Reviews written by Adrien Carter, Newsletter Manager and Staff Reviewer

In We Can Play Anything, two young children let their imaginations run wild as they think about all the things they can play. Are they going to sleep in an animal hotel, bake animal cookies, hang out with a story snake, or what else? With each other, they can play...

Nisha is used to being swooped into hugs or having her cheeks squished by her aunts and uncles, but she’s acting different now that her Ammamma and Appappa have come to visit from India. Nisha is now a bit shy and apprehensive about interacting with them. Nisha questions why hugging...

Freddie and Stella have decided that they are going to take down their former best friend who is now the popular girl, beloved by the students and teachers, Levi. The best way to do this is by winning the Beaumont-Gardiner Award which goes to the collest, smartest, and hottest girl...

What I Liked: This book took me a while to get to, even if it had been on my tbr for quite some time, because it was hard to find. I’m so glad that I finally got ahold of this book because it was a delightful read. It was fascinating...

Every morning, Anatasia wakes and shares her dreams with her mom, Anika. Then at night, Anika talks to Anastasia about the dreams of their people in the hopes that they inspire Anastia’s dreams at night. Anatasia’s favorite dream is to hear about the dream of the Great Waking up, when...

World Without Birds is an informative book that highlights what factors contribute to the loss of birds and what the planet would look like if we had no birds. This book is organized by exosystems, and each chapter provides an overview of the birds in that environment, case studies on...

Leo can’t wait to adopt a pet, but after searching at a shelter, he doesn’t connect with any of the animals there and is disappointed. While on their way home, the family sees a busy marketplace and stops by to enjoy some of the shops. While they are at the...

Chicka Chicka You You is a fun companion to Chicka Chicka Boom Boom that goes through different shapes and their accompanying mirrors. What I Liked: The repetition from the page that introduces the shape to the page with the mirror makes for great practice...

In My Diwali Lights of Virtue, you enter the home of Leela and her older brother, Aadi. They are celebrating the five days of Diwali, the Indian festival of lights. Aadi is focused on speaking up against things that are wrong, and Leela is a thoughtful child. Aadi helps in...

Abdullah has just been gifted a bear that belonged to his dad for Eid. It has a name, but Abba won’t tell Abdullah what it is. He tells Abdullah that he can name the bear, and the right name will come to him. Abdullah’s siblings, friends, and classmates provide him...

In You've Found Oliver, it starts by explaining the recent events in Oliver's life and how he hasn't moved on from his best friend, Sam's death. He is still messaging the number that Sam has until he accidentally calls and someone picks up. Ben has been receiving Oliver's messages this...

Wen is living at home with her grandmother, who is keeping her from seeing the outside world using a magical barrier in order to protect both of them. One day, a prince collapses in the woods near the barrier, and Wen is drawn to him, so she crosses the barrier...

Jess Lanza believes that there are many reasons to hate her, but unfortunately, the cyberbullies are focused on one mistake she made, which gave her the title “Boyfriend Stealing Slutbag.” Jess comes up with a brilliant plan to take away the bullies' content and makes her own online posts about...

Olivia Gray has just started seventh grade, but things feel different. Her brother has been spending a lot more time with his crush, and her friends are all focused on who likes who and Olivia is feeling left out. Unfortunately for Olivia, she unknowingly rejects Robbie, the most popular boy...

In Braided Roots, a father braids his daughter's hair just like his own. While doing this, he tells a story about their ancestors, and he tells her of Freedman who walked the Trail of Tears. He also talks about honoring your roots and the importance of the strong bond of...