Category: fiction

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Sensitive

Sensitive
by Sara Levine (Author) and Mehrdokht Amini (Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: In this picture book, a girl is told she is too intense, too sensitive, too much. She’s told to grow a thicker skin, but the words of others slip right through. They somersault around inside and press against her heart.

What can she do to stop the hurt?

She needs to take time alone to think and read, rest and create.

Snippet:

Copyright © 2025 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)

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The Firelight Apprentice

The Firelight Apprentice
by Bree Paulsen (Author / Illustrator)
@ Amazon | Bookshop

Booktalk: In a city powered by magic and still recovering from a bloody war, Ada is concerned about her younger sister Safi’s developing powers. She understands that Safi could learn how to control her magic under the apprenticeship of a king’s magician. But with the memories of war still fresh, Ada is conflicted by this prospect—despite her knowing that she can’t keep Safi safely at home with the threat of deadly, power-thieving liches prowling the kingdom.

When a traveling group of magicians comes to the city to perform, they immediately recognize Safi’s talents and offer to take her on as an apprentice. Safi is thrilled about her new adventure—even if that means leaving behind Ada and their sickly father. And Ada is right to worry about her sister, for there may be monsters hiding behind friendly faces…

Snippet:

Copyright © 2025 Anastasia Suen All Rights Reserved. (*bookstore affiliate)