In a near-future France, François, a middle-aged academic, is watching his life slowly dwindle to nothing. In a late-capitalist society where consumerism has become the new religion, François is spiritually barren, but seeking to fill the vacuum of his existence.

Life not working out quite how you expected? Calin’s short and expressive illustrations reflect how it feels when everyday things don’t go as planned. Relating to these small, life adventures put a smile on my face.

When Peter Grant tries to take a witness statement from someone who turns out to be a ghost, he finds himself reassigned to The Folly, a forgotten branch of the Met that handles all the “weird stuff.” The first in a series that is the perfect blend of British police procedural and magic.

This delightful book about four women and a teenage intern, who work at a high end Sydney clothing store in the 1950’s during the busy holiday season, will make you laugh and smile throughout its 200+ pages. For once the blurbs on the cover are accurate – a wonderful read.

This is a substantial look at writer and illustrator Edward Gorey, detailing both his life and his works, and especially his relationships with other people. It’s a strong attempt to know someone who desperately wanted NOT to be known.

Told from the perspective of a black teen getting beaten by a white cop and a white teen witness to the beating, Rashad and Quinn bring to light the prejudice and racism present in even the smallest things a black person does. Both voices – excellently written – will keep readers riveted and will open the eyes of teens living a privileged life.

It’s telling when a classic written about racial inequality in American more than 50 years ago can still be prevalent. This short essay provides examples of what it was like to live as a Black man in the civil rights era, how to evolve our way of thinking less of someone, and what Americans need to do to achieve lasting change. It is a warning and it is about hope. If you have yet to read the amazing work of James Baldwin, this is a great book to start.

A debut novel that is heavily autobiographical and infused with magical realism, this is the story of Echo Brown, a young wizard growing up in the East Side of Cleveland. As she grows in her powers, she opens new portals of opportunity for her life – transferring to a rich school on the West Side, being mentored by one of her teachers, and getting a new best friend. Echo straddles living in between these two worlds as she battles the dark veils of pain that flows in everyone around her.  This novel weaves together heavy topics of poverty, sexual violence, depression, racism, and sexism through a magical lens that leaves you breathless.

17-year-old twin brothers Tyler and Marvin are in their senior year, but when Tyler is shot and killed in an unprovoked altercation with a police officer, Marvin has to face the fallout alone. Balancing his grief-ridden mother, the social media explosion, and advocating to clear his brother’s name, Marvin’s life is upended by the events of that night. For readers who valued The Hate U Give, All American Boys, and Dear Martin.

What would you do if your big spring break trip got canceled and your suitcase was already packed? Maybe take an impromptu trip with Grandma! Scoob’s grandma has always been a little unusual, but this trip might be even stranger than usual. A whirlwind adventure about family and segregation history in the South starts here. This book blends secrets and family memories with learning about how American history has changed our lives today. Buckle up and don’t tell Dad- Grandma’s on a roll!