Navigating Friendships

Izzy fears she's losing her gal pals, the friends she's had since first grade. Even though she's still part of the friend group, she feels increasingly isolated and disconnected. She's exhausted by all the drama and petty arguments. She wants her friendships to be happy and carefree like they used to be. But to make that happen, Izzy will need to look at herself and ask a difficult question: Am I the one causing all the drama? Why is Drama Always Following Me? is a quick-read chapter book that highlights the dangers of repeatedly interrupting, one-upping, and fibbing to your friends.

The rumor mill at the middle school is running on full blast. All thanks to Harris. He saw Mateo joking around with Lily, and now he's telling everyone that the two are "lovebirds" and crushing on each other. But that rumor is a lie. Mateo and Lily are just good friends, but now their friendship is unraveling because of the stares, whispers, and jokes from their classmates. Mateo doesn't know why Harris started the rumor, but he's determined to stop it from spreading. If he can't, his friendship with Lily may be lost forever. Why is He Spreading Rumors about Me is a quick-read chapter book that shines a light on the uncomfortable feelings and sense of alienation felt by those who are the targets of lies, gossip, and rumors.

Eva feels insecure, like she's a middle school misfit. This is the story of a young girl who longs to be invited to the parties and included in the sleepovers but feels invisible and ignored. Is it because she's artsy, and her fashion tastes are peculiar? Is her niceness mistaken for boringness? Or is she an actual weirdo? As Eva questions everything about who she is, can the love of her parents and the wisdom of a loyal friend help her regain a sense of selfworth? Am I Weird is a compelling chapter book that speaks to the not so hidden fears every middle schooler has about fitting in, feeling insecure and staying true to yourself even when it's scary.

Sophia and Aaliyah have been the best of friends for a long time now - since first grade! They do Everything together. They like the same things, and they always have fun! So imagine Sophia's surprise when Aaliyah starts spending more time with Christabel, and it's interfering with Sophia and Aaliyah's time together. All of this change is hard, and Sophia finds herself wondering why. Does this mean Sophia did something wrong? Does it mean Aaliyah likes Christabel better? Sophia finds herself thinking... I Lost My BFF. Through honest conversations and open mindedness, Sophia, Aaliyah, Christabel and Asha soon learn that it's okay for friends to have other good friends, and not everyone needs to like to do the same things all of the time. If they are kind and respectful toward one another, their friendships can grow and change.

Oscar wants to excel at everything he does, from academics to music. But the pressure to be perfect comes at a price. Oscar is wracked with anxiety. He's so afraid of falling short of expectations and disappointing everyone, he can't sleep. Will joining a special club for kids with anxiety help him conquer his worries, or will the club just create more stress and sleepless nights? My Anxiety is Messing Things Up is a quick-read chapter book that gives readers a deeper understanding of how to manage anxiety.

Malcolm has a problem, and his name is Joe. Malcolm is often the target of good natured ribbing because he's an excitable scatterbrain. Malcolm knows the jokes and laughs at his expense are all in good fun and sometimes even teach him a lesson. But the snark coming from Joe isn't funny. Joe taunts and bullies Malcolm. When he attacks, Malcolm's friends do nothing. They are silent bystanders, and Malcolm is left to wonder why. Can he find the courage to ask them for help, or will Malcolm have to stand up for himself? He's Not Just Teasing! is a quick read chapter book that examines the differences between bullying and teasing, the fragile friendships of children and the power of kindness.