Category Archives: News and Fun

Spring 2026 Picture Books on My Radar

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Spring 2026 Picture Books on My Radar

Spring 2026 Picture Books on My Radar

There’s something about springtime that draws me toward picture books. I don’t know if it’s the optimism or the cheery or soothing illustrations, or simply a hunger for art following the cold winter days. Whatever the reason, I am ready for some picture books to bring in the spring!

Not all of these titles are published in Spring 2026, but they are all on my reading list this month, so I’m sharing them all at once. There are a few nonfiction titles here that I found energizing as well as some sweet, uplifting stories and even an unusual alphabet book listing instruments from all over the world.

Note: This post contains affiliate links that do not cost you anything to use but … Continue reading →

Review: One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

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One Word, Six Letters by Adib Khorram

One Word, Six Letters
Adib Khorram
Henry Holt & Co
Published March 17, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About One Word, Six Letters

Two teen boys grapple with identity and accountability and set off a ripple effect within their community after a school assembly is disrupted by a shouted slur.

Freshmen Dayton and Farshid couldn’t be more different—or so it seems.

When Dayton takes a dare and shouts the f-slur at a visiting author during a school event, it sets off a chain reaction that forces both boys to face parts of themselves they’d rather ignore.

Dayton, grappling with … Continue reading →

Review: El Deafo by CeCe Bell

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El Deafo by Cece Bell

El Deafo
Cece Bell
Amulet Books
Published September 2, 2014

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About El Deafo

Starting at a new school is scary, even more so with a giant hearing aid strapped to your chest! At her old school, everyone in Cece’s class was deaf. Here she is different. She is sure the kids are staring at the Phonic Ear, the powerful aid that will help her hear her teacher. Too bad it also seems certain to repel potential friends.

Then Cece makes a startling discovery. With the Phonic Ear she can hear her teacher not just in the classroom, but … Continue reading →

February 2026 Reading Recap

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February 2026 Reading Recap

February 2026 Reading Recap

LOL. After a couple of months of perfectly timed recap posts, here I am, nearing the end of March, finally looking back at what I read in February. Falling behind was bound to happen eventually.

February was a busy month. I ended up starting a new job, which has required some reorganizing in the other areas of my life. It’s been really cool, though. Prior to this, I worked primarily from home doing freelance writing. This puts me in an office and in connection with a lot of people for 10-15 hours per week. The change in what’s required of me in terms of social energy has taken some time to acclimate to, but I find I really enjoy the work. I’m also enjoying connecting with new people.

… Continue reading →

Review: Sidequested by Ale Presser and K.B. Spangler

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SideQuested: Book 1 by K. B. Spangler and Alexandra Presser

Sidequested: Book 1
Ale Presser
Illustrated by K. B. Spangler
Andrews McMeel Publishing
Published March 17, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Sidequested: Book 1

The course of true love never did run straight…For fans of The Owl House and Critical Role comes the first volume in the lighthearted and epic adventure SideQuested!

Magic makes the world go ’round, but no one in Charlie Goldskin’s world knows precisely where magic comes from. This isn’t Charlie’s problem. She’s the adopted daughter of a woodcarver and is training to be a librarian. It’ll be a quiet life, but that’s fine with Charlie as magic … Continue reading →

MMGM Review: Hafsa’s Way by Aisha Saeed

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Hafsa's Way by Aisha Saeed

Hafsa’s Way
Aisha Saeed
Nancy Paulsen Books
Published March 10, 2026

Amazon | Bookshop | Goodreads

About Hafsa’s Way

In this inspiring stand-alone companion to New York Times bestseller Amal Unbound , Hafsa defies her family’s patriarchal expectations by pursuing her dreams and insisting that her married sister pursue hers.

Hafsa intends to be a doctor one day, so she’s thrilled to be accepted into Bukhari Summer Science Camp for kids who share her dream. Her parents, however, do not share her enthusiasm. They don’t support the idea of girls being doctors, the camp is expensive, and they don’t want to send her off to the big city of Lahore unsupervised. But when her brother-in-law offers … Continue reading →