FLY BACK, AGNES
(9 – 13 yrs old)
Twelve-year-old Agnes Moon hates everything about her life: her parents’ divorce, her best friend’s abandonment, her changing body, and her old lady name. When she’s forced to spend the summer with her dad in a town where she doesn’t know anyone, Agnes decides to become someone else. A heartfelt story that sensitively tackles the everyday inner turmoil of growing up and staying true to oneself.
“Issues of peer acceptance, popularity, and the repercussions of divorce are delicately explored in this sweet and tender tale.” —School Library Journal
“A beautifully written, deft, imaginative portrayal of a girl on the cusp of becoming herself and discovering her own powers.” —Kate Christensen, PEN/Faulkner award-winning author
THE ISLAND OF BEYOND
(9 –13 yrs old)
Martin is miserable. His father wants him to be a “normal” boy. So he forces Martin to spend the entire month of July on a remote island in Maine with an eccentric great aunt he’s never met. Even worse, there is no internet connection, no cell service, and nothing to do. Everything changes when Martin meets a wild child, named Solo, who opens up Martin’s world to endless possibilities.
“The Island of Beyond is a new, ready-made classic for young readers.” —Portland Press Herald
“Atkinson knows how to draw readers into the story and keep them hooked… If you read only one middle grade novel this year, make it The Island of Beyond.” —Kidlit Reviews Best Books
THE SUGAR MOUNTAIN SNOW BALL
(Ages 8 – 12)
On a snowy winter day, Ruby LaRue and her best friend, Eleanor Bandaranaike, come across the mysterious fortune teller, Madame Magnifique. Both girls have big dreams, but don’t know how to make them come true. That is, until Madame Magnifique tells them exactly what they need to hear.
“It’s here! The funny, charming story of Ruby LaRue, an eleven-year-old girl with an enthusiastic zest for life… A story of tolerance and multicultural friendships.” —Read Your World
“Not only does Atkinson prove her mastery of characterization, but she is also most adept at introducing elements of wonder and mystery…” —Book Pleasures
I, EMMA FREKE
(Ages 8 – 12)
As the tallest, smartest person in her middle school, Emma Freke feels like a real freak. She’s never met her father, and her self-absorbed mother only makes her feel worse about herself. When a strange letter arrives from Wisconsin inviting Emma to the Freke Family Reunion, she thinks she may just find out why she is the way she is.
“This rich story of self-acceptance offers readers much to think about…The first-person narrative moves along briskly, with believable dialogue and plenty of humor.” —Booklist
“Atkinson deftly portrays the intense self-consciousness that is an inherent part of the transition between childhood and adolescence… A poignant journey of self-discovery.” —Kirkus Reviews
FROM ALICE TO ZEN and EVERYONE IN BETWEEN
(Ages 8 – 11)
Alice Bunt would rather play soccer than go to the mall. Zen would rather read fashion magazines than play soccer. But they have no problem becoming fast friends the summer Alice moves to Zen’s neighborhood. However, once school starts, Alice discovers being friends with a boy like Zenithal Stevie Wonder Malinowski can set you way apart.
“Atkinson has written a lively novel with an empathetic, well-drawn heroine.” —Publishers Weekly
“. . .this is a breezy read, and Zen’s quirky personality will keep adolescents turning the pages.” —Library Media Connection