality, and religion.

Covid Wars is a deep dive into the history of the COVID pandemic written for the general public, not just medical professionals. From conspiracy theories and alternative facts to historical accounts of the discovery and progression of viral outbreaks to COVID-19 as a global pandemic and social determinant of American public health, Gruner provides a solid reading experience.

For readers in the early childhood to primary grades, the story of Roar, a dinosaur who lives with an art teacher. A painless way to bring a vibe to Chicago history and culture, this book could be used by lower elementary art teachers as a mentor text and then go on to create murals of their own communities.

A work of literary fiction that blends philosophical inquiry with sensory memoir, appealing to readers of contemplative, prose-driven narratives similar to classic novels.

The third of the Paul Mäkinen novels but the fourth entry in the Shingle Creek Sagas, this is a selective purchase for collections where labor history and political fiction circulate well. Substantial research, sustained mental-health advocacy, and a laudable pro-worker perspective will appeal most to readers comfortable with didactic dialogue and extended scenes of organizing and collective decision-making. Explicit sexual and violent content positions this solidly for new adult and adult collections.

A strong choice for older YA and New Adult readers, especially fans of historical fiction. Believable teen characters, dual points of view, and a memorable queer romance help this title stand out.

New adults and young adults seeking history resources are the unexpected beneficiaries of this refreshingly balanced evaluation of the men who have held the presidency for the last 100 years. Without bias and fully fact-checkable, Gruner’s title provides honest and hard-won context for the history and current state of democracy in the US.

Rooted in the systemic flaws and genuine triumphs of public education, this multifaceted novel speaks to the complicated relationships and struggles facing students, education staff, and families. Ideal for educators, this book is also an opportunity for anyone to understand the contemporary disconnect between education and student success.

For a general lesson on navigating challenges both ordinary and extraordinary, children—and even adults—who struggle with spatial awareness get a high-flying glimpse of how to find their way without electronics in this Christmas story for new and emerging readers.