John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A volatile drama touching on hidden trauma and the pain that binds us to those we love, That Which Remains: Reunion by M. Tess Ossenelli is an intense, emotionally intelligent work of romantic fiction. A doctor’s dark history resurfaces, triggered by a new family crisis and accompanied by long-buried guilt, but he is simultaneously offered an unexpected chance at redemption. With life-or-death stakes and vulnerable characters that readers will find easy to support, this novel spills over with internal struggle. Capturing emotional turmoil in a believable way is a challenge, but Ossenelli hits the mark time and again. Some of […]

With a tongue-in-cheek attitude and razor-sharp wit, The Pop Tart Insurrection by Marcus Herzberg is an over-the-top drama about the struggles of teenage life, and the drastic measures one may take to change things for the better. A manic stream of consciousness from a minor league megalomaniac, this fast-paced, tangent-tossing ride somehow turns the tables on its own protagonist, revealing flaws in his thinking, behavior, and reactions to all the disappointments and harsh realities of growing up. Being at the center of one’s own universe can be a lonely place, and in this sardonic yet incisive novel, that curse of […]

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 […]