Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

YOU DON'T KNOW EVERYTHING JILLY P
By Alex Gino

This new middle-grade title filled with heart, the latest from the awarding-winning author of George, is jam-packed with action, tension, and important social issues. It follows the story of Jilly, a book-loving hearing white girl (with hearing parents) in California whose baby sister is born Deaf. As well as journeying with Jilly and her parents as they navigate how best to support and raise the newest member of their family, the reader also sees Jilly dealing with race discrimination between members of her own extended family and also toward a friend she cares about.

The complex social issues raised in this story including Deaf culture, racism, and police violence make it an important read for middle-schoolers as they mature and begin to learn about the world around them. Hopefully, the book will provide a platform for caregivers, teachers, and peers to delve deeper into these subjects and ensure open-dialogue and conversations (even if uncomfortable) continue.

Gino's Author Notes at the end of the book are an important addition, providing more background and context for readers and educators.

Your heart might feel heavy with worry after reading this book but you'll be glad you did. 

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Fish In A Tree
By Lynda Mullaly Hunt

Get ready to be transported back to sixth grade and the challenges of navigating class work, peers, and homework. Only, there’s a catch- undiagnosed dyslexia.

Ally is a well crafted protagonist- her strength, determination, and kindness shine encouraging readers to invest in her journey from the get go. Her teacher, Mr. Daniels, is the teacher every child hopes for and the type of educator every teacher aspires to be. 

This is the perfect book for anyone who has ever felt lonely or out of place in a room full of peers and a great snapshot of dyslexia.

Hello Goodbye Dog by Maria Gianferrari, illustrated by Patrice Barton
 
(Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book - all opinions are my own.)

​From Maria Gianferrari, author of Coyote Moon, comes this delightful tale of a wheel-chair-bound girl and her doting dog. A must-read for animal lovers!
 
Zara is a sweet girl, so sweet that her dog, Moose, wants to be by her side all the time, including while she is at school. Moose is all about the warm hugs and love that accompany "hello," "goodbyes" on the other hand, are a struggle. We follow Moose through these "hello" highs and "goodbye" lows. Finally, reaching an ending that is...all smiles!
 
An author’s note about therapy dogs is an informative inclusion.
 
With beautiful illustrations, by Patrice Barton, and a heart-warming portrayal of the bond between a girl and her dog, this story will quickly become a "read-again" favorite.