Archives for March 2026

After a perfect outing with her boyfriend, Kenna makes an unbearable mistake that sends her to prison for seven years. Hoping to rebuild her life after her release, she tries to reunite with her daughter, but her custodial grandparents refuse to let Kenna see her. She soon finds unexpected compassion from a local bar owner as their secret romance gives Kenna hope for a second chance.

Kenna Rowan pleads guilty to vehicular manslaughter for a car accident that resulted in the death of her boyfriend, Scotty Landry. Six years later, Kenna is released from prison on parole and moves back to her hometown in hopes of meeting her five-year-old daughter Diem, whom she gave birth to during her sentence and has been raised by Scotty’s parents, Grace and Patrick.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Sydney S. comments, “Reminders of Him encapsulates a stirring plot with characters that are easily likable. Although it starts off slow, the film is very moving on a personal level… The film’s message is that even when life is difficult, it’s important to find hope and something to live for.” See her full review below.

Reminders of Him

By Sydney S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 15

Reminders of Him encapsulates a stirring plot with characters that are easily likable. Although it starts off slow, the film is very moving on a personal level.

The storyline follows a woman who is recently released from prison for killing her boyfriend. She goes in search of her daughter that was taken away from her after birth. She ends up finding her late boyfriend’s best friend, and they build a close relationship with each other.

Reminders of Him is based on the book with the same title by Colleen Hoover. The main characters are Kenna (Maika Monroe), Ledger (Tyriq Withers), Grace (Lauren Graham), Scotty (Rudy Pankow) and Diem (Zoe Kosovic). One of my favorite things about this film is how connected I felt with the characters. Knowing their backstory and struggles, but also seeing their interactions with each other, made it easy to get attached to them. That’s why when Kenna and her daughter Diem meet, it’s especially heartwarming because the audience knows how much it took to get to that point and how much it means to Kenna. I felt complete empathy for all the characters. However, we know very little about Scotty’s background, despite the whole film being based on him. The plot is lacking there and he is only shown in a couple of scenes. Even though the plot is very predictable, one scene shocked me even though I knew it was bound to happen. I applaud the directors for that. Books are explicitly detailed and can be difficult to transfer into a movie script, but this screenplay delivers. It makes me want to read the book now. I especially like Scotty and Kenna’s flashbacks. The car crash scene is very intense and captivating, even to the point of shaking and heart racing! The setting is mostly in a rural city and the sets look very realistic. My favorite part is hearing the jokes of Kenna’s coworker, who is a kid. She’s so funny and adds humor and balance to the storyline.

The film’s message is that even when life is difficult, it’s important to find hope and something to live for. When Kenna feels like she has nothing to live for, she creates new relationships with people and becomes part of her daughter’s life, which she didn’t think was possible. However, she never gives up and continues to persevere. Be aware that there are some scenes with bloody images, personal intimacy, and mild profanity.

I give Reminders of Him 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. Reminders of Him releases in theaters March 13, 2026.

Trailer:

Children and families go back in time along the historic Silk Road. The story follows a group of kids who must save the great scientists of history from an evil time traveling alchemist.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critic Kyla C. comments, “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is an animated, action-packed adventure through time that is perfect for kids and families. This film contains striking animation, an interesting story, and well-developed characters.” Spencer C. adds, “I like how, at the beginning, we get a quick understanding of Layla and her family. Plus, unlike most historical shows that take place in Europe or America, this one takes place in the Middle East and Africa, which really stands out.” Brooklyn S. wraps it up with, “Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a futuristic and adventurous film that includes time travel. Combining unique history and animation makes it interesting to watch. The film is set in 2050 and follows a widowed father, Habib (Omar Regan) who flees with his daughter Layla (Jayce McKenzie) to Vancouver, Canada after almost being captured because of inventing time travel.” See their full reviews below.   

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road follows a group of four young kids who attend a prestigious school and are introduced to a professor with a lab dedicated to time travel. When one of them accidentally transports himself into the past, the others follow. They find themselves being chased by an evil alchemist and must discover where they are in time and how to stop the alchemist’s malicious plans. The kids discover that they have been transported to the Silk Road in Baghdad and must work together along with their professor, who is in current time, to save the Silk Road.

The animation in Time Hoppers The Silk Road stands out to me immediately. The characters are vivid and colorful, and intricate details of each character portray aspects of their personality or background. From the first introduction of the characters, I can easily identify which one is which, and differentiate their personalities. The colors they wear and their facial expressions match up to the actors’ voices and their character as a whole. These well-rounded characters allow me to truly care that they end up safe and successful, making the film as a whole more engaging. Additionally, the settings are meticulously animated, with details from the Silk Road making appearances throughout. Although I’m not an expert on the Silk Road, I’ve learned enough in history classes to know that this film portrays this time period with an accuracy aimed for young children who may not have background knowledge. Both the plot points and astounding animation of the setting add a certain educational element that makes this film perfect for kids or an elementary school or middle school classroom environment. Overall, the story is engaging, contributing to the character development, educational value, and portrayal of the theme.

The film’s message is that teamwork and courage is often the only way to accomplish goals. The main characters must work together to stop the evil alchemist, and they are only able to do so through collaboration. The film also emphasizes the importance of religious freedom and representation, particularly of the Muslim faith.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12. Time Hoppers: The Silk Road releases on March 31, 2026 on video on demand and streaming.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road
By Spencer C., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a great movie and I really like it! I like how, at the beginning, we get a quick understanding of Layla (Jayce McKenzie) and her family. A lot of movies start with a gentle beginning, but this movie gets straight to the point by starting with a chase scene. Plus, unlike most historical shows that take place in Europe or America, this one takes place in the Middle East and Africa, which really stands out.

The storyline follows four students from the Aqli Academy who find themselves time traveling along the historic Silk Road to save their friend Abdullah (Emily Gin). They end up having to save great scientists from the evil alchemist Fasid (Morris Seng). Fasid steals the time watch, which leaves Abdullah stuck in the past. This film is the first-ever Muslin-made animated feature to have a nationwide theatrical release in a celebration of Muslin heritage and history.

Something that stands out to me in this movie is the different personalities of the four kids – Abdullah, Aysha (Angel Haven Rey, Khalid (Tareek Talati) and Layla (Jayce McKenzie). Each part of the movie shows their strengths. Khalid, known as “Calculator,” is the brains of the group, while Aysha is the strength, Layla is the heart, and Abdullah is the comedian. My favorite part is when Maryam (Jenna Abu Tineh), a girl astronomer in Aleppo, Syria, shows her father the astrolabes she made and wins the contest for best invention. It is a really sweet moment between her and her father. I also like how the guards and soldiers have personalities and even joke around, which doesn’t usually happen in historical shows. The movie travels to places people don’t usually learn about, like Baghdad, Cairo, Timbuktu and Syria, which made it more interesting.

The film’s message is that you should not give up and you should not blame yourself when things go wrong. The kids keep trying to help each other, even when they make mistakes and things get difficult. Parents should know that the movie is very suspenseful and could be a little scary or confusing for younger kids. There is a lot of action and chasing, but there is no bad language.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road: The Silk Road 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12, plus adults. It releases on (where) on March 31, 2026. It will be available across the United States and Canada, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, North Africa, Turkey, and Africa in October, 2026

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road

By Brooklyn S., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 11

Imagine a world where time is the limit! Time Hoppers: The Silk Road is a futuristic and adventurous film that includes time travel. Combining unique history and animation makes it interesting to watch.

The film is set in 2050 andfollows a widowed father, Habib (Omar Regan) who flees with his daughter Layla (Jayce McKenzie) to Vancouver, Canada after almost being captured because of inventing time travel. When three of Layla’s friends are introduced to the time lab, they embark on an adventure trying to save history and restore it back to normal.

Time Hoppers: The Silk Road starts off strong and jumps straight to action with a trailer that got me hooked immediately. It is very well produced with its animation quality and futuristic looks – the beginning of the film is very interesting and fun to watch. Each character has a distinct personality, ranging from determined, to protective, and of course, funny. Another thing that caught my eye is the setting which always looks beautiful, fits the time period, and has lots of detail. While the film has many interesting aspects and a creative plot idea, I got off track at times when things became repetitive. I found the film a challenge to keep track of especially when they keep jumping to different times in history; that becomes confusing. There are also so many side characters in the film that add to the confusion.

The film’s message is to not blame yourself. Layla blames herself for getting her friends into the time travel mess because she didn’t go back to grab Abdullah’s time device when he dropped it. She continues to feel guilty throughout the film.

I give Time Hoppers: The Silk Road 3.5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 8 to 12 plus adults. It is available on VOD and streaming on March 31, 2026.

Trailer:

After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam. When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing Bart to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon, before fame costs him what matters most.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Kyla C. comments, “I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartfelt, spiritual film that explores themes of family, connection, and faith. This film contains characters and storylines that truly captivate me, creating a powerful plot driven by the pulse of music and heart.” Braedyn M. adds, “A great element of this film is how real all aspects are.  Both I Can Only Imagine 2 and its predecessor I Can Only Imagine are based on true stories of Bart Millard and the band MercyMe. This greatly increases the relatability and connection of the plot – helping others who may be going through similar challenges.” Ashish S. wraps it up with, “I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartwarming film that captivated and entertained me from start to end. I love how it manages both heavy and dramatic moments of conflict as well as more lighthearted plot points. It all culminates into a beautiful and valuable lesson by the end.” See their full reviews below.

I Can Only Imagine 2

By Kyla C, KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 16

I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartfelt, spiritual film that explores themes of family, connection, and faith. This film contains characters and storylines that truly captivate me, creating a powerful plot driven by the pulse of music and heart.

I Can Only Imagine 2 follows Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) as he faces the challenges of raising a family, including a son, Sam (Sammy Dell), who struggles with diabetes, amidst his band’s big tour. Following Bart’s personal struggles in the original I Can Only Imagine film, the sequel focuses on how the scars from his past continue to impact his present. A new addition to the tour, Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia), and his own struggles are introduced as the two characters form a bond and discover how to help each other. Bart must learn to cope with his past and strengthen his faith to move on and bond with his son, family, and fellow band members.

This film aims to empower viewers through emotional connection. It balances an atmosphere of grief with intense tones of hope and faith. The realness of the characters’ experiences and struggles makes them relatable. Throughout the film, I felt myself forming deeper and deeper connections with the characters until their grief became my grief and their joy became my joy. The strength of emotion in this film shone through immediately, captivating me and bringing me into Bart’s universe. The powerful acting performances, specifically in the roles of Sam Millard and Tim Timmons, deepen the emotional connections that viewers experience throughout the duration of the film. Furthermore, this film addresses the reality of life post-success. Many stories about musicians, actors, athletes, and other professionals who achieve success illustrate their success as the end of the story. They fail to acknowledge the reality that life always throws curveballs, no matter how much success someone has. The success of Bart’s song brought him plenty of joy, but also brought new challenges. The flashbacks to Bart’s experiences with his father provide insight into Bart’s feelings and thought process, allowing viewers to better understand his struggles. This sequel serves its ultimate purpose of demonstrating not just the struggle and conflict of the characters’ lives, but also how they cope with it by forming stronger relationships with each other and their faith. At its center, the film focuses on what brings us all together: passion, dreams, faith, and heart.

I Can Only Imagine 2 is extremely powerful in conveying a message that each and every person has their struggles, no matter what success they have had in the past. The film explores the idea that strengthening one’s faith and focusing on what matters most is what will carry us through hard times. Viewers should be aware that the film covers sensitive subject matters, including chronic illness, as well as some mild profanity.

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. I Can Only Imagine 2 is playing in theaters now.

I Can Only Imagine 2

By Braedyn M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

What do you get when you combine multiple hit songs, a powerful true comeback story, and a focus on faith and family? You get I Can Only Imagine 2, a sequel that delivers on all its expectations, and finds ways to excel and share God’s word.

Following the events from I Can Only Imagine, lead singer of the Christian band MercyMe, Bart Millard (John Michael Finley), is living the life he always wished for with cheering crowds and nation-wide tours filling his days.  But as his family evolves and tensions rise, he realizes that the hard times might not be over. His son Sam (Sammy Dell) is diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, a condition that stresses the bond that Bart has maintained with him throughout the years.  When a sudden change brings the cheerful musician Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) into the band’s fold, Tim’s bright spark helps others see the world in a new light. Through this lens Bart comes to terms with his troublesome past, keeping in the present moment, while learning to trust God’s plan for his future.

A great element of this film is how real all aspects are.  Both I Can Only Imagine 2 and its predecessor I Can Only Imagine are based on true stories of Bart Millard and the band MercyMe. This greatly increases the relatability and connection of the plot – helping others who may be going through similar challenges.  As Bart and Sam learn to put more trust in each other while the band tours nationwide, they realize that, maybe, they can work together after all. This, coupled with the support and inspiration from Tim Timmons, eventually culminates in my favorite scene of the entire film, the writing of the song “Even If.” The way the directors stage and execute its filming is very smart, with echoes and flashes of past moments that influenced Bart’s lyrics. Throughout this scene, I saw how much of himself Bart puts into his music.  All his doubts, hopes, fears, trusts, not to mention Tim’s own, are heard in his words. This makes for an epic and triumphant comeback. Using this freshly-made song, Bart, Sam, and Tim share God’s love with those who need to hear it most.

This film’s message is to always look and see God’s goodness. Both Bart and Tim have difficult histories that they struggle with, but through it all, they realize they are looking for the goodness of God.  They trust that God is with them in their struggles and, even if He doesn’t lessen their load, their hope and faith is in Him alone.  By the end of the movie they both are able to share gratitude instead of grief. 

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in cinemas now.

I Can Only Imagine 2

By Ashish A., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, age 17

I Can Only Imagine 2 is a heartwarming film that captivated and entertained me from start to end. I love how it manages both heavy and dramatic moments of conflict as well as more lighthearted plot points. It all culminates into a beautiful and valuable lesson by the end.

The film follows the true story of the band MercyMe, picking up from their rapid rise to fame following the success of their chart-topping, award-winning single, “I Can Only Imagine.” However, things go from high to low fast for lead singer Bart Millard (John Michael Finley), when he discovers his teenage son, Sam (Sammy Dell) has type one diabetes. Following a career slowdown and trouble with his son, Bart reluctantly agrees to let Sam and singer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia) join him and the rest of MercyMe on tour.

There are so many great things about this film, but the writing stands out. The screenwriter is clearly a master storyteller, effectively weaving together what is shown on screen with dialogue. Some scenes require more words to communicate the mood, such as when Bart bursts into the hospital after his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), calls him to say that Sam isn’t waking up. Others convey intense emotions with heated dialogue, such as Bart and Tim’s conversation later in the film. The writer structures the story well by providing moments of levity in between more intense scenes. For example, Tim pranks his wife, Hilary (Arielle Kebbel) by pouring ice on her while she is in the shower and, in another scene, the MercyMe boys prank Tim while he is in the bathroom. The story moves along at a rapid pace and effectively utilizes flashbacks to support various character arcs. At one point, we see Bart struggling with his relationship with his son, and he leans into memories with his father, Arthur (Dennis Quaid) to figure out how to handle it. Another thing that I love is John Michael Finley’s portrayal of Bart. He makes the character feel real to the audience with every single emotion – whether frustration, embarrassment, joy, or despair –  and nothing feels fake. For instance, Bart’s heartbreak feels so real, especially how much he blames himself for Sam’s accident. I also really enjoyed the background music choices. They contribute to the mood and messages of the film. For example, when Bart leaves the hospital and enters the elevator he gets flashbacks of his father abusing him while stabbing Sam with the needle for his treatment. The music dies down and gets more serious as Bart witnesses a grieving couple whose child just passed away leaving the hospital. My favorite part is the character, Tim Timmons. His story of overcoming adversity is so inspiring. Even in the midst of having cancer, he continues to have a positive outlook on life and is pursuing his dreams. We see him put an X on his wrist everyday to thank God for waking him up again, and then he goes on tour with MercyMe. His sense of humor is great too, like when he says, “It’s nice for you to meet me” when he first met the MercyMe boys.

The film’s message reinforces the concept of “it is well with my soul.” No matter what situation life throws at us, we are never alone, because we have others to support us and we have God who is always there for us. The film stresses that our hope and trust is in God and God alone. Regardless of whether things change or not, all is well, because life is all about carrying grief and gratitude at the same time.

I Can Only Imagine 2 gets 5 out of 5 stars from me and I recommend it for ages 12 to 18, plus adults. It is available in theaters now.

A 19-year-old animal lover uses technology that places her consciousness into a robotic beaver to uncover mysteries within the animal world beyond her imagination.

KIDS FIRST! Film Critics Avani M. comments, “Hoppers is an exciting and colorful movie that really made me smile. It has fun characters, bright animation, and music that make every scene feel lively. I like how the story is adventurous but also teaches important lessons about kindness, trust, and paying attention to the world around you.” Kennedy P. adds, “From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.” See their full reviews and our talent interviews below.

Hoppers

By Avani M., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic, Age 13

Hoppers is an exciting and colorful movie that really made me smile. It has fun characters, bright animation, and music that make every scene feel lively. I like how the story is adventurous but also teaches important lessons about kindness, trust, and paying attention to the world around you.

The storyline follows a girl named Mabel (Piper Curda) trying to save her local glade filled with peaceful animals. She would go there with her grandma whenever she wanted to find some peace in her life. The Mayor of Beaverton (Jon Hamm) has plans to destroy the glade with new construction. With the help of her teacher, Mabel uses technology to hop into a beaver‘s body and teams up with the animals and mammal King George (Bobby Moynihan) to save her land.

The animation in Hoppers is bright, lively and full of motion. Every scene feels like it’s bursting with color and energy. The characters move so smoothly that I easily smiled along with them, especially during the funniest moments. The voice actors’ performances stand out and really make this film shine. Piper Curda, as Mabel, shows her passion for nature through her voice so well. You can hear the excitement and the energy in her voice when she’s happy and feel the desperation when her animals are hurt. Bobby Moynihan, as King George, has a parental tone when he teaches Mabel the ways of the pond and when he teaches her lessons about friendship, family, and trust. Jon Hamm, as the Mayor of Beaverton, also delivers a great performance; I particularly like how he shows how sometimes people try to be there for others, but hurt other things in the process. Meryl Streep’s presence is felt even in a small body as the Insect Queen. Though she is small, she is formidable. The music adds so much joy to the story, with upbeat melodies that fit perfectly with the action and softer tunes that make the emotional parts feel warm and touching. The music works together with the animation to bring the world of Hoppers to life in a way that’s fun for both kids and adults.

The film’s message isabout being still, watching, and listening; it shows that everyone and everything is connected, and how paying attention to the little things can help you understand the world around you. It also reminds us that everyone has good in them, even when they make mistakes. We see characters making choices that aren’t always perfect, but by looking for the good in others, they learn kindness, empathy, and forgiveness. Finally, trust is shown like a dam – sometimes it might leak or get broken, but it can always be repaired when people work together to fix it.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages to 8 to 18, plus adults. It releases in theaters on March 6, 2026.

Hoppers
By Kennedy P., KIDS FIRST!  Film Critic, Age 11

From the very first scene, Hoppers jumps straight into the kind of fun, heart, and adventure that Pixar does best. I was instantly pulled in by the humor, the colorful world, and the lovable characters. Before I knew it, I was fully invested in their journey. What I love most is how the movie balances laugh-out-loud moments with genuine emotion, making it entertaining for kids while still meaningful for adults.

In Disney/Pixar’s all-new animated comedy adventure, Hoppers, animal lover Mabel gets the chance to use groundbreaking technology to “hop” her consciousness into a lifelike robotic beaver, allowing her to communicate directly with animals. As she uncovers incredible mysteries of the animal world, she befriends the charismatic beaver King George and must rally the entire animal kingdom to face an imminent human threat: smooth-talking local mayor Jerry (Jon Hamm).

Visually, Hoppers is stunning. The animation is vibrant, detailed, and bursting with life – every frame feels thoughtfully crafted. The character designs are expressive and full of personality, making their emotions feel real and relatable. The voice cast brings incredible energy and heart to the film, perfectly matching both the humor and emotional beats. Bobby Moynihan voices King George, the leader of the pond, and his voice is perfect for the role. Piper Curda shines as Mabel, a passionate animal lover with so much heart, while Dave Franco is hilarious as Titus, a demanding and spoiled character who transforms into the Insect King. The music and sound design elevate key moments throughout the film, making the action exciting and the quieter scenes especially touching.

Hoppers delivers a powerful message about empathy, teamwork, and embracing differences. It reminds us that everyone has a voice and a purpose, even if they do not fit the mold or feel confident at first. It encourages viewers to be brave, to listen to others, and to believe that working together can lead to positive change, making Hoppers not just a fun movie, but a meaningful one that stays with you long after the credits roll.

I give Hoppers 5 out of 5 stars and recommend it for ages 5 to 18, plus adults.  You can watch Hoppers in theaters March 6, 2026. Trailer:

An intensely brave, gorgeously written story about a gay Muslim teen who has to choose between being true to himself or his faith—and his realization that maybe they aren’t as separate as he thought.

Now a senior at the top-ranked high school for Muslim teenagers, Pakistani Canadian Ramin can’t wait for the fresh start of college. He’s spent his whole life following the word of Allah, his parents, and his imam. His parents immigrated from Pakistan, sacrificing everything for him and his little brother, and expect Ramin to be halal in all things, meet a nice Muslim girl, and settle into devout family life. However, Ramin’s heart wishes for something—or someone—else: the strong, athletic captain of the soccer team. But at school, being gay is definitely haram, not allowed, so Ramin limits himself to dreams of moving away to New York City.

Then Ramin learns his graduation is in jeopardy, and the only chance he’s given to get the needed physical education credits quickly is to join the school’s soccer team…and train one-on-one with Fahad, a.k.a. Captain Handsome. It’s a nightmare of temptation and resistance, compounded by threats from a longtime bully who is blackmailing Ramin, threatening to reveal a secret that could ruin him. Ramin’s only ray of light is Omar, a sweet and caring new friend whose family believes in a different, kinder Allah. He gently prods Ramin to consider his faith more deeply, challenging Ramin’s long held belief of Allah as merciless and unforgiving by introducing him to one who is instead merciful and loving.

With graduation, a championship soccer match, and the blackmail looming, the pressure on Ramin is too much to keep buried. He must decide between the consequences of speaking his truth and living a lie. He must decide which Allah lives in the little mosque in his heart.

I enjoyed this book and highly recommend it!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Ahmad Saber is a medical doctor specializing in rheumatology and internal medicine. Born and raised in Pakistan, Ahmad and his family moved to Canada while he was in high school. Ramin Abbas Has MAJOR Questions is his debut novel and based in part on his own life. You can find him on Instagram @ItsAhmadSaber.

This big kid is wearing his first pair of big-kid shoes, the kind with laces! Even though they’re a little on the roomy side—shoes to grow into, of course—he knows he can take care of them. Except they keep falling off! Not to worry, he’ll just tie them up again, because he knows how to tie those loops! But wait a second, where did that darn shoe go? Nothing is ever truly easy when you’re just starting something new; but, just like with any stage in childhood, whether it’s making your first steps, or going down the really big slide, with persistence, doing anything scary or overwhelming quickly becomes a piece of cake! And before you know it, you’re a BIG KID!

About the author-illustrator: Author-illustrator Jashar Awan won a Caldecott Honor for his picture book Every Monday Mabel. Growing up outside of Washington, DC, Jashar loved drawing and reading. In fact, he still does. For many years, he drew illustrations for publications such as The New Yorker, The New York Times, American Medical News, and Columbia Journalism Review. Jashar made his debut as an author-illustrator with What a Lucky Day!. Publishers Weekly spotlighted him as one of the most promising children’s debut authors of fall 2020. His book Only Ants for Andy was selected for the 2023 and 2024 Choose to Read Ohio booklist. Jashar is also the creator of Strum & Drum: A Merry Little Quest, I’m Going to Build a Snowman, Every Monday Mabel, and Loops. He lives in Ohio with his wife, Emily, and their son, Maxwell, who loves drawing and reading, too.

Also look for this one! (See below)

THE SPIDER STRIKES by Michael P. Spradlin 

Amid the chilling rise of Hitler’s Germany, a twelve-year-old boy and his friends confront rising Nazi threats during a family trip to Austria in this third book in the action-packed middle grade series Web of the Spider for fans of I Survived and A Night Divided.

It is engaging and definitely action-packed!

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images were also provided.