Middle Grade Books
STEALING POPULAR
Tired of the popular girls at her new school getting all the fame and glory (and good hair!) eighth-grader Coco Sherwood decides to take matters into her own hands. Soon, this modern-day, middle school, Robin Hood is turning the old social order upside down, as she takes from the "Somebodies" to give to the "Nobodies." As Coco's confidence grows, she dares to go head-to-tiara with Dijon Randall, the most popular girl in school. It's a risky move that could cost her everything, including Adair, one of her best friends. Can Coco even the playing field for everyone else without losing what's most important to her? Or will her grand dream of social justice turn into her worst nightmare?
MY TOP SECRET DARES & DOnT's
Twelve-year-old Kestrel Adams loves to keep lists. Her most important (and confidential) list is her Dares and Don'ts - all the things she longs to try and all the things she'll never dare to do. When Kestrel's grandfather dies, her family heads north from their home in Seattle, WA to lend a hand at the family ski lodge in Whistler, BC for the summer. However, Kestrel quickly discovers the lodge is in serious financial trouble. Kestrel is determined to save the family business but to succeed, she'll have to battle a pair of evil twin sisters, rescue a rock star dangling from a ski lift, and hope a little luck hops her way!
"[Kestrel] is an engaging character and her tween-to-teen angst rings true."
- School Library Journal
"Kestrel is a strong, spunky heroine that readers will definitely root for as she tries to save the lodge after a bunch of nasty online reviews."
- Stephanie Faris, author
of 30 Days of No Gossip
"An insightful, engaging tale that celebrates the relationship sisters share."
- Kirkus Reviews
"This is a fun book that explores sibling relationships and middle school friendships without being overly simplistic."
- Reads4Tweens
Download the FREE Sister Solution Reader's Guide for fun activities, including the recipe for Crepes Jorgianna featured in the book!
"Coco herself is such a likable character, with a worthy cause, and such a champion of the underdog. I really rooted for her to succeed."
- Suzanne Williams,
co-author of the Goddess Girls series
THE SISTER SOLUTION
What's worse than your little sister being smarter than you? When she's more popular, too! Sammi Tremayne's life isn’t perfect, but she’s got it under control—more or less. Slowly and surely, she’s orbiting her way from the outer edges of the middle school solar system into the inner circle of popularity. However, when her little sister, Jorgianna, skips not one but two grades to join Sammi in the eighth grade, her whole universe is turned upside-down! For Jorgianna, the jump is a dream come true. Of course, sometimes getting everything you want isn't everything you expected. There is more to each sister's story than the other realizes, but will Jorgi and Sammi discover it in time?
Check Out the Stealing Popular Book Trailer!
Trailer produced by Adam McArthur © 2023
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Julep O'Toole series
Confessions of a Middle Child
BOOK 1
How do you get noticed in a world where everyone else is plaid, polka-dotted, and tiger-striped and you're beige? That's how Julep feels: bland, boring, and invisible. To make matter worse, Julep's siblings seem to have it all figured out.
When the most popular girl in school invites Julep to a Halloween party, Julep can hardly believe her luck. Finally, her chance to get noticed and join the 'in' crowd! But a disastrous event forces Julep to choose between the girl she longs to be and the girl she knows she truly is.
MISS INDEPENDENT
BOOK 2
How do you convince your mom you're old enough to wear make-up, choose your own clothes, and be responsible with a cell phone? That's all Julep wants - just a little freedom to stretch her wings, but every time she tries her mother seems to be right there to clip her wings. When what was supposed to be a dream shopping trip with her mom turns into a humiliating nightmare, Julep begins to wonder if she'll ever connect with her mom. An invitation for a week away from home gives Julep the independence she craves. It also gives her an idea. Maybe, just maybe, there's a chance for mother and daughter to find their way back to each other.
what i Really want to do is direct
BOOK 3
And the Oscar goes to . . .
The promise of extra credit to improve her English grade, prompts a reluctant Julep to try out for the school play. After flubbing her audition (so humiliating!) Julep ends up on the stage crew painting trees (even more humiliating!). When fate takes an unexpected turn and Julep ends up leading the cast as the assistant director, she has found her calling! Yet, just days before the play opens, everything begins to unravel. It'll take plenty of courage, determination, and ingenuity to pull it all off, but if anyone can do it, Julep can!
"This realistic, well-drawn combination of scene, character, and plot strongly reveals the heart of a tween coming to grips with herself, her world and her family."
- Kirkus Reviews
"Julep's voice is bright, witty, and thoughtful, and her story will ring true for many a budding adolescent." - School Library Journal
Art by Dan Yaccarino © 2024
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