Fiction

Finding Home Again: 5 MG Books About Moving and Identity

By on July 18, 2025   /   Book Lists, Fiction  
Two Black girls stand confidently on a beach with a purple-blue sky and knit-textured backdrop. One wears overalls and sneakers, the other wears a skirt and boots with sunglasses. The title is in bold white handwritten letters.

Unlike most kids I knew, my family moved almost every year. New town. New school. New hallways to navigate. And nearly every time, I was the only kid of color in the room. This not only left me feeling unsure about who I’d sit with at lunch, but unsure about who I would have to become in order to fit in.

Why it Matters: During the summer months, many kids are bracing for that intense kind of transition. Some are moving across town. Some across states. Some across oceans. They won’t just be starting over. They’ll be rebuilding their sense of identity and belonging from scratch. A process that can be uncomfortable, disorienting, and at times, deeply lonely.

Go Deeper: These five middle grade books are for readers going through that kind of change. Kids of color, kids from other countries, kids navigating new spaces that don’t quite feel like home yet. These stories reflect their journey and remind them that “home” is a place within themselves.

Read Time: 4 minutes

Manga-style illustrated cover of a smiling Japanese girl with a ponytail holding a basketball with a winking cartoon cat perched on top. The background is bright blue with the title in bold purple letters.

Bounce Back by Misako Rocks! (2021)

Lilico doesn’t want to leave Japan, but when her family moves to Brooklyn, she’s forced to start all over. New school, new language, new everything. Basketball becomes her anchor, and a magical guardian spirit cat named Nico helps her find strength when she’s overwhelmed by change.

Perfect for: readers navigating culture shock or who are adjusting to a brand new country or school. 

Two Black girls stand confidently on a beach with a purple-blue sky and knit-textured backdrop. One wears overalls and sneakers, the other wears a skirt and boots with sunglasses. The title is in bold white handwritten letters.

The Only Black Girls in Town by Brandy Colbert (2020)

Alberta has always been the only Black girl in her small California beach town, until Edie moves in. The two form a bond over their shared identity, but also uncover hidden secrets in old journals found in Edie’s attic. Together, they find their place in a town that rarely made space for them.

Perfect for: readers navigating the complexity of being “the only one” and wondering what it means to share space with someone who gets it.

Illustrated cover of a red-haired girl with glasses holding a beagle puppy, standing in front of a leafy green background. She looks off to the side with a thoughtful expression. The title is in whimsical teal lettering.

Hazel’s Theory of Evolution by Lisa Jenn Bigelow (2019)

Hazel’s family moves her to a new school district the same year her moms are expecting a baby after several heartbreaking losses. Hazel isn’t sure how to make new friends, how to support her family, or how to deal with the emotional swirl she’s carrying inside. Slowly, she learns that change doesn’t mean losing everything. It just means evolving.

Perfect for: introverted readers who feel overwhelmed by transitions, or for kids whose family lives are shifting too.

A cartoon-style cover featuring a Black boy in a hoodie and backpack, writing in a notebook. The title "New Kid" is in bold yellow on a black background, with multiple award seals at the bottom.

New Kid by Jerry Craft (2019)

Jordan Banks just wants to go to art school, but instead, his parents send him to a prestigious private academy where he’s one of the only kids of color. Through graphic novel panels, we follow Jordan’s inner world as he navigates code-switching, microaggressions, and the tension between two different worlds.

Perfect for: readers entering unfamiliar cultural territory and learning how to stay true to themselves.

Illustrated cover of a young Chinese American girl with long black hair, a teal beetle in her hair, and a gentle smile. The title is hand-lettered in white with rainbow brush strokes behind her head on a coral-red background.

The Many Meanings of Meilan by Andrea Wang (2021)

When Meilan’s family leaves Boston’s Chinatown for a mostly white town in Ohio, she loses more than her home. At her new school, her principal even changes her name to “Melanie” without asking. Meilan splits herself into pieces just to survive, but ultimately must decide which version of herself is true.

Perfect for: readers who’ve been renamed, mispronounced, or asked to shrink themselves to fit in.

In Closing

You know I love to highlight books that aren’t afraid of the hard stuff. And at the heart of every move is a kid asking tough questions like: Who will I be in this new space? Will anyone see me for me? Will I ever feel like myself here?

It can make kids feel like the ground is slipping beneath them. I hope these stories help them find home again, not in a specific place, but in who they are. 

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MAGICAL STORIES WITH TRANS AND NONBINARY HEROES

By on July 16, 2025   /   Book Lists, Fiction  

Summertime!  A time to dream of adventures, heroes, magic, and saving the world – all ingredients found in a good book.

“Trans kids lives, not only matter, but their lives and stories are magical.” – Aiden Thomas

In this list, you will discover stories that feature trans and nonbinary characters who champion loyalty, self-worth, kindness, friendship and, especially, the power of community. These entertaining titles affirm the experience of queer and trans readers.

For an extensive list of titles featuring trans and queer heroes check out We Need Diverse BooksThey have launched MAGICAL STORIES FOR EVERYONE, a program offering trans and nonbinary communities Magic Care Packages containing a diverse magical book from their curated list, messages of hope from authors, and swag.

Consider supporting their efforts. Link: https://diversebooks.networkforgood.com/projects/251105-magical-stories-are-for-everyone

A World Worth Saving by Kyle Lukoff, Penguin Random House, 2025.

A., with the help of a golem and a band of queer friends, is chosen to fight demons. The Save Our Sons and Daughters believe trans kids are going through a craze and resort to ‘alternative treatments’ to get their children ‘back’. As A. uncovers the larger motives behind the increasing anti-trans actions, he is joined with spirits from Jewish Mythology. A gripping adventure full of wisdom and surprises.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ice Apprentices by Jacob North, Simon and Schuster, 2025.

Oswin Fields wants to prove he belongs in Tundra, the only stable place in the harsh world of ice and snow. He is transgender,  a stray, disliked by his fellow students at the Magic school, resented for using up scarce resources, and he’s got asthma. Overcoming these obstacles, Oswin is driven to battle the monsters threatening the community’s survival.

 

 

Splinter & Ash by Marieke Nijkamp, Harper Collins, 2025.

What do you get when a disabled princess teams up with a gender-nonconforming squire? A page-turning quest to save the kingdom. The entertainment factor of hidden tunnels and unexpected secrets is non-stop, while the themes of bravery and loyalty will stick with readers.

 

 

 

 

 

Wishbone by Justine Pucella Winans, Macmillan, 2024.
At first Ollie’s biggest challenge is dealing with his anger over begin bullied by his ex-BFF and coping with parents’ never ending fighting. After Ollie gets sucked into the Backward Place, a demonic realm, he meets Wishbone, the two-tailed cat who grants his wishes, but at a price. Readers wishing for a horror fantasy with a trans hero who, with the help of his sister and newly found friends, a magical cat, and battles against an evil wizard trying to take over the world, need look no further.

 

 

 

Tales From Beyond the Rainbow collected and Adapted by Pete Jordi Wood, Penguin 2025.

Ten LGBTQ+ tales as old as time span ten world cultures are told with sensitivity, knowledge, humor and love. These stories full of princes and princesses, sorcerers and soldiers, all feature positive portrayals of queer characters and delve into themes of transformation, identity and hope. Each story features artwork created by an artist whose heritage matches the country of their origin. A gorgeous, accessible book that encourages readers to seek out forgotten stories to retell and share.

 

 

 

 

 

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Seven Game Changing Stories from Diverse Voices

By on May 21, 2025   /   Book Lists, Diversity, Fiction  

A Universal Language

I have the opportunity to work with students from all over the world. I volunteer with a program which supports students who have recently arrived in this country from countries such as Palestine, Peru, Afghanistan, Nepal, and Sudan. Most of these middle schoolers don’t have the language skills to communicate well with each other in English. This does not matter when on the soccer field. Here, friendships, fun and competition are universal, as is the sharing of the canon of soccer heroes. Being part of a team, learning new skills and getting a taste of what competition involves, is an integral part of the middle school experience.

More Than a Sports Novel

This list of sports novels highlights stories with characters who are confronted with challenges on the field and off. From their athletic experiences, each of these characters learns how to face life problems, and while tackling their life problems they become better athletes. Each of these titles is more than a sports story

I was inspired by what Coach Martinez says to her players in Hena Kahn’s graphic novel, We Are Big Time: “. . . to value basketball is more than the score.” Middle-grade sports books are more than sports.

We Are Big Time by Hena Khan, illustrated by Safiya Zerrougui, Alfred A. Knopf, 2024.

“Some of them may not realize that this story is bigger than them. They’re just playing basketball. But they’ve shifted the conversation and what people think an all-Muslim team can be.”

When Aliya moves fromFlorida to Wisconsin, she joins the not-so-great basketball team at her new school, the Peace Academy. With a new coach, the team gains skills and the attention of the media. This gives the team a chance to break down stereotypes and inform the world about Muslim culture. Themes of friendships and jealousy within the team create a captivating story.

 

El Niño by Pam Munoz Ryan, illustrated by Joe Cepeda.

Ever since Kai’s sister’s disappeared he’s had difficulties swimming fast – his times are nowhere near the pool recordshe achieved two years ago. He joins the elite swim team his sister belonged to and discovers more about her disappearance. She was obsessed with a mysterious realm called the Library of Despair and Sorrow. Kai’s search for this mythical place parallels his journey of grief and self-identity. This swimming story with a twist of magical realism and climate themes, is unforgettable.

 

Almost Sunset by Walhab Algarmi, Harper Alley, 2025.

Seventh grader Hassan thought fasting would be easy-peasy, after all, this is his third year observing Ramadan. But waking up to eat before dawn, fantasizing about food all day, feasting at dusk and going to the mosque at night is a lot. Hassan is having difficulties with the intense soccer practices leading up to the playoffs, and getting his school work done. Initially Hassan keeps his teachers and friends in the dark about his religious practices, and they cannot support him. An unexpected person inspires Hassan to be more open about observing Ramadan. This graphic novel presents details about clothing, prayers, food and Muslim practices in an accessible way.

 

All or Nothing Vale by Andrea Beatriz Arrango, Random House, 2025.

Puerto Rican seventh-grader Vale, isn’t going to let her recent car crash keep her from being the top fencer she was before her car accident. This novel in verse gives us a deep understanding of the frustration, identity crushing and disappointment Val experiences as she struggles to regain her top status in fencing. She says, “fencing is what makes me me.” Val’s ready to jump back into competing, but her body isn’t. To make matters worse, the new Cuban American fencer seems to have it all. Val’s crush on the new girl complicates everything. This novel is a realistic look at the emotional journey of recovery.

 

On Thin Ice by Jessica Kim, Penguin Random House, 2025.

 

In this novel told in alternating points of view we learn how twins Phoebe and Dex haven’t been close since their father died of cancer two years ago. Their personalities are polar opposites, but both love to skate on the ice. Perfectionist Phoebe has her heart set on figure skating, but her dream is thrown for a loop when her skate partner is injured. Due to his practical jokes, laid back attitude, and a new hot shot goalie, Dex doesn’t make the ice hockey team. The twins team up and learn to skate together, and heal together. Phoebe’s realistic crush adds another element to this heartfelt family story.

Inside the Park by Andrea Williams, HarperCollins, 2025

As fun and suspenseful as Home Alone, this novel tackles family dynamics and brings the game of baseball to life. Twelve year old Pumpsie Strickland is having a batting slump. Not only that but he’s batting 0 among his siblings. He says, “I know the ranking of the five Strickland kids. I’m ot number one, two, three, or four. When Pumpsie and a chocolate Lab named Campy accidently get trapped in the stadium, he overhears some skullduggery. His favorite team, the Wildcats, is being threatened. It takes a whole lot of courage, and a ton of hot dogs, to save his team and his place in the family

 

May the Best Player Win by Kyla Zhao, Penguin Random House, 2024.

Yes, chess is a sport! This novel is packed with girl power. It also depicts the performance anxiety that is prevalent in so many sports stories. MayLi is the top chess player in her middle school, and her team is heading to Nationals. Her success has changed everything including her friendship with Ralph, her teammate and friend who has become jealous of her success. The attention May Li gets for being a successful girl player begins to affect her love of the game. MayLi’s new friendship with soccer goalie Marie, helps her realize she is not alone. Her struggles with chess are similar to Marie’s with soccer. MayLi learns she isn’t a pawn, she can make her own moves on the board of life.

 

Jen Kraar grew up chasing lizards in India, making up stories about the residents of the spirit houses in Thailand, and riding retired racehorses in Singapore. Jen explores themes of finding home in the middle grade novels and picture books she writes. As a manager at Pittsburgh’s beloved City of Asylum Bookstore, she builds a diverse collection of books and talks about kid lit with customers young and old.

 

 

 

 

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