A KIND OF SPARK by Elle McNicoll

 

When Addie learns about the history of the witch trials that happened in her town, she is fascinated. The lives of the women accused of witchcraft often ended tragically. This was particularly upsetting to Addie who is autistic. She imagined these women to be much like her - misunderstood because they were different.

Addie's older sister Keedie is also autistic. She has helped Addie navigate in a world where she isn't always welcome. Addie is always full of questions which constantly annoys her teacher who loses patience quickly. Keedie understands that, too, since she had the same teacher when she was in Addie's grade.

Addie believes that everyone should realize the tragedy of the witch trials, so she begins a campaign to get the town council to erect a plaque in remembrance of the women. With the help of a new friend and her family, Addie speaks up at the town meeting to present her idea. It quickly becomes clear that not everyone feels like she does, and Addie is faced with spreading the word and appearing at numerous meetings to convince people.

Author Elle McNicoll, who is also neurodivergent, uses her personal experience to influence her characters. Her realistic depiction of life on the spectrum should fascinate and inform readers of all ages.

BAND NERD by Sarah Clawson Willis & Emma Cormarie

 

Seventh grader Lucy Carver has fallen in love with playing the flute. At her old school last year, she played first chair all year. Now she is attending a school for the arts and everything is harder. She practices constantly hoping to land in first chair again. All the practicing hasn't been successful though. She's stuck in second chair.

All her practicing is taking a toll on her grades and even her friendships. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day to study, hang out with her friends, and take care of her responsibilities at home. It would be easier if things at home were going smoother. Her father lost his job because of a drinking problem that has landed him in rehab multiple times. His up and down moods aren't helping Lucy keep up with what it takes to succeed in her new school, and she begins making bad choices.

This graphic novel by Sarah Clawson Willis, illustrated by Emma Cormarie, is perfect for anyone who is or has been a "band nerd." Full of family drama, school pressure, and life expectations, BAND NERD needs to be in every classroom and library collection.

FOREVER, OR A LONG, LONG TIME by Caela Carter

 

Flora and Julian have lived with Person for three years. Since they came to her, she has adopted them, and she has gotten married, so they also now have a dad. They are happy, but there are still things missing from their lives. 

They hear other kids talk about the stories their parents tell about their birth and the many wonderful baby pictures their parents show off. Flora and Julian don't have those birth stories or the baby pictures. Convinced that they began some other way, they feel lost when it comes to their origin stories.

Flora has trouble using her words to express her sadness. Julian wears a crazy, fake smile to cover up his sadness. He also hides food in his closet because he remembers living in foster homes that didn't feed him enough. Person tries to explain that she loves them and will forever, but it isn't easy to convince them. With her help they go on the search for where and how they began. 

Author Caela Carter explores the foster care system and the fact that everyone has their own origin stories and their own family structure. Full of emotional ups and downs, FOREVER, OR A LONG, LONG TIME is sure to touch the hearts of readers middle grade and up. 

GOING OVERBOARD by Caroline Huntoon

 

What happens when your mother finds a girlfriend, and it looks like it's getting serious? Piper Shapiro has the best mom. When Piper came out as nonbinary, there couldn't have been a more supportive person in zir corner. Recently, things are looking like there may be a change.

It starts the day Piper's mother announces they will be going to lunch with Gwinny and her son. Lunch with the new girlfriend shouldn't be too bad, but meeting the son could be uncomfortable. When it turns out the son is Colton, a sixth grader in Piper's class, it is definitely uncomfortable. To make matters worse, Gwinny invites them on a four day cruise.

Piper immediately begins hatching a plan to break up the couple before things get too serious. Surprisingly, Colton is onboard with the plan. Together, they concoct all sorts of mischief to induce stress on the vacation. Will the plan work? In the end, do they even want it to work?

Author Caroline Huntoon displays their trademark humor in the fast-paced romantic adventure. Perfect for middle grade readers looking for fun and unusual friendships.

FREE PERIOD by Ali Terese

 

This is a perfect middle grade book for readers looking to make a statement about equity. In this case it is period equity. All girls or anyone who menstruates should have free access to sanitary products, especially at school.

Best friends Helen and Gracie didn't have period equity in mind when they were planning their latest prank. It was almost the end of the year which meant they needed the greatest prank ever. When their "stinky stunt" ends up with them in the principal's office, they find themselves being told they have to find something to care about.

Helen and Gracie end up joining the Community Action Club. They are thrilled when they learn that Madison, their least favorite person, is in charge. During the first meeting, they listen to Madison's idea about providing period products for girls. Since the two friends can relate to this issue on a personal level, they decide to jump into promoting the plan with ideas of their own.

Author Ali Terese takes readers on a wild ride in FREE PERIOD. Helen and Gracie get into hot water more than once, and Madison begins to fear their radical ideas. Full of fun and antics, the general idea behind period equity is a good one and might just be something others would like to embrace.

TOP HEAVY by Rhonda DeChambeau

 

Esme's life revolves around dance. She and her best friend are only sophomores, but they have moved up to the Elite dance group. Some of the older girls haven't been exactly welcoming, but at least Esme and Mia have each other.

Esme's family struggles financially. They are very supportive, but money is always tight. Grammy Jean helps out as much as she can and she's always reminding Esme how strong she is. Another area Grammy understands is Esme's body issues. Her breasts have been growing, and they don't seem to stop. She has back pain, and her shoulders are rubbed raw by her bra straps. Grammy makes an appointment with a specialist so Esme can find out her options. Surgery isn't one of the options because she is still growing, but the doctor offers emotional support and suggests Esme wear better bras. Again, Grammy steps up with her credit card so Esme can order new bras.

In the meantime, some of the girls in dance bully Esme, and while she is at a club, a guy actually grabs one of her breasts. Esme is horrified and becomes withdrawn until she is encouraged by some new friends and Todd, a new boyfriend.

TOP HEAVY is a novel in verse by Rhonda DeChambeau. She highlights the issues of self-esteem, personal value, and dealing with family/friends, and being accepted for who you are. As colorful as its cover, I highly recommend it to every teen girl.

THE GOLDFISH BOY by Lisa Thompson

Matthew Corbin washes his hands. He washes them constantly because he fears the germs he is sure are everywhere. Sometimes he wears latex gloves, but he knows his father doesn't approve. His father doesn't understand the fear and guilt Matthew lives with every day.

Because of this OCD behavior and the constant fear and worry, Matthew hasn't been going to school. Instead, he sits at an upstairs window where he has a view of all the houses and activities on his cul-de-sac. One day he observes two young children arriving at his neighbor's, an elderly man named Mr. Charles. He watches them playing in the neighboring garden.

One day Matthew sees Teddy, the toddler, wander among the flowers throwing petals to the ground. The next thing he knows, Teddy wanders through the gate and disappears. The police are summoned, and the search for young Teddy begins.

Matthew answers questions from the authorities, but he doesn't have any idea where Teddy may have gone or who may have taken him. Soon Matthew joins forces with a girl from the neighborhood, and together, they investigate the disappearance.

Author Lisa Thompson weaves a complex tale involving a small neighborhood, a missing toddler, OCD, and the importance of observation.