Slip

McCoola, Marika and Aatmaja Pandya, Illustrator. Slip. 2022. 208p. ISBN 9781616207892. Available on the graphic novels section of the library.

Jade's plans for a summer of intensive art camp that could lead to a college scholarship are abruptly derailed when her best friend, Phoebe, attempts suicide, forcing Jade to grapple with guilt and responsibility. Despite her emotional turmoil, Jade attends the Art Farm, where she finds artistic fulfillment and forms a budding romantic connection with the free-spirited Mary. Jade channels her anxieties and insecurities into her ceramic creations, crafting monstrous figures that serve as physical manifestations of her inner struggles.

However, Jade's attempt to compartmentalize her problems takes a surreal turn when her ceramic monsters come to life, demanding that she confront her unresolved issues. These living creatures force Jade to acknowledge the emotional baggage she's been avoiding, including the fear of losing Phoebe. Jade's journey becomes a blend of artistic exploration and emotional reckoning, as she learns that ignoring her problems only allows them to manifest in more tangible and disruptive ways.

A Prayer for Vengeance

Schwartz, Leanne. A Prayer for Vengeance. 2023. 368p. ISBN 9781645678885.

Milo, an autistic orphan raised within Tresttato's devout temple, yearns for acceptance into its ranks, dedicating himself to tending the stone statues of ancient heroes. Centuries after a miracle supposedly vanquished the city's monsters and petrified its defenders, Milo's heartfelt poetry, intended as prayer, inadvertently awakens Gia, a cursed girl consumed by a thirst for revenge. To Milo's horror, Gia immediately sets her sights on Primo Sanct Ennio, the immortal holy leader whom Milo reveres and to whom he owes his very life.

Gia vehemently asserts that Ennio, far from being a savior, is the very man who betrayed her and transformed her into a statue, revealing that Milo's cherished "miracle" was, in fact, a devastating curse. Driven by an unwavering resolve, Gia is determined to break this curse at all costs, even if it means eliminating Ennio's followers and, disturbingly, even the boy who inadvertently freed her. Milo is thus thrust into a perilous conflict, forced to confront a shattered reality where his deepest beliefs are challenged by a vengeful truth.

A Prayer for Vengeance is a fantastic fantasy debut that immerses readers in a world of curses, beasts, and monsters, with a vengeful girl at its heart, driving a compelling narrative.

Blue Exorcist, Vol. 21

Kato, Kazue. Blue Exorcist, Vol. 21. 2018. 202p. ISBN 9781974703937. Available in the graphic novels section of the library. 

Yukio continues to question himself and his origins, following the revelations in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 20. A massive demonic attack on Tokyo, visible to most of the population, causes casualties and signals the beginning of an unprecedented global surge in demonic activity. As the Knights of the True Cross and the Japanese government struggle to manage the widespread chaos, Lightning's relentless investigation into the Illuminati has put immense pressure on the Knights and, more specifically, on Yukio. This mounting tension pushes Yukio to his breaking point, prompting him to confront Mephisto, desperate for the truth about his and Rin's birth.

However, Mephisto, ever the enigmatic figure, continues to manipulate events from the shadows, seemingly pulling the strings of everyone involved. Despite Yukio's urgent need for answers, the complexities surrounding his and Rin's origins, combined with Mephisto's evasiveness, indicate that simple resolutions are unlikely. Yukio faces a stark choice. Join the Illuminati to gain more knowledge and perhaps receive some answers to the questions he's been asking, or remain with his friends and his brother. Yukio makes a shocking choice!

The story continues in Blue Exorcist, Vol. 22.

Caprice of Fate

Bennett, Christopher L. Caprice of Fate. Book 1 of the Tangent Knights series. 2021. Audiobook.

In the technologically advanced arcology of New Avalon, 2046, Cory Kagami, a spirited college student, clashes with her powerful mother, Morgan Herrera. Morgan, the head of Catchfire Industries, effectively governs New Avalon through her technological dominance and political influence, advocating for a strong defense against threats from parallel Earths. She develops advanced armor and weaponry for her cyborg peacekeeping force, Fireforce, in a world grappling with the disruptive influx of new ideas and technologies.

When Cory inadvertently gains access to the most sophisticated armor system, Morgan sees an opportunity to reconnect with her daughter and mold her into a hero. However, Cory, influenced by her love for Japanese tokusatsu, possesses her own distinct vision of heroism, diverging from her mother's expectations. This divergence sets the stage for conflict as Cory's independent spirit and unique perspective challenge her mother's control and the established order of New Avalon.

Right Back at You

Mackler, Carolyn. Right Back at You. 2025. 240p. ISBN 9781338734218.

Mason, a contemporary teenager living in New York City, is grappling with his parents' separation and bullying at school. He writes a personal letter to Albert Einstein as part of a class assignment. Frustrated, he impulsively throws the letter into his closet. The next day, he receives a reply, not from Einstein, but from Talia, a girl living in 1987. Talia faces her own set of challenges, including antisemitic bullying from her classmates, and feels betrayed by her supposed friends.

Talia, finding herself isolated and needing someone to confide in, discovers an unexpected connection with Mason, a boy from the future. Their correspondence becomes a lifeline for both of them, offering solace and understanding across the barriers of time. They form a unique bond, sharing their struggles and offering support, proving that even across decades, shared experiences of isolation and the need for connection can forge a powerful friendship.

Readers who enjoy time travel stories will appreciate the communication and support both Mason and Talia gain from becoming friends. 

 

How It All Ends

Hunsinger. Emma. How It All Ends. 2024. 304p ISBN 9780063158153. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

A seventh grade student in middle school, thirteen-year-old Tara is accustomed to living in her vibrant imagination. When she is abruptly promoted to 9th grade through a program designed to challenge high-performing students, Tara is thrown into the reality of high school. Though her older sister tries to prepare her, Tara finds herself unprepared for the social and emotional complexities of her new environment. She struggles with the mature content her classmates consume, the chaotic high school atmosphere, and the daunting prospect of changing for PE in front of others. Tara feels out of place, clinging to the familiar comfort of make-believe with her younger brother.

Amidst this upheaval, Tara encounters Libby, a classmate who introduces her to a new kind of connection and excitement. Tara is drawn to Libby, but she grapples with understanding and articulating her feelings. Libby is there for Tara, but Tara can't seem to avoid putting her foot in her mouth. How do you let someone know you like them without making a big deal of it?

How It All Ends captures the awkward yet endearing moments of adolescence, exploring the challenges of fitting in, navigating new friendships, and experiencing the first flushes of a crush. It accurately portrays the often overwhelming, yet thrilling, journey of self-discovery and growing up.

Friends Forever

Hale, Shannon and Leuyen Pham, illustrator. Friends Forever. Book 3 of the Friends series. 2021. 304p. ISBN 9781250317568. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following an eventful sixth grade year in Best Friends, Shannon, an eighth grader, is navigating the turbulent waters of adolescence, where everything feels increasingly complex and ever-changing. She's struggling with the social pressures of her peers, who are beginning to date while she remains on the sidelines, and she constantly battles an underlying sense of unhappiness. Despite her efforts to appear cheerful, Shannon grapples with insecurities and undiagnosed depression, leading her to question if there's something fundamentally wrong with her.

Haunted by the fear of disappointing those who care about her, Shannon embarks on a journey of self-discovery. She questions her identity and seeks to understand who she truly wants to be, rather than conforming to the expectations of others. Through their relatable storytelling and heartfelt illustrations, the authors create a narrative that resonates with readers of all ages, offering a message of self-acceptance and reassurance that everyone is inherently worthy.

Unbranded

Wharton, Herb. Unbranded. 2000. 264p. ISBN 9780702265969.

Unbranded centers on the enduring forty-year friendship of three men: Sandy, a white man; Bindi, a Murri (Indigenous Australian); and Mulga, who shares familial ties with both Bindi and Sandy through his Murri mother and Irish father, respectively. The story follows the distinct yet intertwined journeys of these three friends through the mulga country of the far west. As the three friends age, their paths diverge: Sandy achieves considerable wealth and land ownership, Bindi dedicates himself to Indigenous land rights, and Mulga oscillates between the droving life and urban stints. In its latter sections, the book significantly explores the complexities of Aboriginal identity in a modernizing world, with Mulga's narrative voice occasionally becoming an overt conduit for the author's own perspectives.

Unbranded by Herb Wharton, a former cattle drover, offers a uniquely authentic novel exploring themes of friendship and brotherhood set against the backdrop of inland Australia's stock routes. Wharton presents a strikingly original vision of the outback, populated by a rollicking cast of characters including stockmen, shearers, barmaids, and tourists, moving from lively picnic races and the famous Mt. Isa rodeo to childhood experiences in the yumba and gritty outback pubs. A central argument presented is that adaptation to modernity, primarily through education, is crucial for Aboriginal survival. While acknowledging the historical injustices of white settlers profiting from the land through grazing and mining, the story expresses impatience with prolonged internal disputes among Indigenous groups or an excessive focus on land rights, suggesting a pragmatic approach to progress.

Blue Lock, Vol. 5

Kaneshiro, Muneyuki. Blue Lock, Vol. 5. 2019. 193p. ISBN 9781636992310. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Despite facing Team V's formidable offensive prowess in Blue Lock, Vol. 4, Isagi's Team Z has fought their way to a surprising 3-3 tie with only fifteen minutes left in the pivotal match. The intense pressure of this final stretch drives every player on the field to seek a breakthrough, a personal "awakening" that will elevate their abilities and potentially secure victory for their team. The atmosphere crackles with anticipation as both sides push their limits in pursuit of advancement.

The final minutes of the game against Team V become a thrilling culmination of skill, strategy, and individual determination. Each player strives to unlock their hidden potential, hoping to make the decisive play that will tip the scales in their favor. The narrative builds towards a climactic finish, leaving the reader in suspense as to which team will achieve this crucial awakening and emerge victorious from this high-stakes battle for survival in the Blue Lock competition.

Dear Manny

Stone, Nic. Dear Manny. 2025. 224p. ISBN 9780593308011.

Jared Peter Christensen, a university student, is confident in his bid for junior class president, believing his progressive platform focused on equity and inclusion will secure his victory over his right-wing opponent. His friend and roomate, Justyce, from Dear Martin, provides advice and guidance without being too involved. However, his campaign is unexpectedly disrupted by the arrival of Dylan, a captivating transfer student from an HBCU. Dylan challenges Jared's self-perception, accusing him of embodying a "Woke White Boy" mentality, which throws him into a state of confusion and self-doubt.

To navigate his conflicting emotions and grapple with Dylan's accusations, Jared begins writing letters to his deceased best friend, Manny. These letters serve as a means for him to process his internal struggle and confront the complexities of love and privilege. He is forced to examine his own beliefs and actions, questioning whether his intentions align with his impact. 

Dear Manny explores the tension between Jared's desire for social justice and his own privileged position, posing the question of how he can reconcile his personal feelings with his understanding of systemic inequalities. 

Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age

Ohler, Norman. Tripped: Nazi Germany, the CIA, and the Dawn of the Psychedelic Age. 2024. 226p. ISBN 9780358646501.

In the chaotic aftermath of World War II in Berlin following the collapse of Nazism, drug use saw a resurgence. Long repressed by Nazi authorities, the drug trade and associated crime burgeoned in a city laid to waste by years of war. Berlin, divided among the Allied powers, saw varying drug policies implemented, with the American zone becoming a focal point for researching and investigating Nazi anti-drug laws. At the same time, with the Cold War engulfing the world and dividing it into two camps, American research into mind control drugs increased, and the seizure of Nazi archives on psychedelic research, particularly concerning mescaline and LSD, provided new avenues for experiments.

LSD, created in Switzerland following research into a grain infection, became the foundation for the CIA's infamous MKUltra program. This program, focused on brainwashing and psychological torture, significantly influenced American drug policy for decades, particularly regarding psychedelics. As the substance became widely distributed, however, the American government lost control of the narrative and moved to ban what it saw as a drug worse than heroin. As a result, therapeutic research was hindered, and many people became victims of the so-called war on drugs. 

With a push towards decriminalization, more research is now being conducted on how LSD and other psychedelics can be used to treat mental illness and aging-related diseases like Alzheimer. Fans of history will appreciate the scholarship that went into researching this thorough history of a little-known drug with an oversize reputation.

Greater Secrets

Hirsh, Ananth. Illustrated by Tess Stone. Greater Secrets. 2024. 224p. ISBN 9780593124857. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Maya's family carries a unique and enigmatic legacy: the ability to see a distant, mysterious pillar of light. While some view it as a blessing, others see it as a curse, as those who attempt to follow the light never return. Maya's understanding of this phenomenon is limited, but she knows that her sister, renowned musician Amara, driven by her own light, ventured out and disappeared, leaving Maya with a profound sense of loss and uncertainty.

Driven by the desire to find her missing sister, Maya embarks on an unconventional road trip with two unlikely companions she has just met, heading towards the ghost town where her sister was last sighted. However, as Maya draws closer to her sister's trail, she also finds herself confronting her own looming destiny – the inevitable pull of her own pillar of light. Despite her apprehension about facing the unknown, Maya is determined to uncover the truth and rescue her sister, even if it means confronting the potentially dangerous and unpredictable forces that await her.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 14: Wrecking Ball

 Kinney, Jeff. Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Vol. 14: Wrecking Ball. 2019. 224p. ISBN 9780241412039. Available at FIC KIN on the library shelves.

An unexpected inheritance presents Greg Heffley's family with the opportunity to undertake significant renovations on their home. However, their initial excitement quickly dissipates as they discover that home improvement projects are far more challenging and problematic than anticipated. What seemed like a straightforward upgrade soon devolves into a series of unforeseen complications.

As the demolition begins, the family uncovers a host of issues, including rotten wood, toxic mold, and an influx of unwelcome creatures. The situation escalates with the discovery of something even more sinister, leading Greg and his family to question whether the extensive renovations are truly worth the mounting trouble. The central dilemma becomes whether the Heffleys will be able to remain in their house once the dust settles, or if the sheer scale of the problems will force them to abandon their home and relocate.

Naruto, Vol. 28: Homecoming

Kishimoto, Masashi. Naruto, Vol. 28: Homecoming. 2011. 200p. ISBN 9781421518640. Available in the graphic novels section of the library.

Following Naruto's return to Kohona in Naruto, Vol. 27, two years have passed. Naruto and Sakura embarked on their training journeys with Jiraiya and Lady Tsunada. Naruto returns to the Hidden Leaf Village older and stronger. He's eager to reunite with his friends and demonstrate the progress he's made. However, he quickly discovers that his former teammates have surpassed him in skill and accomplishment, leaving him feeling the pressure to prove himself. This reunion is bittersweet, filled with the joy of reconnecting but also the sting of realizing he still has much to learn.

The reunion takes a dangerous turn when Gaara of the Sands is kidnapped. Kakashi, Naruto and Sakura quickly travel to the Sands village to attempt a rescue. This event thrusts Naruto into action, giving him the opportunity to showcase the results of his training and demonstrate his commitment to protecting his loved ones. He must now rise to the challenge and prove that he has the strength and determination necessary to rescue his friend and solidify his place among his peers.

The story continues in Naruto, Vol. 29.

Jojo vs. Middle School

McCullough, Joy and Veeda Bybee. Jojo vs. Middle School. Book 1 of Team Awkward. 2025. 192p. ISBN 9781665950732.

Jojo's meticulously planned first day of middle school is derailed when her mother, preoccupied with her new boyfriend, forgets to wake her up. Forced to improvise, Jojo starts her day with mismatched clothing and a borrowed hoodie. Despite the initial setback, the day seems to be going relatively well until a hole in her leggings, caused by the kitten of her mother's boyfriend, reveals her cat-themed underwear to the entire school. This embarrassing incident, stemming from her mother's boyfriend's cat-influencer status, sends Jojo reeling.

Mortified and unable to face her classmates, Jojo seeks refuge in an abandoned locker room during lunch. However, she discovers she's not alone in her awkward isolation, finding others also hiding from their own middle school mishaps. The following day, Jojo and her friends meet again in the locker room, only to hear a lockdown being called as a bobcat is now crawling through the halls. Caught by themselves in an unused part of the school, the girls must muster their courage to find their way out while a wild beast roams free.

Fans of light middle school fiction will enjoy this fast-paced book focused on their shared experience of embarrassment and vulnerability, which leads to the formation of unexpected friendships. By gaining new friends, Jojo gains a glimmer of hope that middle school, with its inevitable awkward moments, might be more bearable with supportive friends by her side. 

Education Across Borders: Immigration, Race, and Identity in the Classroom

Sylvain, Patrick, Marie Lily Cerat, and Jalene Tamerat. Education Across Borders: Immigration, Race, and Identity in the Classroom. 2022. 144p. ISBN 9780807052808

Education Across Borders explores the systemic disadvantages faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color and first-generation students within the U.S. educational system, highlighting the correlation between non-inclusive environments and increased dropout rates, stress, and anxiety. Three educators, drawing from their own experiences as immigrants, advocate for culturally relevant pedagogy as a crucial tool to combat racial inequity and ensure student success. Education Across Borders aims to benefit white educators in particular, offering reflections and strategies for valuing the diverse experiences of their students.

Focusing on Haitian and Dominican students, the authors explore the specific challenges faced by immigrant and first-generation learners. They delve into the intersections of language policies and social justice, the use of culturally relevant teaching and community knowledge to enhance curriculum, student-centered classroom practices, and strategies for supporting Haitian Creole-speaking students. The book serves as a practical guide for creating inclusive classrooms that foster the academic and emotional well-being of all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds.

Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel

Grabenstein, Chris. Illustrated by Douglas Holgate. Escape From Mr. Lemoncello's Library: The Graphic Novel. 2023. 256p. ISBN 9780593484852. Available in the graphic novel section of the library.

Kyle Keeley, a dedicated game enthusiast, is thrilled to discover that the renowned Luigi Lemoncello has created his town's new library. The excitement escalates when he learns about an exclusive, invitation-only lock-in event on opening night. Driven by his passion for games and puzzles, Kyle is determined to secure an invitation and experience the library's wonders firsthand. His dream becomes reality, but he soon realizes that the true challenge lies not in entering the library, but in escaping it.

When morning arrives, the doors remain firmly locked, and Kyle and the other young attendees find themselves trapped within the library's walls. They quickly discover that this is no ordinary lock-in; it's a meticulously crafted puzzle designed by Lemoncello himself. To find the hidden escape route, they must work together, deciphering clues and solving intricate puzzles hidden throughout the library. The lock-in transforms into a high-stakes game, demanding teamwork, ingenuity, and a keen eye for detail as the children race against time to unlock the secrets and regain their freedom.