Madeline Dyer
Being Ace
A rare and vital middle-grade text that validates asexual identity without making it the sole crisis of the character's life.
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Stuntboy, in the Meantime
by Jason Reynolds
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 780L
A quieter, deeper book than its comic-book premise suggests—Porterfield's voice is funny and honest, and Middle School nails the tension between fantasy-escape and the bravery of living in your actual body.
Queen of Faces
by Petra Lord
Middle grade · ages 8–12 · 720L · 2026
A genuinely thoughtful story about neurodivergence that doesn't condescend—the protagonist's 'mask' and her breakthrough feel earned, and the friendships are messy and real.
Thorn Season
by Kiera Azar
Middle grade · ages 10–14 · 750L · 2025
A genuinely grounded identity story that doesn't flatten its protagonist or rely on magical metaphor to do the work—her family, neighborhood, and faith are vivid and matter as much as the powers.