Books for when you just don't fit in
MBH no. 18
Hello friends,
The last time I wrote, I described the bittersweet feeling I get at the end of each summer. I heard from many of you who experience the same feelings—one moment wanting to slow time down, and the next wanting THESE PEOPLE TO LEAVE MY HOUSE ALREADY.
By now, I think most of us have sent our readers back to school—and have abruptly shifted from this ‘endless summer’ mentality (as in literally--this summer is endless) directly into hyperdrive.
Even if the change is needed, wanted, and expected, transitions are just so very hard--for kids especially.
When my kids were really little, I'd watch them morph from snuggly little cherubs into actual poltergeists after a long day, full of new things.
During this time, I would choose soothing bedtime books—old familiar favorites—to read on repeat during back-to-school transitions. These comforting stories, combined with a few weeks of early bedtimes, were (mostly) enough to help them settle in.
As kids get older, everything just seems heavier. Maybe your child has homework for the first time. Maybe they ended up in a different class from their friends. Maybe they have math anxiety or reading anxiety or just anxiety. Maybe they've always felt a little different but now are feeling the “separateness” more acutely for one reason or another.
If your child is struggling with the back-to-school transition or something weightier, check out these three books. They're funny and heartfelt and manage to communicate important messages about friendship, community, and healing-- without being preachy.
Most importantly, each book communicates, quite clearly:
"Hey, you--yes, YOU. You'll get through this. You are not alone."
Upside Down Magic (series), Sarah Mlynowski, Lauren Myracle, and Emily Jenkins 2016-2023
Nory Horace was trying to turn herself into a kitten. The kitten had to be a black kitten. And it had to be completely kitten-shaped. It was the middle of summer. Nory was hiding in her family’s garage. Kitten, kitten, kitten, she thought. She was hiding in case something went wrong. She didn’t want anyone to see. Still, if something went really wrong, her brother and sister would be close enough to hear her yell for help. Or meow for help. Or roar. Nory decided not to think about that. Hopefully, she wouldn’t need help.
In the first book in this fantastic series, we meet ten-year-old Elinor "Nory," hard at work practicing her magic for the entrance exam at Sage Academy, an elite prep school for kids with magical powers.
Nory has always assumed she belongs at Sage--her older siblings attend the school and her father is the headmaster. However, her entrance exam goes terribly wrong. Instead of simply "fluxing" into a kitten, Nory accidentally transforms into a half dragon/half kitten, terrifies the examiners, and flunks the test.
Embarrassed, Nory's father sends her to live with her Aunt Margo and attend Dunwittle Magic School--with an experimental "Upside Down Magic" class for kids who don't fit into the four neatly organized magic categories-- Flyers, Fluxers, Fuzzies, Flares, and Flickers.
All Nory wants is to be "normal," and instead, she's stuck at Dunwittle with classmates like:
Elliott, who freezes things instead of setting them on fire
Willa, who makes it rain--indoors--whenever she feels strong emotions
Pepper, who can't help that her magic terrifies animals
Marigold, who shrinks objects (and people)
Bax, who fluxes into a rock without warning
Andres, who can't control his flying magic and has to be tethered to something or someone at all times
Sebastian, an upside-down Flicker who sees sound waves and other invisible things.
Each of the eight books focuses on Nory and one of her classmates as they learn to use their magic and navigate life at Dunwittle.
My kids read the print version and/or listened to the audiobook version (highly recommend!) and I was repeatedly struck by how many positive messages the authors manage to impart–without bashing readers over the head with them. Overcoming obstacles, seeing your differences as strengths, stepping out of your comfort zone, treating your friends well, etc., etc. The characters and situations are hilarious and relatable, and the fast-paced narrative will appeal to more reluctant readers.
This series is a prime example of the quality books available for middle grade readers today— and appeals to a wide age range.
Our family highly recommends it for ANY kid who has ever felt like they just don’t fit in.
Recommended for ages 7-11
(Oh, just a tip–we were seriously disappointed in the Disney+ movie version of Upside Down Magic–completely different than the books and not nearly as good).
Fish in a Tree, Lynda Mullaly Hunt (2015)
“Everybody is smart in different ways. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its life believing it is stupid.”
Ally has been smart enough to fool a lot of smart people. Every time she lands in a new school, she is able to hide her inability to read by creating clever yet disruptive distractions. She is afraid to ask for help; after all, how can you cure dumb? However, her newest teacher Mr. Daniels sees the bright, creative kid underneath the troublemaker. With his help, Ally learns not to be so hard on herself and that dyslexia is nothing to be ashamed of. As her confidence grows, Ally feels free to be herself and the world starts opening up with possibilities. She discovers that there’s a lot more to her—and to everyone—than a label, and that great minds don’t always think alike.*
Fish in a Tree is a special book that belongs in every home library—I’ve lent my copy out to several friends and read it aloud with both kids.
Kids with reading difficulties should definitely read this book, but I also think it is an essential read for children without dyslexia. The author makes it easy for readers to put themselves in Ally’s shoes–helping them develop compassion for those who are different from them.
Fish in a Tree is an emotional, uplifting novel that has the power to change the way kids see themselves and others. Ally’s character reminded me so much of a few kids I worked with over the years as a teacher and Orton-Gillingham tutor—so I wasn’t surprised to learn that the author was also a former teacher. Luckily for us, she’s also a brilliant writer.
Recommended for ages 8-12
*from Google reviews
Wayward Creatures, Dayna Lorentz (2022)
For the past two weeks, I’ve been eating in the library. But not today. Today, I am finding Owen and Leo, and we will sit together like we used to back in sixth grade. But I don’t see them in the cafeteria. I push through the doors outside and see them on the soccer field with a bunch of other kids. They are all really good at soccer. I used to play, but I was never good. Last fall, when Owen, Leo, and I did the town’s program, I scored a goal on my own team by accident. These guys? They wouldn’t want me even if I asked to play.
Twelve-year-old Gabe feels miserable and alone. His family is caught up in their own problems and his best friends are too busy with soccer to hang out anymore. Desperate for their attention, Gabe sets off fireworks in the woods near his house and causes a small forest fire.
After Gabe’s impulsive decision lands him in the restorative justice program, he stumbles across an injured coyote, one who fled her pack and snapped at a child out of fear the night of the fire.
As Gabe secretly cares for Rill, he realizes how deeply his actions impacted others, and his anger toward family and friends slowly defuses, creating space for good things to happen. Both Gabe and Rill (the coyote) learn that they are not alone in the world.
From the first few pages, readers understand that Gabe is angry–at the tension within his family and at his two best friends, whose interests have caused them to shift away from him. Gabe’s first-person narration is compelling and realistic, with readers feeling his anger, confusion, deep loneliness—AND eventual healing and empowerment.
My 11-year-old read Wayward Creatures this summer and couldn’t put it down. This is one of those books I feel so grateful is out in the world.
Recommended for ages 10-13
What books have helped YOU feel less alone? Would love to hear from you.
Wishing you hours and hours of reading magic,
Katie
Oh Katie, I adore the whole concept of this post -- what a super thoughtful offering to your subscribers (and young readers). I haven't read any of these! (Though I've heard great things about the Upside Down Magic series and own the first book.)
What a theme, especially at the beginning of the school year when everyone is sorting out where they belong and who their friends are (and what if that friend isn't in the same class.... we know how that goes).
We tore through Upside Down Magic at your recommendation and these other two are new to me -- I can't wait to dive in.