English 8+ Fantasy Synchronized Swimming Bao Friendship Social-Emotional Learning Mystery Sci-Fi Isabel Roxas summary Team Pom (comprised of Ruby, Agnes, and Roberta) is a group of misfits that’s main goal is winning the illustrious local synchronized swimming competition. Unfortunately, they need some sweet moves and an infinite supply of bao to get their creativity flowing….
Tag: fantasy
Blood Like Magic
English YA Fantasy Magic Witches Black Culture & Identity Community CW: Blood, Sacrifice, Violence Liselle Sambury summary When you see this title, know that blood is very prevalent within the book. It’s the root of all magic, and used with intent for spells. It also denotes when a witch can be Called by ancestors and…
The Grumpy Fairies
English 4-8 years Social-Emotional Learning Fairies Fantasy Humor Bethan Stevens summary Alright folks, we’re about halfway through our moving process right now, and I’m definitely identifying with these grumpy fairies today. This story is really humorous and the expressions on the grumpy fairies faces are hilarious and reminiscent of those days in the classroom where…
Waking the Mountain
English 4-8 years Environmental Activism Social-Emotional Learning Magic Nature Sustainability Fantasy Marina Fonseca & Lisa Junius summary Waking the Mountain follows a magical land that used to be lush and green, but isn’t any longer. Ethereal illustrations show a journey across many broken lands, and some humanoid figures that want to restore the landscape. The…
Ophie’s Ghosts
English MG & Up Ghosts Family Parent Loss Fantasy Servitude Enslavement Moving Pittsburgh Justina Ireland summary Ya’ll, this book is sooooo good!! Ophie and her mother have moved to Pittsburgh after their house is burned down, and her father is killed by white supremacists. This evening is also when Ophie found out she can see…
Sweet & Bitter Magic
english MG & Up fantasy witchcraft LGBTQ+ relationships magic adventure Adrienne Tooley summary This is a great fantasy novel with LGBTQ relationships (normalized throughout the society), and most importantly, the strife experienced doesn’t come from homophobia but from dark magic. Tamsin is an incredibly powerful witch, but was banished for using dark magic to save…
a dark and hollow star
The ease with which Shuttleworth infuses the existing mythology and lore with nonbinary characters and frank discussions of the trauma inherent in growing up with a marginalized identity is striking.
the year i flew away
read along with us! English & Haitian Creole MG & Up Marie Arnold Cover Artist: Geneva Bowers want a copy of your own? Family Immigration Fantasy Magic Racism Fitting In Social-Emotional Learning Own Voices summary: This book stressed me out in the best way possible. Main character Gabrielle is given the opportunity to leave her…
The Magic in Changing Your Stars
English MG Family Black Culture & Identity Harlem Renaissance Fantasy Time Travel Tap Dancing Leah Henderson Summary: This book is really clever, and I love the idea of time travel that other people remember. Ailey is a talented dancer, but he has an utterly crushing tryout for The Wiz. When Ailey talks with his Grampa…
Root Magic
Written & Illustrated by: Eden Royce For ages: MG Language: English & some Gullah Topics Covered: History Own Voices Magic Police Harassment Summary: If a book is about magic and/or witches, I’m definitely reading it. Root Magic is a beautiful blend of ancestral connection, growing self-confidence, and addresses racism and police harassment in addition to other…