HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD
By C. Carter

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

HOW TO BE A GIRL IN THE WORLD is an important middle-grade novel about standing up for oneself and speaking the truth, no matter how awkward doing so may be. It will hopefully become an invaluable resource for parents and educators in opening up discussions over body positivity, touch boundaries and consent, and handling inappropriate sexual behavior. Topics that, historically, have not received the attention they deserve.

Lydia isn't sure why some of her school friends like it when boys call them names and try to see up their skirts or why she doesn't. Is there something wrong with her? And is her mom's boyfriend just overly friendly or inappropriate when he gives her long hugs or touches her knee? Too scared to articulate these concerns, Lydia turns to layers of clothing to hide her body and searches for answers and protection in a book of magic spells.

Carter does a wonderful job of letting the reader inside Lydia's head and showcasing just how difficult speaking up can be, especially when trusted adults are dismissive of one's concerns. This book is a must-read for tween girls and is sure to have a positive impact on the lives of many.

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FLYING OVER WATER
By S. Hitchcock & N. H. Senzai

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

This page-turning dual point-of-view middle-grade novel tells the stories of Noura, a Syrian refugee, and Jordyn, the student ambassador who welcomes Noura and her twin brother to their new school in Tampa, Florida. 

As the girls become better acquainted, they realize they are both battling demons and set about helping each other. But bigger issues are going on around them. There is unrest in the community. The mosque Noura and her family attend is burnt by arsonists and the U.S President has announced a Muslim ban. Other minority groups are suffering, too. 

This is a wonderful, much-needed novel for introducing middle-graders to the important concepts of immigration, what it means to be a refugee, prejudice/racism, and discrimination. It also provides readers with a deeper understanding of the Syrian refugee experience. Read and share widely—with increased tolerance and understanding the world will move closer to becoming a better place for all.

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ABBY, TRIED AND TRUE
By D. Gephart

On sale Date: 3/9/2021

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

From award-winning middle-grade author, Donna Gephart, comes a powerful novel about friendship and family.

Seventh-grader Abby is a softy-spoken, endearing protagonist who must find inner strength when her brother, Paul, is diagnosed with testicular cancer and her best (and only) friend moves away.

Through Abbie's eyes, Gephart honestly explores the impact of Paul's cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment on the family unit. 

The heaviness of this situation is lightened by Abby's developing feelings for her new neighbor, the cute and sensitive Conrad. Her supportive mom's and extended family are equally endearing.

An extended author's note provides information about Gephart's personal struggles with ovarian cancer as well as information specific to testicular cancer.

This is an important read for those wishing to learn more about cancer treatment or supporting a loved one with cancer. Hopefully, it will also increase awareness of testicular cancer (and the importance of early diagnosis) amongst middle-grade readers.

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THREE KEYS: A FRONT DESK NOVEL
By Kelly Yang

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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THREE KEYS, the sequel to the award-winning FRONT DESK is equally as brilliant and important.

Mia, the protagonist, remains a powerhouse of positivity, persistence, and a beacon for change and betterment. The issue of undocumented immigration is tackled in an informative, yet simple enough way that young readers will come away with a better understanding of the situation and hopefully encouraged to further research the situation in their own communities.

The author's note is a helpful addition, full of detail for those that wish to read more.

It is wonderful to see such important books winning awards and finding a place on bookshelves of every shape and size.

Thank you, Kelly Yang, for continuing to open your reader's eyes to the world and the challenges we must tackle together. This book is a must-read for all.

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THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND
By Sandy Stark-McGinnis

On Sale Date: 4/28/20

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

From the author of EXTRAORDINARY BIRDS comes THE SPACE BETWEEN LOST AND FOUND. A moving story about a girl coming to terms with her mother’s progressive memory loss due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
This is a bittersweet tale of family and friendship which will tug on the heart strings of all readers. The girl, Cassie, who loves art and math, is well characterized and full of heart. Her declining mother is realistically portrayed- having both ‘good’ and ‘bad’ moments and unpredictable behavior consistent with her diagnosis. Cassie’s strung-out but supportive father and soccer-loving estranged best friend are also memorable.

An ideal read for anyone who knows what it is like to love someone with Alzheimer’s or anyone who wants to know what it is like.
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REENI'S TURN
By Carol Coven Grannick

On Sale Date: 9/13/2020

Thanks to the @kidlitexchange network for the review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
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REENI'S TURN follows the journey of shy ballet enthusiast, Reeni, as she prepares for her first solo ballet performance. But preparing for the limelight isn't the only thing that's new in eleven-year-old Reeni's life—her womanly figure is emerging and it isn't at all like she imagined. Encouraged by her newly image-conscious friends, Reeni spirals into a world of dieting, binge eating, lies, and obsessing about her appearance and weight.

Grannick is a master poet and each line of this award-worthy novel-in-verse about identity and self-acceptance is brimming with raw emotion and intensity. From line one, readers are sure to be swept up in Reeni's journey and are likely to be left thinking about Reeni long after the final page.

A perfect conversation starter for addressing body image issues with tweens and teens, whether they are dancers or not. Find a cozy spot, settle in, and prepare to be twirled into Reeni's world.

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CAN YOU SEE ME?
By Libby Scott & Rebecca Westcott

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

This middle-grade novel centers around sixth-grader Tally and her experiences starting middle school. But as well as adjusting to life in a new school and her "friends" changing before her eyes (becoming boy-crazy and into make-up), Tally has the added challenge of managing her autism and keeping the struggle silent.

Tally's journey is based on Ms. Scott's own experiences with autism and is a moving story about what it means to be "normal." It is told in close third person with interspersed diary entries written by Tally.

No doubt this book will prove to be an integral part of any school and library collection and an important conversation-starter for communities seeking to better understand autism and provide accommodations for autistic members.

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NOT IF I CAN HELP IT
By Carolyn Mackler

This is a sweet middle-grade story featuring Willa, a dog-loving girl with Sensory Processing Disorder. 

Willa lives with her father and brother in a New York City apartment during the week and visits her mother and step-father on the weekends. She has regular sessions with a therapist and a reliable best friend, Ruby, who keeps her grounded at school. But Willa's world is flipped upside down when she discovers her father has fallen in love with Ruby's mom and intends to marry her.

Readers will quickly connect with likable Willa and empathize with her need for stability and her dislike of change. The detailed aspects of her disorder are well integrated into the story without them overtaking the plot or Willa's character development.

Strong themes of friendship, family, self-acceptance, and honesty abound as Willa grapples with disclosing her diagnosis to Ruby and contemplates how she will function with a new sister and step-mom in her daily life. 

Grab some gummy bears (Willa's favorite candy!) and enjoy.

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