The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas by María García Esperón – BOOK REVIEW

The Sea-Ringed World: Sacred Stories of the Americas tells the sacred stories of the First Nations of North and South America. Spanning across two continents, author María García Esperón, illustrator Amanda Mijangos, and translator David Bowles, tap into the power and beauty First Nations saw in their world and the awe they expressed through their storytelling.

Furia by Yamile Saied Méndez – BOOK REVIEW

Camila Hassan lives in two different worlds in Rosario, Argentina. At home, she endures the crushing and antiquated expectations of her family while living in the shadow of her soccer star (fútbol) brother and abusive father.

Grown by Tiffany Jackson – BOOK REVIEW

When Enchanted Jones wakes up with blood on her hands, the mystery of Korey Fields’ death is fraught with questions, accusations, and a reckoning about a young girl suffering from unspeakable abuse. That is now.

Come On In by Adi Alsaid (Editor) – BOOK REVIEW

Come On In is a powerful collection of immigration stories, emigration stories, and stories about finding home. Talented middle grade and young adult authors contribute narratives, both real and inspired by truth, and each shines a light on the effects of such a life-altering experience.

Punching the Air by Ibi Zoboi and Yusef Salaam – BOOK REVIEW

Amal has a bright future. He is a talented artist and poet. Unfortunately, he must struggle against the biases his teachers and authority figures at his school hold toward Black students, like Amal. Amal looks past their prejudice and towards college. Yet, the discrimination he faces at his school pales in comparison to the systemic racism he encounters when he is embroiled in a fight amongst a group of white teenagers.

We Are Not Free by Traci Chee – BOOK REVIEW

After the bombing of Pearl Harbor during World War II (WWII), the United States shifts from viewing Japanese immigrants (Issei) and Japanese-Americans citizens (Nisei) with suspicion and scorn and decidedly begins viewing them as the enemy. As a result, over 100,000 Japanese, including U.S. citizens, are incarcerated in camps across the West.