YADIRA: The Beloved Friend

Akiko: Pieces of Gax

My Guardian Angel

The Grover School Pledge

Eerie Tales from the School of Screams

Mysteries of People and Places

Letter and Spirit

Unlikely Friends

In this powerful novel researched in NYC schools, Newbery Medalist Virginia Hamilton documents the struggle young people face as they simultaneously assert their independence and yearn for guidance.

Friendship isn't always easy. Natalie is different from the other girls in Dreenie's fifth-grade class. She comes to school in a wheelchair, always wearing a knitted hat. The kids call her "Bluish" because her skin is tinted blue from chemotherapy. Dreenie is fascinated by Bluish -- and a little scared of her, too. She watches Bluish and writes her observations in her journal. Slowly, the two girls become good friends. But Dreenie still struggles with Bluish's illness. Bluish is weak and frail, but she also wants to be independent and respected. How do you act around a girl like that?

Discover Your Child's Next Read

YADIRA: The Beloved Friend

David Chapman, 2021

Akiko: Pieces of Gax

Mark Crilley, 2006

My Guardian Angel

Sylvie Weil, Gillian Rosner, 2001

The Grover School Pledge

Wanda Taylor, 2023

Eerie Tales from the School of Screams

Graham Annable, 2022

Mysteries of People and Places

Phyllis Raybin Emert, 1992

Letter and Spirit

Anna M. Richards, Anna Matlack Richards, 1891

Unlikely Friends

Jeanne J. Austin, 2009