John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A heartwarming tale for late elementary school readers, The Mysterious Pool by Charlene McIver, with illustrations by Zoe Saunders, is a magical work of middle grade fiction. With plenty of mysteries and puzzles for the young protagonists to solve, as well as talking mice, kindly grandmothers, secret codes, and fairyland treasures, this whimsical ride is an imaginative treat. The writing is simple enough for a variety of readers, but the pace occasionally slows, and there are occasional grammatical errors in the text. However, the illustrations are stellar, and the underlying messaging about friendship and resilience is strongly conveyed. All told, […]

A series of snapshot vignettes that weave into an immersive “novelloir,” Dinosaurs & Snow Angels by Mary Taylor is a non-traditional story of the watershed moments that mark every family and life. Capturing nuanced identities in a single turn of phrase or offhand comment, and pulling readers into the intimate scenes that define a young girl’s perspective, this book is a visceral ode to childhood, sisterhood, and the silent struggles of youth. Easing readers in with a conversational narration, the author also delivers striking strings of language throughout this unique and revealing read.

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A creative take on World War II history, The Last Word: A Novel of the War in the Pacific by Ron Miner shines new light on the heroism of a fading generation. An unexpected but historic article falls into the lap of a hungry journalist, sending readers on a spiraling journey to the past, through recollection and memory, as an unlikely friendship forms between subject and storyteller. Part memoir, part slow-burning drama, this well-crafted novel will appeal to WWII buffs, as well as anyone seeking a visceral escape to an era that we must not forget.

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A brief and inspiring celebration of self-love and positive thinking, The Rules of a Little Boss by Haelee P. Moone, with illustrations by Arsalan, lays an ideal foundation for a child’s self-esteem. Vividly illustrated and paired with straightforward advice about exploring and embracing your unique identity, this book is an inclusive and progressive read for children moving through their formative years. Some of the images aren’t as clearly linked to the lines of text as others, and some subtle language tweaks could make the writing flow more smoothly, but these issues are minor. From overcoming bullies and expressing one’s truth […]

Marked by streaks of sadness and self-reflection, That’s Fair by Elizabeth Decker-Benjamin is a powerful collection of deeply vulnerable poetry. From the brilliant stream of thought in “None of Us Want to Be Here” to the lyrical agony of “Sometimes,” these pieces vary widely in form, intensity, subject, and style, demonstrating an impressive breadth of poetic flexibility. Some of the more prose-leaning moments lack the creative grace of the pure verse pieces, but these weak points are few and far between. The illustrations and sketches are unique as well, making this is a strong work of poetry from a voice […]

Breaking down boundaries and pushing the fantasy genre forward for a new generation, The Trinity Prophecy by Marissa Kinzel is a fast-paced and unpredictable adventure. Young royals are forced to save their elders from dark magical forces, and forge new bonds of friendship with an unlikely ally on an epic quest. Despite the recognizable premise, this playful and powerful story strikes an original chord, and Kinzel’s world-building is impeccable. Peppered with vivid illustrations, snappy dialogue, and entrancing magical rules, the realm of Endra is a wonderful new space for YA readers to explore.

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