Darlene P. Campos' 3 favorite reads in 2025

After three long years of war, twelve-year-old Irene can't wait for life to return to normal when her father finally comes home. But the playful daddy who once played tic-tac-toe in church and encouraged her to wear pants if she "blanged-well wanted to" seems lost in the shadows of his wartime experiences. As his nightmares, outbursts, and deep sadness grow worse instead of better, Irene realizes she may be losing her father all over again - this time to the echoes of war that refuse to fade.In this poignant post-WWII story, one determined girl must find the courage and strength… show more.

"An exceptional work: atmospherically illustrated and underpinned by strong but restrained feelings." —Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

In a stunning sequel to The Genius Under the Table, Eugene Yelchin's graphic memoir depicts his harrowing journey from Leningrad's underground art scene to a state-run Siberian asylum—and to eventual safety in the US.

No longer the creative little boy under his grandmother's table, Yevgeny is now a young adult, pursuing his artistic dreams under the constant threat of the KGB's stranglehold on Russia's creative scene. When a chance encounter with an American woman opens him up to a world of romance and possibility,… show more.

Benji Zeb has to balance preparing for his bar mitzvah, his feelings for a school bully, and being a werewolf in this heartfelt, coming-of-age novel for middle-grade readers. For fans of Don't Want to Be Your Monster and Too Bright to See.

Benji Zeb has a lot going on. He has a lot of studying to do, not only for school but also for his upcoming bar mitzvah. He's nervous about Mr. Rutherford, the aggressive local rancher who hates Benji's family's kibbutz and wolf sanctuary. And he hasn't figured out what to do about Caleb, Mr. Rutherford's stepson, who has… show more.