Toads and Diamonds A tween/teen novel. Three steps beyond a fairy tale re-telling, set in a sub-tropical world suffering from plague, with court politics, earth magics, light romance, and learning how to value one’s own self.
The 57 Bus Two teens converge on a city bus in a moment of thoughtless violence, and both of their lives are changed forever. Reading and understanding this true story changed my life, too.
The Smell of Other People’s Houses Four Alaskan teens, each with their own challenges, whose lives slowly converge. A short read that packs a punch.
The Lock-eater Come for the intricate world-building and compelling adventure, stay for the personal evolution and sparkling prose.
King and the Dragonflies King is struggling to hold his family together after his older brother’s unexpected death. How much does he have left to look after his missing, tortured friend?
The Hundred Dresses Originally published in 1944, this story still has lots to tell us about kindness and respect and seeing people for who they are.
The Enigma Game Three intersecting stories vibrate with intrigue, suspense, and complex human emotion in this historical thriller set in 1940’s Scotland.
Checked A triumphant story about an elite hockey player and his love for his sick dog is elevated by Kadohata’s typically transparent and transportive prose.
