Category Archives: Contemporary

Review: Journey to Tomioka by Laurent Galandon and Michaël Crouzat

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Journey to Tomioka by Laurent Galandon and Michael Crouzat

Journey to Tomioka
Laurent Galandon
Art by Michaël Crouzat
Translated by Anne and Owen Smith
First Second
Published June 9, 2026

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About Journey to Tomioka

For fans of This Was Our Pact and Hayao Miyazaki films comes a breathtaking graphic novel about siblings who risk everything to return their grandmother’s ashes to her home inside the Fukushima Exclusion Zone.

Osamu hasn’t been the same since that day. When the tsunami hit Fukushima prefecture, it killed his parents, destroyed his home, and triggered one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters. … Continue reading →

Review: Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia

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Brownstone by Samuel Teer and Mar Julia

Brownstone
Samuel Teer
Illustrated by Mar Julia
Versify
Published June 11, 2024

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About Brownstone

An exciting teen coming-of-age epic from author Samuel Teer and debut graphic novel artist Mar Julia, Brownstone is a vivid, sweeping, ultimately hopeful story about navigating your heritage even when you feel like you don’t quite fit in.

Almudena has always wondered about the dad she never met.

Now, with her white mother headed on a once-in-a-lifetime trip without her, she’s left alone with her Guatemalan father for an entire summer. Xavier seems happy to see her, … Continue reading →

Review: Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey

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Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer by Paige Classey

Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer
Paige Classey
Random House Books for Young Readers
Published April 28, 2026

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About Anna-Jane and the Endless Summer

Anna-Jane couldn’t wait for camp. But when the outside world goes dark, she and her friends soon realize they’re in for the adventure of their lives this summer—and maybe even beyond.

Anna-Jane is thrilled to be back at Camp Chester—the one place she feels like she belongs. She’s excited to swim in the lake, read in her favorite chair, and swap secrets with her best friend … Continue reading →

Review: The History of Everything by Victoria Evans

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The History of Everything by Victoria Evans

The History of Everything
Victoria Evans
HarperAlley
Published February 18, 2025

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About The History of Everything

Best friends Agnes and Daisy must learn to say goodbye in this coming-of-age YA graphic novel perfect for fans of Booksmart and Pumpkinheads from debut creator Victoria Evans.

Daisy and Agnes have always had each other.

And that’s all they’ve ever needed—or wanted, at least. So when Agnes’s mom drops the bombshell that she and Agnes are moving at the end of the summer, the girls are crushed.

All seems lost until the pair unearth “The … Continue reading →

Review: The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

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The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy by Angela Cervantes

The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy
Angela Cervantes
Henry Holt & Co.
Published May 5, 2026

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About The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy

From Pura Belpré Honor recipient Angela Cervantes and perfectly timed for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, The Mystery of the Stolen World Cup Trophy follows 12-year-old sleuth Diez Espada on a high-stakes case as he tracks down the tournament’s stolen trophy in time for the championship match.

“Humor, heart, and fútbol… everything a middle grade mystery should be.” –Chris Grabenstein, New York Times-bestselling author of the Lemoncello series

Diez Espada—named after the jersey number of his soccer-obsessed father’s … Continue reading →

Review: Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler

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Lies We Tell About the Stars by Susie Nadler

Lies We Tell About the Stars
Susie Nadler
Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published March 3, 2026

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About Lies We Tell About the Stars

A gorgeous debut about friendship, grief, and new beginnings set in near-future San Francisco in the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake and on the cusp of the first human mission to Mars.

Celeste Muldoon is alone when the Big One finally hits, because, for the first time ever, her best friend stood her up after school. Nicky and Celeste share a birthday, matching tattoos, an obsession with the … Continue reading →