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Kings, Queens, and In-Betweens (Paperback)

By Tanya Boteju

$12.99

ISBN: 9781534430662

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Published: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers - February 23rd, 2021

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When you don't fit "mainstream" you need to go off the traveled path and find a magical world where reality and fantasy create art, love, acceptance. Enter the world of Drag Kings, Queen and In-Betweens where nobody and everybody fits. (Some maure themes/situations, best for at least 13 and up). ~ Reviewed by Jeanette

Sir Ladybug (Hardcover)

By Corey R. Tabor, Corey R. Tabor (Illustrator)

$12.99

ISBN: 9780063069060

Availability: Available for Pre-Order Now

Published: Balzer + Bray - March 29th, 2022

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A funny story about friendship, cake, thinking things out, bravery and cake. When Sir Ladybug has their latest quest find them (instead of the other way around), it is an adventure that will take all their skills, the skills of their friends, and the best darn cake ever! Bad jokes, naughty birds (just trying to get a bite to eat) and great cake will have your child (and you) laughing, cheering, and learning the real meaning of bravery. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette

Animal Farm: The Graphic Novel (Paperback)

By George Orwell, Odyr (Illustrator)

$14.99

ISBN: 9780358410775

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Published: Mariner Books - September 8th, 2020

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A haunting adaptation of the classic tale. Raw and illustrated to show the themes clearly and harshly, this was never an easy read, but Odyr gives an eye-opening experience. This graphic novel/illustrated novel is a great way to introduce the story or to support the reading of the novel. Mature images and themes. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette

Lugosi: The Rise and Fall of Hollywood's Dracula (Paperback)

By Koren Shadmi, Koren Shadmi (Illustrator)

$24.99

ISBN: 9781643376615

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Published: Life Drawn - September 28th, 2021

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Lugosi was a victim of his own arrogance, selfishness, pride, and need for attention as he was of the whims of Hollywood and society. And in Shadmi’s graphic novel, you see it fangs and all. The highs and lows (lots of lows, most of his own making) of Lugosi's life are done mostly chronologically. The highlights of the past and present are shown in rotation. The past starts as a child with the fights he got into with classmates, and the ones with his father. His middle-class upbringing, his political leanings, and the world of the theater (both in Hungary and the US) come alive. The modern day (a few years before his death) we see Lugosi in hospitals trying to kick his addictions. The good, the bad, and the batty are given to the reader easily, without bogging down with too much information, but allowing you to see what happened to a man that was a legend in his own mind, in his own time, and as immortal as his most famous character. The story of Lugosi is a story of history, politics, society, stage, and film. It is a glimpse into the beauty and ugly of Hollywood. And it shows and tells how a man became a monster for eternity. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette

All Systems Red: The Murderbot Diaries (Paperback)

By Martha Wells

$15.99

ISBN: 9780765397539

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Published: Tordotcom - May 2nd, 2017

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This first novella in the Murderbot Diaries deals with the idea of what does it mean to be human and what does it mean to be a robot. It asks can a robot be “human” or at least human-like? Can one make that choice themselves or must someone or something validate them/make them “legitimate”? We follow the self-named "Murderbot" as they maneuver the world of humans on a space expedition. This relatable character (all they want to do is rejuvenate in their bunk, stay away from humans, and watch their shows) finds its way into our hearts as we too try and understand what does the word "humanity" really mean and how far can we go before we lose any sense of it? ~ Reviewed by Jeanette

Magical History Tour #5: The Plague (Hardcover)

By Sylvain Savoia (Illustrator), Author Fabrice Erre

$6.99

ISBN: 9781545807729

Availability: IN WAREHOUSE - Usually Ships in 1-5 Business Days

Published: Papercutz - September 28th, 2021

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Annie and Nico, modern day kids have an event in the present that will set them off on an adventure through time. The information is as up to date as possible (do you know the Mongolian army’s connection to the spread of the Black Death?). You will see the parallels to our own recent issues and learn about how we came to be able to fight it as quickly as we were able to. (Considering one era of plague lasted hundreds of years, it happened quickly.) This thoughtful and accessible book is a great way to be introduced to the history of plagues, pandemics, even the history of travel/merchants, medical and scientific history, and discoveries. This series is a perfect addition to the classroom and for the parent and child to sit and talk about the subject one-on-one. ~ Reviewed by Jeanette