Perfect for fans of Raymie Nightingale and The Fourteenth Goldfish, this heartfelt middle-grade novel seamlessly melds STEAM content with first loss in an honest and striking debut. When Mika starts fifth grade at the middle school, her neat life gets messy. Separated from old friends and starting new classes, Mika is far from her comfort zone. And math class is the most confusing of all, especially when her teacher Mr. Vann assigns math journals. Art in math? Who's ever heard of such a thing? But when challenges arise at home, Mika realizes there are no easy answers. Maybe, with some help from friends, family, and one unique teacher, a math journal can help her work out problems, and not just the math ones. Debut author Jennifer Swender delivers poignant prose and illustrator Jennifer Naalchigar brings Mika's journal to life in this perfect equation of honesty plus hope that adds up to a heartwarming coming-of-age story.

A coming-of-age story about a boy who is used to flying under the radar, and the classroom of kids are determined to help him stand out. This touching friendship tale is perfect read for fans of Fish In a Tree and Song for a Whale. If Austin picked a color to describe his life, it would be tumbleweed brown. Austin doesn't like standing out. He's always the new kid, and there's no hiding his size. Plus, Austin has a secret: he struggles to read. Then Austin meets Bertie who is razzmatazz. Everything about Bertie is bursting! But the best part of his newest school, is the Safety Squad with their laser lemon vests. Their cool confidence and leadership stand out in the best way. Even when things are not so vibrant and life at home makes Austin feel pacific blue, for the first time, he wants to leave a mark. And the more Austin speaks up, the more he finds he's not the only one with secrets.