#MeToo and Middle Grade

A Wrinkle in Time, by Madeleine L’Engle
In this fantasy Newbery Medal winner that’s now a motion picture, Meg Murray is a smart and thoughtful girl who struggles with real issues, such as how to make friends. When Meg’s brother Charles and her classmate Calvin embark on a journey through time and space in search of Meg’s missing father, the adventures in space and time begin. First published in 1962—after L’Engle got rejected 26 times by publishers—A Wrinkle in Time was also one of the first science fiction novels with a female protagonist.

Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli
After 15 years of home schooling, Stargirl arrives at Mica High in a burst of color and a clatter of music. She carries a pet rat and serenades her classmates with her ukulele. She also shuns makeup and wears long granny dresses. Then Leo Borlock, who follows the unspoken rule of never standing out, falls head over heels in love with this quirky girl. This contemporary novel of nonconformity celebrates the importance of speaking your mind and being true to yourself.

Every Soul a Star, by Wendy Maas
At a much-anticipated total solar eclipse, this story is told from three voices and perspectives in this novel about friendships and the role they play in one’s identity. Ally is a smart, self-confident, homeschooled kid who helps her parents run Moon Shadow. Bree is the beautiful and popular daughter of astrophysicists. And Jack failed science class, but he signs on for the eclipse tour. When these three strangers come together, their lives are forever changed.

Breadcrumbs, by Anne Ursu
Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, this novel follows Hazel—who was adopted from South Asia, has recently switched schools, where she’s bullied and misunderstood. Her best friend, Jack, is spending more time with his male friends than with her. Then a demon drops a shard of an enchanted mirror into his eye, and drugged and manic, he accompanies the Snow Queen into the wintry woods. Hazel decides to follow him. This is an incredibly lyrical and magical story about friendship.

Lumberjanes, by Noelle Stevenson, Grace Ellis, and Brooke Allen
This female-created and female-starring graphic novel is set at Miss Qiunzella Thiskwin Penniquiqul Thistle Crumpet’s Camp with five young scouts-in-training. The first volume introduces you to the crew of scouts (“The Lumberjanes”), who are resolute on having the best summer ever—despite all the paranormal goings-on around them. Jo, Mal, Molly, April, and Ripley band together to solve puzzles, defeat creatures, and escape the wrath of their watchful counselor Jen. In this fun adventure, each protagonist has a skill that helps the group conquer each creepy obstacle.