Grace Woodhouse, a transgender high school student, is navigating the challenges that come with coming out. Once the star kicker for her school’s football team, Grace is asked to return for her senior season when the team needs her most. As she steps back into the spotlight, she faces national attention, the physical effects of her transition, and the complicated realities of friendships, relationships, and self-acceptance.

This graphic novel follows Ave, a Mexican youth, as they navigate the challenges of moving to Kansas. As they adjust to a new environment, Ave faces several obstacles, including their parents’ divorce, language barriers, a divided family, the struggle to fit in, and questions about their own identity.

Seeds of Change: Planting a Path to Peace tells the inspiring story of Wangari, a scientist and environmental activist from Kenya who became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. The illustrations and vibrant and fun to look at. What I loved most about this book was how it shows the power of one person to create meaningful change. Through her efforts to plant trees, Wangari not only helped restore the environment but also empowered women in her community. It's the kind of story that leaves you feeling hopeful and reminds students that even small actions can have a big impact on the world around them.

I really enjoyed reading Malala’s Magic Pencil by Malala Yousafzai. It offers an inspiring look at Malala’s life and how she used her voice to advocate for change and education. The story highlights important themes of courage, perseverance, and the power of words, showing young readers that even one person can make a difference. I appreciated how the book presents Malala’s experiences in a way that is honest yet age-appropriate, touching on the challenges she faced without overwhelming younger readers. Overall, Malala’s Magic Pencil is a powerful and inspiring story that encourages children to speak up for what they believe in and recognize the impact their voices can have on the world.

I really enjoyed reading All the Fighting Parts by Hannah V. Sawyer. The story follows Amina, a confident and spirited high school student who is navigating friendships, family, and school while being raised by her father after the loss of her mother. Although the book tackles difficult and mature topics, it does so with honesty, sensitivity, and care. Sawyer’s powerful verse writing allows readers to connect deeply with Amina’s emotions and experiences, making her journey feel authentic and impactful. I especially appreciated the book’s themes of resilience, courage, and finding your voice in the face of adversity. Overall, All the Fighting Parts is a thought-provoking, beautifully written novel that leaves readers with a message of strength and hope, and I would highly recommend it to mature YA readers.