Book Lists

More than a Buzzword: Inclusion in Middle Grade (a very short list!)

By on April 23, 2025   /   Articles, Book Lists  

When you work in a school, there are some topics that permeate conversations and crop up in every

corner of life as an educator. Usually, they’re tangled up with buzzwords: engagement, data-driven instruction, differentiation… you could make a pretty long list. My fellow teacher-authors are probably making one even now as they read these words.

Sometimes we get so deep into the weeds on topics like this that we forget why we’re talking about them in the first place. That can definitely happen with my all-time favorite buzzword: inclusion.

 

There’s a lot to unpack in that word. As a special educator, I’ve been a part of panels, focus groups, school-wide initiatives—and I have at least three t-shirts (because if you don’t get a t-shirt, did it even really happen?). But the human side of inclusion—the story—can sometimes get lost in all the planning and coordinating.

That’s when the author in me turns back to the books that, in recent years, have tackled this delicate subject so beautifully and honestly. It’s a long list, but I’ve pared it down to my current top five. Whether you work in education, have a child with special needs, or just like being a good human, these are all worth a look (even if you don’t get a t-shirt).

The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl, by Stacy McAnulty

What it’s about: After a lightning strike grants Lucy Callahan genius-level math abilities and obsessive-compulsive tendencies, she’s been homeschooled and is ready for college at 12. However, her grandmother insists she attend middle school for a year to experience life beyond numbers. Lucy navigates the challenges of public school, friendships, and a community service project at a dog shelter, all while managing her OCD and hiding her extraordinary intellect. Through these experiences, she learns that some problems can’t be solved with equations alone.

Why it’s great for inclusion: This story explores the incredibly challenging landscape of social interactions in school and the nature of friendship. There are a lot of layers, and in some ways, the book raises more questions than it answers—but that’s exactly why it’s such a strong choice for sparking conversation about inclusion.

 

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper 

What it’s about: Melody Brooks is an 11-year-old with cerebral palsy who cannot walk or speak, but she possesses a photographic memory and a brilliant mind. Despite her intelligence, she’s often underestimated due to her physical limitations. When she gains access to a communication device, Melody finally has the opportunity to express herself and prove her capabilities. 

Why it’s great for inclusion: There’s an idea in the special education world we often call presumed competence. At its core, it’s the belief that, regardless of how someone presents or the assumptions others make about them, it’s always best to operate on the assumption that they’re just as capable as anyone else. It also pushes back against the notion that if someone can’t communicate, they must not have anything to say. There are so many kids still learning how to use their voice effectively, and Melody’s transformation in this book is a case study in the power of expression and self-advocacy.

 

Stuntboy, in the Meantime by Jason Reynolds

What it’s about: Portico Reeves, a spirited and imaginative boy, adopts the alter ego “Stuntboy” to navigate the challenges of his daily life. Living in a bustling apartment complex he views as a castle, Portico uses his superhero persona to protect those around him, especially as he grapples with his parents’ escalating arguments and the anxiety they cause. With the support of his best friend Zola, Portico learns coping mechanisms to manage his “frets” and discovers that true heroism lies in resilience and empathy. This illustrated novel combines humor, heart, and a unique narrative style to explore themes of family, mental health, and community.​

Why it’s great for inclusion: In many respects, schools across the country are just beginning to grapple with the growing needs related to anxiety and other mental health challenges in children. Jonathan Haidt’s recent book The Anxious Generation is one of many that explore this issue in depth, backed by compelling research on the rise of mental health struggles in young people.

Recognizing these challenges in the classroom—and building supports to effectively include kids who are navigating them—isn’t easy. But Jason Reynolds introduces the topic with a fun, accessible tone that still deals honestly with the struggle.

Another great read on this subject is Carla Naumburg’s How to Stop Freaking Out: The Ultimate Guide to Keeping Cool When Life Feels Chaotic. I actually interviewed her about the book last year—check that out here if you’re interested in digging a little deeper!

 

Good Different by Meg Eden Kuyatt 

What it’s about: Selah Godfrey has always followed her personal “rules for being normal,” masking her true self to fit in. But when sensory overload leads to an outburst at school, her carefully constructed world begins to unravel. Told in poignant verse, this novel explores Selah’s journey toward self-acceptance and advocacy, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of embracing one’s neurodivergence. An empowering read that underscores the importance of understanding and inclusion.

Why it’s great for inclusion: The concept of masking is generating a lot of conversation right now—especially around how much an autistic child should be expected to change in order to fit into the world around them. Selah’s story offers a powerful lens on that topic. It encourages discussion about the nature of acceptance, neurodivergence, and what true inclusion can (and should) look like in a school setting.

 

Planet Earth Is Blue by Nicole Panteleakos

What it’s about: Set in 1986, this story follows twelve-year-old Nova, a nonverbal autistic girl with a deep passion for space exploration. Recently placed in a new foster home, Nova eagerly anticipates the launch of the space shuttle Challenger, a moment she and her missing sister, Bridget, had planned to watch together. As the countdown to the launch progresses, Nova’s new foster family and teachers begin to recognize her intelligence and potential, challenging their initial perceptions. Through Nova’s perspective, the story explores themes of understanding, resilience, and the profound impact of being truly seen and valued.​

Why it’s great for inclusion: For many years, I’d spend part of September visiting classrooms and showing neurotypical students how to use AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication). My goal was to help them understand that different methods of communication are equally valid—and that students who use them deserve to be heard.

Planet Earth Is Blue is a powerful example of this idea in action. Nova is a thoughtful and passionate girl who happens to be nonverbal. In my opinion, nonverbal characters are still underrepresented in books about neurodivergent kids, so it’s refreshing to see a story so fully centered on someone like her.

 

For more great recommendations on the broader topic of diversity in middle grade, absolutely check out our diversity series, which is full of great recommendations, many of which address themes like neurodiversity and inclusion (check out this recent list, for example!). 

What are you reading on this topic? Feel free to leave a comment, and let’s keep the conversation going!

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A Spring-Vibe Booklist

By on March 21, 2025   /   Articles, Book Lists  

Yesterday was the first day of Spring here in the US, and goodness am I ready for some renewal, rebirth, and growth.

In the spirit of all things new and hopeful, I thought I’d round up a list of books with a Spring-vibe for you all.

Nature: Let’s get outside.

 

Here in the Real World by Sara Pennypacker 

Ware can’t wait to spend summer “off in his own world”—dreaming of knights in the Middle Ages and generally being left alone. But then his parents sign him up for dreaded Rec camp, where he must endure Meaningful Social Interaction and whatever activities so-called “normal” kids do.

On his first day Ware meets Jolene, a tough, secretive girl planting a garden in the rubble of an abandoned church next to the camp. Soon he starts skipping Rec, creating a castle-like space of his own in the church lot.

Jolene scoffs, calling him a dreamer—he doesn’t live in the “real world” like she does. As different as Ware and Jolene are, though, they have one thing in common: for them, the lot is a refuge.

But when their sanctuary is threatened, Ware looks to the knights’ Code of Chivalry: Thou shalt do battle against unfairness wherever faced with it. Thou shalt be always the champion of the Right and Good—and vows to save the lot.

But what does a hero look like in real life? And what can two misfit kids do?

One Small Hop by Madelyn Rosenberg

Perfect for fans of Carl Hiaasen’s classic Hoot, this humorous adventure story set in a not-so-distant future celebrates the important differences we can make with small, brave acts.

When Ahab and his friends find a bullfrog in their town — a real, live bullfrog, possibly the last bullfrog in North America — they have several options: A. Report it to the Environmental Police Force. Too bad everyone knows the agency is a joke.B. Leave it be. They’re just a bunch of kids — what if they hurt it by moving it?C. Find another real, live bullfrog on the black market. Convince their parents to let them bike to Canada. Introduce the two frogs. Save all of frogkind.Ahab convinces the rest of the group that C is their only real option. Because if they don’t save this frog, who will? Their quest, which will involve fake ice cream, real frog spawn, and some very close calls, teaches Ahab that hope is always the logical choice and that science is always better with friends.With humor and empathy, acclaimed author Madelyn Rosenberg builds an all-too-imaginable future ravaged by climate change, where one kid can still lean on his friends and dream up a better tomorrow.

 

 

Romance: Let’s fall in love – or at least like.

 

Redwood and Ponytail by K. A. Holt 

Kate and Tam meet, and both of their worlds tip sideways. At first, Tam figures Kate is your stereotypical cheerleader; Kate sees Tam as another tall jock. But the more they run into each other, the more they surprise each other. Beneath Kate’s sleek ponytail and perfect facade, Tam sees a goofy, sensitive, lonely girl. And Tam’s so much more than a volleyball player, Kate realizes: She’s everything Kate wishes she could be. It’s complicated. Except it’s not. When Kate and Tam meet, they fall in like. It’s as simple as that. But not everybody sees it that way.

From the author of House Arrest and Knockout, this unforgettable novel in verse shares the story of two girls discovering their feelings for each other–a story that will appeal to anyone who’s ever been unsure about the self they’re becoming. Sometimes you know who you’re meant to be with before you know who you’re meant to be.

 

 

 

 

Keep It Together, Keiko Carter: A Wish Novel by Debbi Michiko Florence

Fans of Wendy Mass and Lisa Greenwald are sure to fall head-over-heels for this sweet story about first crushes, friendship drama, and finding the courage to stand up for yourself.

Seventh grade is supposed to be a game changer. And Keiko thinks she’s got it covered, especially with Audrey and Jenna by her side to shop for a new look, pick out a prime lunch spot, and even hit up that cute new bubble tea place after school. Her trio is ready to tackle life as they always have… together.But when Audrey decides they need boyfriends before Fall Ball, it looks like things may be changing in all the wrong ways. Jenna is sick of caving in to Audrey’s demands, and soon Keiko’s besties are barely talking, leaving her caught in the middle. While she’s been dreaming about triple-dates, first kisses, and a boy she really shouldn’t have a crush on, the friendship she’s always thought was rock-solid is beginning to crumble.Keiko feels pulled in two directions. Should she try to help her friends — even if it means losing one of them — or follow her heart? When it comes to flirting, friendships, and fallouts, how is Keiko supposed to keep it all together?

 

 

 

Hope: Let’s make it all a little bit better.

 

The Chance to Fly (the Chance to Fly #1)

Perfect for fans of Wicked and anyone who has ever dared to dream big, The Chance to Fly is a testament to the magic of believing in yourself and the importance of representation in the arts.

The Chance to Fly by Tony Award-winning actress Ali Stroker and Stacy Davidowitz is an inspiring middle grade novel about Nat Beacon, a theater-loving girl who uses a wheelchair. Nat’s passion for musicals knows no bounds, and she dreams of performing on stage despite never having seen an actor with a disability in a leading role.

When Nat’s family moves from California to New Jersey, she discovers auditions for a kids’ production of her all-time favorite musical, Wicked.

Thrilled by the opportunity, Nat lands a spot in the ensemble. As she navigates new friendships and the challenges of rehearsals, Nat draws strength from the empowering themes of Wicked, particularly the song “Defying Gravity.”

But as opening night approaches, unexpected obstacles arise. Nat must confront her fears and insecurities, channeling the spirit of Elphaba to truly “defy gravity” both on and off the stage.

This heartfelt story celebrates resilience, inclusion, and the transformative power of theater.

 

 

The Stars Beneath Our Feet by David Barclay Moore 

It’s Christmas Eve in Harlem, but twelve-year-old Lolly Rachpaul and his mom aren’t celebrating. They’re still reeling from his older brother’s death in a gang-related shooting just a few months earlier. Then Lolly’s mother’s girlfriend brings him a gift that will change everything: two enormous bags filled with Legos. Lolly’s always loved Legos, and he prides himself on following the kit instructions exactly. Now, faced with a pile of building blocks and no instructions, Lolly must find his own way forward.

His path isn’t clear—and the pressure to join a “crew,” as his brother did, is always there. When Lolly and his friend are beaten up and robbed, joining a crew almost seems like the safe choice. But building a fantastical Lego city at the community center provides Lolly with an escape—and an unexpected bridge back to the world.

 

 

 

 

I hope you find something to enjoy and maybe inspire you in this Spring-vibe book list. If you did, or if you have a Spring read I might like, please share in the comments below.

 

 

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Creating Community with Diverse Story Collections

By on March 19, 2025   /   Articles, Book Lists  

Spring is right around the corner, and along with it comes the blooming of flowers. What better time to highlight anthologies! The Greek word anthology is made up of anthos, which means flowers and logia, which means collections. I invite you to check out these five, recently published short story collections written by rock star authors. While each of these titles focuses on different subjects, voices, identities or ethnic groups, they all embrace themes of community building.  Each stellar story stands on its own but blossoms in the collective storytelling.

 

Black Girl Power: 15 stories celebrating black girlhood. Edited by Leah Johnson. Hyperion, 2024.

Contributing author Kwame Mbalia states, “power is the ability to control a narrative,” and this anthology does just that. These transformational narratives uplift Black girls, and help them build confidence and dream big. Young readers will find much to love in these stories which include, a horror story, poems, fantasies as well as realistic stories. The universal themes such as family expectations, grief, and friendship have wide appeal, as do the strong characterizations.

 

Calling the Moon:16 period stories from BIPOC authors. Edited by Aida Salazar and Yamile Saied Mendez. Candlewick, 2024.

Period power is explored in this group of poems and stories featuring Black, Indigenous, and people of color with different cultural and faith-based beliefs and attitudes towards menstruating. These pieces celebrate how those “who menstruate are in sync with the natural rhythms of humanity and with the luminescent orb floating through space on a monthly cycle,” – Aida Salazar.

 

 

The Door is Open: stories of celebration and community by 11 Desi voices. Edited by Hana Kahn, Little Brown and Co., 2024.

Welcome to the Maple Grove Community Center in New Jersey. Through interconnected stories featuring the diverse world of South Asian Americans, you will find out how a group of kids gathers together to pursue a variety of activities in this space, and also to save it. Light-hearted stories of crushes and friendships are included alongside more serious topics of racism and identity.

 

 

 

A Little Bit of Super: with small powers come big problems. Edited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt. Clarion, 2024.

We often think of super powers as being big and flashy – like flying faster than a speeding bullet or being stronger than Hercules. These humorous stories, comics and poems show how kids can use small powers to positively affect their worlds. The variety of powers – shape shifting, ascertaining the ripeness of an avocado, and hearing the thoughts of animals are fun and fascinating. The book champions the idea that each of us possesses a little something special that makes us super.

 

 

 

On The Block: stories of home. Edited by Ellen Oh. Crown, 2024.

Reading these stories is like peeking through the windows of the Entrada apartment building and learning about the interconnected lives of the immigrant families inside. You will observe ghosts, first crushes, bigotry and more. The anthology includes families from Cuba, India, Nigeria and other countries, sharing their stories and food, and depicts a place where new immigrants find friendship, support and safety.

 

 

 

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