In this YA novel, Charlie Vega battles with societal expectations, and even her own mother about her body type. She longs for her first kiss and a real date. Charlie is bold and honest about her struggles. Come along on her journey of love, romantic and self.

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In this YA novel, 17 year-old Jamison uses his love of photography to cope with stifling grief and to honor his best friend, his mom. With Dorothea Lange as his inspiration, Jamison decides to take a photo every night, at the very corner he saw each night from his mom's hospital room, at 9:09, the time of her last breath. Come along with Jamison as his photography is a catalyst for healing--for himself and countless others. Jamison's voice, his wit and sarcasm, AND his talent reverberate on the pages.

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In this YA novel, Chaos Theory, meet seniors Shelbi and Andy. Both have distinctive voices and their perspectives on families, friends, addiction, mental health, pain, grief, joy, and love are stories we need in the world.

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In this middle grade book, readers will relish a collection of 18 short stories and poems all from different Native authors. Each piece is written from the author’s own lived experiences and imagination.

People are traveling from Nations within the borders of the United States and Canada to Ann Arbor, Michigan for the annual two-day Dance for Mother Earth Powwow. Ancestor Approved, brings us stories of traditions, celebrations, joy, and hope representing a wide-range of Native families.

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In this young adult, historical fiction, romance novel, four strong Black women's lives intertwine in alternating chapters (my favorite format). As the story begins, it’s 1910. In each chapter, a strong-willed, determined young Black woman tells her story of love, friendship, and living up to or defying family and societal expectations. 

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When classmates accuse 11-year old Sicily of lying about her heritage, she sets out to gain an understanding of and ultimately confidence to explain how she is Black first, then Panamanian and Latina. Sicily, a writer, has much to share with the world! 

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At the age of nine, Javier Zamora migrated to California. Decades later, Zamora, a Salvadorian poet, tells his story in this memoir, Solito: a nine-year-old boy from El Salvador who embarked on a harrowing "trip" with strangers and a coyote who was paid to safely reunite him with his parents in the United States. 

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Twelve-year old Iveliz's story brings mental health conversations to the forefront. She is grieving the loss of her father whose death, she's sure, is her fault. When her Abuela Mimi comes from Puerto Rico, this sets off a generational and cultural rift as Mimi dismisses the need for the therapy and medication Iveliz needs for trauma and PTSD. 

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During WWII, ten year old Mari and her family are forced to the Manzanar Relocation Center. Mari is devastated with her brother Mak decides to join the Army, even against his father's wishes. In protest, Mari takes a vow of silence until Mak returns home safely. 

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Teenage sisters embark on "world school" with their parents. Listen in on this true story to learn all the places this family of four traveled to along with the many ups and downs of learning about new places and cultures. 

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