John Staughton, Senior Reviewer

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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Author Zinet Kemal delves into a cross-cultural teaching moment for school-age kids with her new book Proud in Her Hijab, a relatable tale of pride and identity. After overhearing her fellow students making jokes about what was hiding beneath her hijab, Iman returns to her family in tears. However, an enlightening lesson from the women in her family send her back to school with renewed pride in her culture and faith, for a timely tale of open communication. The summary of themes at the end of the book is a good review for younger readers, and offers a chance […]

A thought-provoking work of visionary fiction, Heaven or Hell? by Samuel Ludke takes readers into a literary purgatory where a man must make heartbreaking choices. A Civil War soldier fleeing the violence of war finds himself at death’s door, and the door of a mysterious church, where his eternal fate can finally be decided. In this extended and philosophical metaphor, the author plays delicately with the ideas of death, memory, responsibility, and redemption, while also creating an engaging narrative that rarely feels preachy. Some scenes and ideas are compressed or rushed, and could be expanded beyond a novella, but this […]

Impossible standards of beauty and the cruel nature of society are boldly exposed in Binge by Anne Pfeffer, a powerful story about self-image, expectation, and the wounds we ultimately inflict on ourselves. When an aspiring writer is given her long-awaited break, the joy of publication is overshadowed by stress at how the world will see her imperfect and snack-loving self, as opposed to the glamorous characters of her novel. Addressing the patriarchal challenges and overlooked anxieties faced by women around the world, this clever and quippy book initially comes off as light reading, but also deftly critiques dark truths of […]