fiction Archives - Page 357 of 709

The Queen Bee and Me
by Gillian McDunn (Author)

Booktalk: Meg has always found comfort in her best friend Beatrix’s shadow. Self-assured Beatrix is the one who makes decisions, and the girls have been a pair since kindergarten. But middle school has brought some changes in Beatrix, especially when Meg tries to step outside her role as sidekick.

A special science elective is Meg’s first step away, but when she’s paired with quirky new girl Hazel, Beatrix steps in to stake her claim on Meg. Meg is taken aback at how mean Beatrix can be–and how difficult it is to stand up to her friend. But as Meg gets to know Hazel while working on their backyard beehive project, she starts to wonder: Is being Beatrix’s friend worth turning down the possibility of finding her own voice?

Snippet: “Earth to Meg?” Beatrix crosses her arms tightly, like she’s giving herself an angry hug. “Are you even listening?”

I wasn’t, but I can’t say that.

Here’s something else I can’t say:

Beatrix Bailey is my best friend. I love her, but I don’t always like her.

The thought is sharp, like it’s made of broken glass. But it feels like the truth. Maybe that’s why it hurts so much.

See the book trailer.

Amazon | Bookshop | IndieBound

Me and My Sister
by Rose Robbins (Author / Illustrator)

Booktalk: Getting along with your sister is never easy–especially if your brains work in different ways! Based on the author’s childhood, this picture book is a gentle exploration of growing up with an autistic sibling.

Life in a neurodiverse home isn’t straightforward: these siblings communicate and behave in different ways. They’re also unique people with different likes and dislikes. Misunderstandings are bound to happen! But despite the occasional bickering and confusion, maybe this brother and sister can discover new ways to love and help one another.

Snippet: