Sweet and savory new book by National Book Award Winner. Emoni is a teen mother navigating her final year of high school and honing her culinary talent. Her voice and struggles are told with an authentic and beautiful voice.

As April comes to a close, I wanted to share two enlightening and delightful books I recently read told from non- neurotypical characters. The text on the left is suitable for elementary and up; the one on the right is suited more to mature readers (HS and up). Both provide authentic voice and poor trail of kids who see the world differently than most of us, but are nonetheless beautiful souls.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week!

Breathtaking and heartbreaking, this novel in verse provides an intimate glimpse into life of Sophie Scholl, real-life Nazi resister who vowed to speak out against the injustices brought in by her country‘s leader.

Fresh and fabulous middle-grade graphic fiction addressing multiple struggles and perspectives.

But I have learned that if we want to change the world, we can‘t harden our hearts and shut ourselves off from other cultures. We must open up our hearts. We must not fall prey to the kind of thinking that separates us.

Texas Library Association annual conference giveaway haul. Got to meet fabulous authors and people!

“Remembering is a great invention of the mind...” What a timeless story of friendship told with a moat authentic voice. Still a beloved book even after 20+ years.

The Civil Rights movement comes alive in through the eyes of John Lewis, who lived through such dark and turbulent times in our country. Rich graphics and powerful words from past leaders dance among black and which illustrative retelling of events.

A scary glimpse of our country “ set 15 minutes into future”...A thought-provoking story with bold, brave characters who seem to remind us to fight ignorance.

“What decisions are you making for students that they could be making for themselves?

Intriguing story told in verse from perspective of famous artist Artemesia Gentileschi. Art history meets rape culture in 17th century Rome. While her voice might be awkwardly modern, the author does portray events with a keen accuracy.

“...I realized we were all just a bunch of frightened idiots walking around in the dark, bumping into each other and panicking for no reason at all.” Intriguing coming-of-age romance told through the point of view of Shirin, a Muslim girl navigating high school shortly@after 9/12.

History meets mystery in this intriguing and relevant middle grade novel. Don‘t let the juvenile cover art fool ya-this story explores some weighty social issues. Yet, it is wrapped in a puzzle that Candice and her new friend Brandon set out to solve one summer. In their search for treasure, they both embark on important journeys of self-discovery. 2019 Coretta Scott King Honor Book and Texas Lone Star List.

Two teens find each through letters. Juliet, who has recently lost her mother in a car accident, leaves her mom a letter on headstone. When lonely, brooding Declan responds to her , a strange but comforting exchange brings two lost souls solace. What happens when they realize who they really are? Compelling romantic story.

“stories activate, motivate, celebrate, cerebrate, snare our fates and share our great incarnations of hope” LHA

“How often the danger lurks inside our own homes. How often we let it inside without realizing it.” A finely crafted and twisty convergence of two teems dealing with loss. Engaging and emotion-packed.

“ Writing a book, just like building a library, is an act of sheer defiance. It is a declaration that you believe in the persistence of memory.” Interesting history of the Los Angeles library.

There is no charm equal to tenderness of heart. The classic. The classic retold. The remix. All fun reads!

“In every living thing there is the desire for love.” – Any other young ladies in the 80s read this series? I gobbled these up… In the fifth grade! 😂😂

Good ol teenage murder mystery...

“ sometimes trusting someone is about the scariest thing you can do. But you know what? It‘s a lot less scary than being alone.” Delightfully sweet, heart-breaking and heartwarming, this novel with its middle grade protagonist, is universally appealing. Join Coyote, her father, and a gaggle of other characters they meet along the way to finding closure and new beginnings all on the same trip.

What a gem of a story. Magical realism for middle grades.

“ Real progress only comes from true commitment to a shared vision and through a culture built on trust.” #professionalreading

“I love you more than tongue can tell.” —George H. W. Bush, aka Gampy. 😓

Educators,what an enjoyable, affirming read! I laughed, cried, and saw myself in Danza's account of teaching English at a public Philly HS. At the heart of the book: portraits of students, teachers, and challenges of underfunded , overcrowded institutions. His struggles to keep students engaged amidst family struggles and adolescence remind us how incredibly tough,but rewarding our profession is. Told with self-deprecating humor and lots of heart.

Turns out I like mysteries more than I realized! To Catch a Killer focuses on use of forensics , while The Cheerleaders raises so many questions, your mind will feel twisted taut. One was a bit more believable than the other, but you read them and be the judge! Entertaining and escape- worthyyoung adult reads.

Happiness is a warm puppy. Truly.

Racism in the 1970‘s, sprinkled with grief and mystery to solve. Poignant YA.

Intense imagery-gut-wrenching narrative.