Stories are magical, for both the young and old. Here you can find book reviews for specific age groups, topics, or learning experiences. There are also booklists and lesson ideas for educators, librarians, and families.
Randy Ribay's young adult novel, Nest of Tongues, is a suspenseful, unique story of teenage Filipino siblings in the Bay area who happen to be vampires. Full of Filipino folklore, Ribay weaves an intricate tale that takes place throughout the course of only one week. At the start of the week the main characters, Lily and Caleb, are flying at night to feed on an animal when they discover the body of another vampire that had been brutally murdered. Once they tell their grandmother, Lola, she jumps to discuss the threat with the local elder supernatural creatures. It is revealed that a figure called a Bayani is the culprit and it is coming for Caleb next. The rest of the story is a race against the clock as everyone tries, in their own ways, to protect Caleb. In their attempts to solve the mystery, family secrets about their mother are spilled and they can never be the same again.
The best part of this story is the family relationship between Lily and Caleb. Siblings typically have a complicated bond and the siblings in this story are no different. They are written with such care and compassion for each of their insecurities and hopes for one another. Ribay was able to do this well because each chapter changed the POV of the storyteller between the siblings and at times, from the Bayani, too.
I enjoyed learning about the Filipino cultural beliefs and how Tagalog is spoken by young people today. Ribay did not shy away from the horror aspect of this genre so I would suggest it to readers 14+ who can handle graphic descriptions of gore. The ending surprised me and there was enough story unresolved which, I'm hoping, means that there will be a follow-up story some day. Even if Ribay does not continue the story, the setting, plot and question of what makes some thing good vs. evil lingers in my mind for a long time.
Anger is Only a Shadow , a contemporary young adult novel by award-winning author Elizabeth Acevedo, is a necessary and moving story for anyone who has dealt with mental illness in their families, with being a multicultural person or known youth with criminal backgrounds. The main character is a D.C. high schooler, Lil, the middle child of immigrant parents from the indigenous Taino people of El Salvador and the Afro culture of the Dominican Republic. Most of the story is her experience in a youth detention center while waiting for her court hearing and the rest of the story is what her life is like after being released to her family but with an ankle monitor. Her older brother, who has always been looking after her, has gone away to college, but his behavior has changed and not in a good way. She feels burdened with finding out what is going on with him and her parents aren’t sure what to do.
Lil reveals the positive influence that the poetry teacher at the youth detention center had on her through the “I Am From” writing prompts she is assigned. Even after leaving the center she still writes her own poems that reflect what’s going on in her mind at different points in the story. This is the strongest element of the book for me. Through Lil’s writing, her character goes through a process of seeing what is holding her back and getting to the place where she belongs. Even with several setbacks, the transformation that Lil goes through offers hope to others going through similar circumstances.
Another strong aspect of the story is Lil’s relationship with her Abuela who is going through memory loss. She sometimes speaks in her native language and this reminds Lil of how much her brother loved the stories that her Abuela told them. This connection to her heritage is what ends up being a big factor in helping her brother at a dire time. Prior to reading this book I had read stories about characters with mental illness, however this is the first time I have read about a younger sibling who witnesses her older sibling’s mental health decline. Acevedo provides additional mental health resources at the end of the book.
Of course Lil’s time returning to school after the fallout of her crime is also an important part of her story. As a teacher myself, it reminded me of how much may be going on in the lives of my students that affects their behavior at school. It also makes me question some of the school rules that are strictly enforced without being able to make exceptions for students with special needs. Although it was sad to see that her two best friends, who were with her during her crime, were no longer at her school, it made her pivot to others that she had always been curious about from afar.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone age 13 and up. Acevedo’s writing is reminiscent of Neal Shusterman and Angie Thomas, as they all express their stories with similar heart and authenticity.
Thanks to NetGalley for sharing an advanced reader copy for me to read and review before the book is published in September 2026.
I have always been fascinated by the Lotería cards and their images, but have never learned about them. When I heard about Karla Arenas Valenti and Dana Sanmar's middle grade chapter book, Lotería, I knew I had to read it. Not only did I learn more about the cards and the game itself, but the story taught me about Mexican mythology, folklore, traditions, and beliefs. This book will intrigue middle grade readers who like stories about family and high stakes adventures.
In Mexico, a young girl named Clara has no idea that she's the center of a Lotería game between the ultimate players, Life and Death. As they shuffle the cards and begin to play, Clara's life continues with the integration of the symbols from the cards, except they have life-altering consequences for her. When her cousin Estaban goes missing, she must go after him and against all odds, do everything she can to send him back home safely. This story is full of powerful questions about fate, free will, and human determination. Sanmar's illustrations enhance the story and bring the events to life in the eyes of the reader. For example, at one point a character's hair turns silver and I couldn't believe it! The illustration helped reinforce this shocking twist in the story.
Clara's choices will make readers think about deep philosophical questions long after they have finished the story.
The story is about a young boy who doesn't want to stay with his grandmother because his Spanish language skills are weak. When he arrives she whisks him away to a fair in the plaza where she leads a game of Lotería. He is mesmerized by the phrases she uses that match the images on the cards. This inspires him to learn them and later when they are in her home she teaches him and he even teaches her English. The rules for the game are included in the end of the book.
I would use both of these books with my students and daughter. Children can explore the images, phrases and even make their own. They can also play the game which is a lot of fun, too. Even the Google Doodle was dedicated to the game one time! This game works for anyone because it's a visual game, the language component isn't as necessary. The act of playing the came together in a community is what is most important.
The Year I Flew Away is a middle grade historical fiction novel by Marie Arnold. In it the reader meets 10 year old Gabrielle who lives in Haiti with her family but she is sent to Brooklyn to start a new life with her uncle's family until hers can join them in the U.S. Life is hard for Gabrielle in New York. She faces bullying for not speaking English.When a witch offers her a deal to make her fit in, Gabrielle's desperation wins. The witch's agreement has a cost and before she takes everything from Gabrielle, a team of people and even a rat, need to put that witch in her place! A story of identity, racism, family, friendship and new beginnings.
I enjoyed this story because it is unique to the Haitian culture and experience immigrating to the U.S. The folklore of the witch and the talking animals, like the rat, are reminiscent of authentic stories from the author's upbringing. It is also a relatable story to so many readers because they have either been the new kid or have had new kids in their classes at school. This can help readers empathize with how those students may be feeling and be better equipped with ways to welcome them into school and the community. Teachers and families who want to use this book with their middle grade readers can use the vast amount of resources offered on the Teaching Books website.
Barefoot Dreams of Petra Luna by Alda P. Dobbs is a historical fiction, #ownvoices story of the author's great-grandmother who trekked across Mexico during the 1913 revolution towards the U.S. border. This is an important chapter book that is excellent for grades 3 and up. Although this is a refugee, war story, readers can still relate to the characters and their emotions since they are all universal themes of family, friendship, hope and love.
12 year-old Petra whose mother passed away a year ago is grappling with the trauma of her father being forced to fight in the revolution. Alone in her village with her aging grandmother and two younger siblings, Petra is forced to lookout for their well-being. Her father promises to return as she remembers his words before he left, "in a world full of darkness and uncertainty, there's always enough rom for one more promise." Petra clings to the hope of reuniting with her father after the war. Readers can discuss times when they were forced to say goodbye to loved ones and what that felt like. Did they make plans to stay in touch or reunite one day? Why does that offer comfort?
When the Federales, "the monsters" who are the army for the government of Huerta, attack their village, Petra and her family must flee or be killed. Petra thinks, "My home, my life--everything I knew was gone. There was nothing to come back to. I thought about Papa and prayed that one day we'd find each other." Readers can try to imagine what they would do in Petra's situation. Would they stay close-by in case her father returned or risk losing touch with him if they left their village?
Using their wits and knowledge of their ancestors, they make their way north meeting various groups of people along the way who offer advice, hope and friendship to Petra who desperately needs the encouragement. "...sincere friendships can sprout even amid the darkest moments and places." These friends provide a safe space for Petra to share her insecurities and develop a sense of confidence in her abilities. Readers can share people in their lives who offer this support and even think about who they offer their support to, as well.
The story is quite well-told with Spanish words and folklore mixed in that adds authenticity to the characters and their mindsets. The relationship that Petra has with her grandma and younger siblings is touching and relatable for many readers. She faces prejudice for being darker-skinned so others look down upon her. Readers can discuss ways in which prejudice still exists in the world today. How does that affect how people earn money to support their families?
The author's note at the end explains more about how Dobbs' great-grandmother escaped the war and fled to the U.S. She provides a timeline that explains the complicated history of power in Mexico and is helpful for even adults to read and understand. I hope that this book makes its way into many classrooms, libraries, and book clubs. Refugee perspectives are so often left out of history books that the more we have them, the better we can empathize with their circumstances. Here is a free teaching guide that goes with the book for more ideas on how to use it with students.
Infinite Country, a young adult and adult novel, by Patricia Engel clocks in at less than 200 pages, but it is a richly told story of a Colombian family whose choices have everlasting effects on future generations. Engel rotates the point-of-view throughout the story so it is told in a series of present-day snapshots and flashbacks to when their family was started with the union of Elena and Mauro.
The story opens with 15-year Talia's breaking out of a juvenile detention facility in the Andes mountains, "it was her idea to tie up the nun." Immediately the reader is drawn into the story and curious about all of the events that led to that point. Thankfully, Engel reveals just enough information through each character's chapters so it slowly trickles out, piece by piece. Talia's crime was justified in her mind yet "Talia considered how people who do horrible things can be victims, and how victims can be people who do horrible things." Readers can discuss if this is true and when history has done this for various people. Does this still happen today?
As the story moves forward the reader learns that "Talia's mother was abroad and sent Talia to Columbia when she was a baby but this story was so common it couldn't possibly be considered trauma." The choice that Elena makes resonates with everyone in the family. Readers can discuss if this is truly traumatic and in what way? Engel continues to divulge more of the how and why behind Elena's decision and the way it is revealed through the different characters' chapters makes it most heart-wrenching to read.
"People say drugs and alcohol are the greatest and most persuasive narcotics--the elements most likely to ruin a life. They're wrong. It's love." Engel drops this incredibly deep thought in the middle of the story as Mauro is dipping in and out of sobriety in his attempt to deal with the splitting up of his family. Readers can talk about addiction and the ways in which love drives people to do the unthinkable. How does Elena and Mauro's love story ruin lives? Did it ruin their own, their children's, Elena's mother's, or all of theirs, or none of theirs?
Another aspect of this novel that is especially meaningful is the idea of dual-identity that immigrants continually must grapple with on a daily basis. Elena thinks, "when you leave one country for another, nobody tells you years will bleed together like rain on newsprint. One year becomes five and five years becomes ten. Ten years become fifteen." Even over the course of many years in another country, immigrants hope to one day return, but in this story, Elena cannot just visit Columbia since her status is undocumented. Her family in the U.S. must straddle the awkward rope of trying to fit-in while not standing out and attracting the attention of authorities. Readers can discuss the stress of living this way. What are the drawbacks of this life for Elena and her children? What are the benefits? Which outweighs the other?
Elena and Mauro's children's perspective are told in vastly different ways. Talia, the youngest, is in Colombia with her father and her side of the story is the first the reader learns. Karina, the first-born, is in the U.S. with her mother and younger brother, who was born in the U.S. so his experience contrasts to hers. She has to go to great lengths to wrap her mind around half of her family being in another country. A country that she is a citizen of but will never live in, unless she is found and deported by ICE. Nando, the only son of the family is bullied incessantly but he keeps it all to himself. Nando and Karina's perspectives are ones that readers can discuss. Who has it better?
Elena "blamed herself for displacing her own children, especially her girls. Karina and Talia, binational, each born in one country and raised in another like repotted flowers, creatures forced to live in the wrong habitat." Mauro's upbringing, what he teaches Talia in terms of folklore and native Columbian stories, weaves its way through the story. Engel beautifully uses the stories of the serpent, princesses, jaguar and condors to reflect what is happening to the family. Readers can try to find the parallels in these mentions. Which family member fits each animal's role?
Overall, this story leaves the reader with hope, want for action on current immigration policies in the U.S., and more empathy towards immigrant stories. Engel's Columbian background adds authenticity to every layer and is a must-read for any young adult and adult.
When You Trap a Tiger by Tae Keller is the 2021 Newbery Medal Winner for the most outstanding contribution to children's literature. I can see why it was awarded this most prestigious award in the children's book world. It is a story that transports the reader to another dimension while being firm-footed on the ground in this world. It spans across generations, yet only takes place during a short time. As this book teaches, Korean stories start with, "Long, long ago, when tiger walked man..."
Lily has always felt different. Maybe because her big sister wants nothing to do with her or the fact that Lily cannot remember her Dad. The only time she makes sense is when she is around her Korean grandmother, Halmuni. When Halmuni falls ill, Lily digs into her magical side and makes a deal with a tiger heal her Halmuni. But as her Halmuni warned her, NEVER trust a tiger. With time running out, will Lily be able to save her Halmoni or even herself?
"Everybody wears life's scars a little differently."
Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky by Kwame Mbalia is an adventure-filled story based on West African mythology and folklore. 7th grader, Tristan, is reeling over the loss of his first boxing match and also grieving over his best friend, Eddie. The only item that Tristan has left of Eddie is their shared journal where they'd recorded old stories recounted by Tristan's Nana. When the journal goes missing during the night, Tristan chases the thief into a thicket of bottle trees on his grandparents' farm in Georgia. Although his grandparents warn him never to venture there, he feels like he doesn't have a choice. A struggle ensues and Tristan's strength actually tears into the thicket and he ends up falling through a passageway into another world, Alke. In this world, mythical characters actually live and they need Tristan to restore order since he tore a rip in their sky allowing haints to enter. The question is, will Tristan be the one to save the day when there are real heroes around, like, John Henry? What is so special about their journal?
"May the stories you hear sound just as good the second time around."
In the second book, Tristan Strong Destroys the World, Kwame Mbalia continues Tristan's story. He has returned safely to his grandparents' home. During a boxing match in the barn he hears ghostly voices and sees people asking for help. With help from the trickster, Anansi, Tristan learns that John Henry has been attacked and his hammer was stolen. The sinister figure comes after Tristan and kidnaps his Nana. Tristan has no choice but to return to Alke to save her and understand why she was taken in the first place. Upon returning to the other world, Tristan encounters new characters from West African mythology and folklore who will either help or hurt him. This is a fast-paced, adventurous story that discusses how to deal with trauma in order to grow.
"And you know, stories are easy to carry. Don't weigh nothing. Don't cost nothing."
Both of these books' themes resonate with readers. Storytelling is an important part of these books because it's what groups of people rely on to continue their culture. Mbalia has done that for a new generation of readers and even adults who may not have heard of many of the folklore characters in the stories. Mbalia also creates a world of supportive people who drive one another forward despite fears of failure. This sense of community is brought up when in the end of the second book when everyone is asked,
"Who stepped up for you, when no one else would?"
As a teacher and librarian, I would ask my students to share these important stories and consider who has their best interests at heart. Another way that these books could be used with readers is to go back and read the original stories of the characters. Some are more well-known but the others may require a bit more digging. In those stories, how are the characters portrayed? Are they the same or different as Mbalia writes them?
In 2020, Mbalia won the Coretta Scott King honor award for Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky. The Coretta Scott King Award is given "to outstanding African American authors and illustrators of books for children and young adults that demonstrate an appreciation of African American culture and universal human values. "
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