Harper Collins

Meichi Ng’s smart, funny, honest book of illustrated personal essays captures all the feels of growing up and finding one’s place in adulthood. Full of absurdity, awareness, and universal truths in all their most comic, most awkward, most endearing forms, this sweet little blue blob of non-gendered protagonist is a great storyteller, an emotional touchstone, and my new best friend. Perfect for fans of Allie Brosh and Jomny Sun or anyone in need of a humorous dose of youthful tenderness. — Melinda

This modern-day Latinx rom-com was so fun, smart, and sexy! Jasmine and Ashton both have a lot on the line as stars of Carmen in Charge—a telenovela remake for a mainstream US audience—and aren’t looking for love. The immediate tension (sexual and otherwise) between the two plays out against each other’s ambition (and secrets) in the real-life world of television acting and production. This story is as much about community and family as it is about romance. — Jocelyn 

Every so often I come across a book that I want to buy a hundred copies of and give it to everyone I know, and maybe a few strangers. These are usually the hardest to review as I am simply at a loss for words. Punching the Air, a novel in verse about a wrongfully imprisoned Black teenager, co-written by one of the Exonerated Five, is one of those books—incomparably beautiful, radical, poignant, and so much more. Don't miss it! —Ksenia

Fawcett has crafted an entertaining new fantasy where the action almost never stops, reminiscent of Diana Wynne Jones, Rick Riordan, and Eva Ibbotson. Assassins, a floating island, invisible cats, deadly and snarky sea serpents, self-absorbed otters, and fascinating magic tangle with a relatable protagonist trying to do right by her family and world. I loved the questions of “good and evil” and “right and “wrong” that Noa grapples with and following Noa and her siblings and friends on this adventure! —Jocelyn

Newbery medalist Meg Medina hits it out of the park in her third picture book offering. This heartfelt story of the depth of childhood friendship warmed my heart. Sánchez’s art is a perfect pairing for Medina’s words, allowing readers into Daniela and Evelyn’s world, highlighting the pairs’ spunk and imagination, and making the heart of their bond apparent. An ode to friendship, this wonderful book is perfect for readers of all ages! —Stephanie

“Sometimes ants march./Sometimes bands march./ Sometimes people march.” These opening lines lead readers into an understanding of why people march. The fine line ink and watercolor illustrations are lovely and key, providing examples of protests as disparate (and similar!) as suffragettes, water protectors, racial justice and LGBTQ advocates, and more. I loved the diversity of the reasons people resist, the ways they resist, and among the people themselves. A timely introduction to the importance of protest (with useful backmatter to boot!). —Stephanie

Morgan Jerkins (This Will Be My Undoing) tracks her family’s genealogy from the Deep South to New Jersey but along her journey she unravels traditions of food, spirituality, labor and social life by deep diving into African American history by way of family trees. It excellently balances intimate field research with insightful personal revelations. A must read for those interested in genealogy, American history, and the multilayered bonds of kinship, familiar and otherwise.  —Celeste 

This book is part of our Fall Reading Challenge. Read more here.

Ranging back and forth between the United States and El Salvador, and from the ‘30s of his father’s childhood to his own journey of discovery, Roberto Lovato uncovers the history, trauma, resilience, and love which powers Salvadoreños across the Americas. From the US supported massacres of the indigenous people of El Salvador, to the ongoing gang and immigration hysteria, Lovato uncovers how unforgetting our history lets us begin to heal. Go on this journey with him. You won’t forget it.  —Dave

This book is part of our Fall Reading Challenge. Read more here.

On the front cover of her life-affirming book, Sebene Selassie self-identifies as Nerdy Black Immigrant Tomboy Buddhist Weirdo and I am all for it. You Belong is the perfect self-help companion in this year of disruption, tumult, tragedy, and disconnection; Selassie does not shy away from the current moment, but meets us in it and provides us with tools. Whether you are just beginning or need a refresher course, Selassie’s thoughtful, joyful, multi-disciplinary work will help you reconnect, and her own personal stories will be a welcomed friend along the way. —Melinda

Part memoir, part manifesto, Sitting Pretty challenges all of us to imagine a world that is accessible and that invites disabled people to be a part of our most important communications. Rebekah Taussig addresses sticky situations of exclusion and ableism with humor and tact. This book truly made me laugh out loud and made me hopeful for a future that considers all bodies—not for some inclusion award, but because when everyone is included in the conversation we all win. —Celeste