John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

A raw and savagely contemporary novella, Post-Bliss by Jay Honeycomb taps into the fears and existential angst of today through tangential, subtle, and compelling storytelling. An actor with nothing to lose slips into the confounding worlds of alternative medicine – new-age, natural, psychological, and artificial – while another plotline leaps around Australia on an abstract, reality-adjacent adventure. Mingling storytelling forms, playing with time, exploring dreams, and injecting the prose with powerful personal philosophy, this visionary read is dense with intention, allegory, and thoughtful commentary on the increasingly strange times of the present day.

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A book that simultaneously highlights what makes people unique and what unites us, I Celebrate My Skin by Nonku Kunene Adumetey, with illustrations by Mary K. Biswas, is an inspiring and easy-to-read children’s book focused on identity development. Brightly colored illustrations accompany the bursts of positive prose and inclusive language, making this a vibrant and meaningful addition to any child’s bookshelf. More text would be welcome in the middle section of the book, but the activities at the end of the book are engaging and thought-provoking. Boasting modern illustrations and timely themes of acceptance and cross-cultural sensitivity, Adumetey has crafted […]

An educational, relatable, and encouraging children’s book, Ask Uncle Neil: Why Is My Hair Curly? by Neil Thompson is a vital read for any child striving to better understand their identity. Exploring some of the possible reasons why those of African descent have curlier hair, this vivid and informative book also touches on the scientific process and self-confidence, in addition to splashes of lighthearted humor. Though some of the prose is overly wordy for a children’s book, the core message is strong and empowering for young readers, and will spur discussion with parents.

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