What if a school’s mascot is seen as racist, but not by everyone? In this compelling middle-grade novel in verse, two best-selling BIPOC authors tackle this hot-button issue.
Aida Salazar’s Ultra Violet is a brave and compassionate story in verse about growing up, finding identity, and redefining masculinity. Elios’s voice is authentic and funny, offering boys permission to feel and be kind. A must-read for middle schoolers finding their place in the world.
Jacqueline Woodson’s Before the Ever After is a powerful novel in verse that explores the unseen costs of sports through the eyes of a young boy watching his father fade from repeated head injuries. Told with honesty and hope, it invites readers to reflect on family, memory, and resilience.