New Middle Grade Titles to Enjoy!

• Just Shy of Ordinary by A.J. SASS. Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Thirteen-year-old Shai’s been unable to control their picking at the hair on their arms. To reduce their anxiety and create a brand new normal for themself, Shai makes a plan to go to public school. But when they're placed into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that encourages Shai to learn how to accept life's twists and turns, especially when you can't plan for them.
• Balto and Togo: Hero Dogs of Alaska by HELEN MOSS. It's the winter of 1924 and a diphtheria outbreak is threatening the population of Nome, Alaska. The only way to stop the deadly illness from causing a full-blown epidemic is to immediately deliver one million units of the diphtheria antitoxin to the affected communities, which seems impossible given the only way to reach any place in Alaska at this time of year is by dog sled. The stakes are high, and the snow is piling higher — will the antitoxin make it in time? Or will the infection spread faster than they can treat it?