Unpack an unforgettable story of belonging! Costantia Manoli’s Tomatoes in My Lunchbox is an outstanding, masterpiece that fiercely champions identity, diverse cultures, and the monumental power of properly pronouncing a child’s name.
Dress Coded is a powerful, realistic fiction novel that sparks a middle school revolution. Fed up with unfair, sexist dress code enforcement, eighth-grader Molly Frost launches a podcast that unites her school community against administrative bias.
Natalie Lloyd’s Hummingbird is a luminous, unforgettable middle-grade masterpiece exploring identity, disability, and belonging. Infused with enchanting magical realism and written with own-voices authenticity, Olive’s journey in her bedazzled wheelchair will capture the hearts of readers who loved Wonder. Highly recommended for middle school librarians and educators seeking a powerful, inspiring story centered on self-acceptance, resilience, and the beauty of our fragile places.
Lolo’s Light is a poignant, unforgettable middle-grade novel that navigates the messy, complicated layers of grief and unfair guilt. When a babysitting job turns into an unexpected tragedy, young Millie must find her way out of the dark. Masterfully written and deeply empathetic, this text is an essential, healing addition for middle school library collections, book clubs, and social-emotional learning spaces.
A lunchroom connection turns a stranger into a friend! Navigating the isolation of a new country and a frequently mispronounced name, a young immigrant girl finds a beautiful sense of belonging when her classmates embrace her unique heritage—and her favorite lunch food.