Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth

 Seek the Traitor's Son (The Burning Empire #1) by Veronica Roth-416 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐

A new epic romantic, dystopian fantasy begins in Seek the Traitor's Son, from #1 New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth

Elegy Ahn did not ask for destiny to find her.

She is happy with her life as a soldier, defending her small country from the Talusar, a powerful nation who worships a deadly Fever. A fever that blesses half of its victims with mysterious gifts.

But then she’s summoned to hear a prophecy–her, and the most ruthless of Talusar generals, Rava Vidar. Brought face to face, they learn that one of them will lead their people to victory over the other…but they don’t know which. And at the center of both of their fates: a man. A man that, Elegy is told, she will fall in love with.

In just one day, Elegy’s old life–her job, her purpose, and her future–is over. She and Rava are destined to collide, with the fate of their nations hanging in the balance. And when they do, only one will be left standing.

Elegy intends to make sure it’s her.

Thoughts: I have read most of Roth's previous books and I've met her at author events twice now (both were great experiences). This is probably my favorite of hers since Divergent. It starts a bit slow, but really picks up in the second half. I look forward to the second and final book of the duology, which the title was recently revealed to be Curse the Left Hand. 

Carter Avery's Tricky Fourth Grade Year by Rob Buyea

 

Carter Avery's Tricky Fourth Grade Year  by Rob Buyea   344 pages

No teacher has ever liked Carter Avery. So he doesn’t expect that Ms. Olivia Krane will be any different. In fact, he heard the rumor that the new teacher -- nicknamed Owl-livia, or the Owl, for short -- can twist her head all the way round to catch any kid who’s up to no good. And since Carter has a hard time sitting still and not blurting stuff out, he’s sure he’s in for rough times being sent to the principal’s office. Making things worse: annoying know-it-all Missy Gerber is in his class! But the Owl knows just how to handle Carter’s energy, showing his classmates another side of him. Everything’s looking up until Carter finds out that some people would like to see Ms. Krane replaced. The news spurs him on a secret mission to save his teacher. Then a disruption, heated words with Missy, and trouble outside of school test Carter’s plan, heart, and courage, as he navigates an especially tricky school year.

This is a Mark Twain nominee this year.  I think fourth and fifth graders will be able to relate to this book because of the hyper activeness of the character. I also think a lot of students feel this way toward teachers until they find one that will accept them for who they are.  I am a little concerned because it discusses artificial insemination in the way that the teacher becomes pregnant.  But other than that I recommend this for the age group.

March: Book One by John Lewis

March: Book One by John Lewis

March #1, 128 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

March is a vivid first-hand account of John Lewis' lifelong struggle for civil and human rights, meditating in the modern age on the distance traveled since the days of Jim Crow and segregation. Rooted in Lewis' personal story, it also reflects on the highs and lows of the broader civil rights movement.

Book One spans John Lewis' youth in rural Alabama, his life-changing meeting with Martin Luther King, Jr., the birth of the Nashville Student Movement, and their battle to tear down segregation through nonviolent lunch counter sit-ins, building to a stunning climax on the steps of City Hall.

Many years ago, John Lewis and other student activists drew inspiration from the 1950s comic book Martin Luther King and the Montgomery Story. Now, his own comics bring those days to life for a new audience, testifying to a movement whose echoes will be heard for generations.

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

Superman Smashes the Klan by Gene Luen Yang

Superman Smashes the Klan #1-3, 240 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

The year is 1946, and the Lee family has moved from Chinatown to Downtown Metropolis. While Dr. Lee is eager to begin his new position at the Metropolis Health Department, his two kids, Roberta and Tommy, are more excited about being closer to the famous superhero Superman!

Tommy adjusts quickly to the fast pace of their new neighborhood, befriending Jimmy Olsen and joining the club baseball team, while his younger sister Roberta feels out of place when she fails to fit in with the neighborhood kids. She's awkward, quiet, and self-conscious of how she looks different from the kids around her, so she sticks to watching people instead of talking to them.

While the Lees try to adjust to their new lives, an evil is stirring in Metropolis: the Ku Klux Klan. The Klan targets the Lee family, beginning a string of terrorist attacks. They kidnap Tommy, attack the Daily Planet, and even threaten the local YMCA. But with the help of Roberta's keen skills of observation, Superman is able to fight the Klan's terror, while exposing those in power who support them--and Roberta and Superman learn to embrace their own unique features that set them apart.

I Killed Adolf Hitler by Jason

I Killed Adolf Hitler by Jason

48 pages

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Synopsis (from Goodreads)

What if we lived in a world where ‘murderer for hire’ was as legal and commonplace a profession as doctor or engineer?

What if a scientist hired one of these assassins for the most amazing hit of his career…to go back in time and kill Adolf Hitler before his evil rise to power?

And what if Hitler managed to survive that assassination attempt, steal the time machine, sneak back to the 21st century…leaving the would be killer stranded 70 years ago?

If you think you can guess the answers to any of these questions…you’re wrong. And you need to read this graphic novel, the amazing deadpan masterpiece from mighty Jason.

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

 

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

430 Pages | 2024

Star Rating: ★★★★☆

An instant New York Times and USA Today bestseller!
An Indie Next pick!

Infused with magic and romance, this sweeping fantasy adventure inspired by the legend of Mulan follows a young woman determined to choose her own destiny—even if that means going against everyone she loves.

The Three Kingdoms are at war, but Meilin’s father refuses to answer the imperial draft. Trapped by his opium addiction, he plans to sell Meilin for her dowry. But when Meilin discovers her husband-to-be is another violent, ill-tempered man, she realizes that nothing will change for her unless she takes matters into her own hands.

The very next day, she disguises herself as a boy and enlists in her father’s place.

In the army, Meilin's relentless hard work brings her recognition, friendship—and a growing closeness with Sky, a prince turned training partner. But has she simply exchanged one prison for another? As her kingdom barrels toward destruction, Meilin begins to have visions of a sea dragon spirit that offers her true power and freedom, but with a deadly price.

With the future of the Three Kingdoms hanging in the balance, Meilin will need to decide whom to trust—Sky, who inspires her loyalty and love; the sea dragon spirit, who has his own murky agenda; or an infuriating enemy prince who makes her question everything she once knew—about her kingdom and about her own heart.

How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days by Jessie Sylva

 

How to Lose a Goblin in Ten Days

352 Pages | 2026

Star Rating: ★★★☆☆

A halfling and a goblin must learn to love each other despite their differences in this cozy fantasy romance, brimming with warmth and popular romance tropes―perfect for fans of The Honey Witch and The Spellshop.

What if cottagecore and goblincore fell in love?

When a halfling, Pansy, and a goblin, Ren, each think they've inherited the same cottage, they make a bargain: they'll live in the house together and whoever is driven out first forfeits their ownership.

Amidst forced proximity and cultural misunderstandings, the two begin to fall in love.

But when the cottage―and their communities―are threatened by a common enemy, the duo must learn to trust each other, and convince goblins and halflings to band together to oust a tall intruder.