Kid

Megabat Hilarious and heartfelt – if you love books about human/animal relationships I can’t recommend this enough.

The Barren Grounds Talking animals, a complicated sister/brother relationship – think Narnia but with Indigenous folklore in the best way possible.

When Life Gives You Mangos Lovely and heartfelt, this book looks at the trials and tribulations of friendship with just a touch of mystery – plus a lush island setting.

The Lost Girl I adore all of Ursu’s books, but this one about two sisters having to find themselves and each other is a full-on home run.

The Land of the Cranes I love a novel in verse, and this one hits you fast, hits you hard, and leaves you grateful for it.

Hurricane Season Love for art and for science come together in a harmonious blend that tugs at the heartstrings and makes the pages fly.

Furthermore Written like a love letter to your favorite childhood classics, this story is a gorgeous, atmospheric, magical piece of work that burrowed into my soul and hasn’t left since.

Pahua and the Soul Stealer This exciting story set in the world of Hmong mythology kept me going until the very last page (also way past my bedtime).

Shadow Magic The son of an outlaw, a giant bat, and an honest-to-goodness nice princess of darkness? Sign me up! It’s a little dark, a little creepy, and completely magical.

Lalani of the Distant Sea Lyrical writing and the enchanting fable-like quality (inspired by Filipino folklore) swept me away and has stuck with me ever since.