WHO YOU THINK YOU ARE IS NOT WHO YOU ARE

That's what Laura Ebony found out during a two week forced stay with her grandmother.  Although she wants to be a fashion model and popular, she's more of an outsider, called Larda by her classmates and the popular girls.  She thought all that would changed this year until she finds out that her class will be going on a field trip to her family's "slave shack". A shack to Laura's mind that has nothing but bad memories and now the whole class will know about her family's horrible past.  

The Laura Line by Crystal Allen turns in another engaging coming of age story weaving in history, genealogy, self esteem and even baseball.  For readers in grades 5th -8th. 

A BAD CASE OF SOMETHING

This is an adorable story about Camila who loves to eat lima beans. But since none of her friends like lima beans, she is worried about not being liked or accepted. One morning she wakes up and sees that she looks nothing like herself. She goes to school and her bazaar appearance goes with her. Every time her fellow students call a name or a color, she changes into that. No matter what, nothing seems to help her, including some very good doctors. One day, one of the doctors tells her that in order to get rid of her bazaar condition, she must eat lima beans...
This story and the illustrations are beautiful and full of surprises. The idea of nonconformity will be appealing to kids who are struggling with similar situations. The story is short enough for a story time and long enough for the older kids as well. A Bad Case Of Stripes is by non other than David Shannon.

For grades k-up.

WHATEVER! THE COMPLICATED LIFE OF CLAUDIA CRISTINA CORTEZ

Middle school can sometimes be a challenge, especially when you’re interested in being popular. But is it really worth it? Claudia and her good friends, Monica and Becca, don’t think so. Check out their ideas for being true to themselves, and find out how they maintain a real friendship. This slim novel is wonderful for the middle school girl who is learning to be comfortable with herself and her peers.

Best for 6th grade and up.