Kiss Number 8 is more than just a kiss-story: it's a heartfelt family history and it's swimming in mystery. Beautifully illustrated by Ellen T Crenshaw, this book will give you all the feels.
Caleb
Clare Legrand calls this "a book about girls," but it's really a book about the kind of girls you don't always see in novels: hurting, hopeful, hungry, and above all, powerful. It's a dark, strange, spooky read--perfect for a chilly March night--that reminded me of a Hiyao Miyazaki or Guillermo del Toro movie, but has a magic all its own. Check it out.
Kate
A story about the love between two very different sisters, finding your own identity, and finding your voice as a girl.
Sarah
Courtney and Jupiter have been best friends and next door neighbors forever, but lately, Courtney can't shake the feeling that he might want something more than friendship from Jupiter. When new girl Rae moves to town and upends the status quo, feelings erupt on all sides. Odd One Out is a nuanced exploration of friendship, sexuality, and being a teenager for fans of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda. I loved every character in this book!
Rebecca
Demonized by some and lauded by others, 'feminism' has been a challenging topic since it came on the scene. But what is it really? What does it address? Who has been involved? And very importantly, what does 'intersectional' actually mean? Though this book is aimed at teens, it's a great crash-course in feminist history. It touches on a wide range of topics, but doesn't shy away from bringing up some of the legitimate criticisms of the movement.
Stacey
A picture book for even the youngest readers about community, social justice, incarceration, and non-violent protest. It's also about cooking, sharing, and eating delicious noodles and features a cute cast of animal characters.
Marika
Emily M. Danforth's debut novel tells the story of a young girl growing up in rural Montana after the tragic death of both of her parents. Coming to understand her sexuality is further complicated when her conservative aunt discovers her relationship with her best friend and Cameron is sent away to a religious conversion therapy school. Danforth handles the difficulties of family life and identity with nuance and grace in this beautifully rendered coming of age tale.
Kathryn, Writer in Residence for Young Readers
When Sophie decides to donate a kidney to her best friend (and secret crush) Peter, neither of them anticipates the way their friendship fractures in the aftermath. Our Year of Maybe is gorgeous and complicated and painful--your heart will hurt (in a good way!) after finishing this book.
Rebecca
Essie renames herself Victoria when a pair of benefactors take her out of poverty and teach her how to behave in society, but is what she gains worth everything she has to give up?
Sarah
Once again, Julia Sarcone-Roach has created the perfect story-time read-aloud. This delicious picture book features language that will delight your tongue like chocolate ganache and characters who will warm you like muffin straight from the oven. There are also little surprises, like the burst of jelly in the middle of your donut....did I mention you should probably have a snack on hand while reading?
Marika
