Author: Ellen Oh, editor
Publisher & Date: Yearling, 14 Aug 2018
Page Count: 240 pages
ISBN: 978-1101934623
Age/Reading Level: 7-12/Grades 3-7
Representation: Main characters who are: Black, Mexican, Cuban, disabled, indigenous, homeless, and/or LGBTQIA+
Other Information: Part of the We Need Diverse Books Anthology series
Book Information
Great stories take flight in this adventurous middle-grade anthology crafted by ten of the most recognizable and diverse authors writing today. Newbery Medalist Kwame Alexander delivers a story in-verse about a boy who just might have magical powers; National Book Award winner Jacqueline Woodson spins a tale of friendship against all odds; and Meg Medina uses wet paint to color in one girl’s world with a short story that inspired her Newbery award-winner Merci Suárez Changes Gear. Plus, seven more bold voices that bring this collection to new heights with tales that challenge, inspire, and celebrate the unique talents within us all.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: Kwame Alexander, Kelly J. Baptist, Soman Chainani, Matt de la Peña, Tim Federle, Grace Lin, Meg Medina, Walter Dean Myers, Tim Tingle, Jacqueline Woodson
Challenges & Bans
This book has been challenged for stories that address difficult or mature themes, such as: bullying, racial stereotyping, child slavery, alcoholism, death, divorce, and budding same-sex crushes; diverse representation including children of color, LGBTQ+ characters, and those with disabilities.
Awards & Accolades
ALSC Notable Children’s Books (2018), CCBC Choices (2018), Junior Library Guild Selection – Middle Grade (2017), SLJ Best Books of the Year (2017), Publishers Weekly Best Books (2017)
