‘Thoughtful and powerful’
– The New York Times Book Review
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Buy TAKING UP SPACE:
* Free Educator Resources and Discussion Guide for TAKING UP SPACE from Scholastic *
Honors & Awards:
★ Oklahoma Library Association’s Book Award Nominee
★ The Buckeye Children’s and Teen Book Award Nominee (Ohio Library Association)
★ Volunteer State Book Award Nominee (Tennessee Library Association)
★ Denver Public Library’s Favorite Kids’ Books of the Year
★ Imagination Soup’s Best Chapter Book + Middle Grade Books of the Year
★ A Mighty Girl’s Books of the Year
★ #ReadThisNow Best Books of of the Year
★ Library Services Centre (LSC) Juvenile Notable
Sarah loves basketball more than anything. Crushing it on the court makes her feel like she matters. And it’s the only thing that helps her ignore how much it hurts when her mom forgets to feed her.
But lately Sarah can’t even play basketball right. She’s slower now and missing shots she should be able to make. Her body doesn’t feel like it’s her own anymore. She’s worried that changing herself back to how she used to be is the only way she can take control over what’s happening.
When Sarah’s crush asks her to be partners in a cooking competition, she feels pulled in a million directions. She’ll have to dig deep to stand up for what she needs at home, be honest with her best friends, and accept that she doesn’t need to change to feel good about herself.
Booklist described Gerber’s novels in starred reviews as both “highly empathetic” and “truly inspiring.” Taking Up Space promises to be a realistic and compelling story about struggling with body image and learning that true self-esteem comes from within.
“A story full of charm, compassion, and empathy.” – TODAY
3 starred reviews!
Buy FOCUSED:
Honors & Awards:
★ Kirkus Reviews Best Books of the Year
★ Today Show Best Kids’ Books of the Year
★ A Mighty Girl’s Books of the Year
★ Austin Public Library’s Best Middle Grade of the Year
★ The Children’s Book Review Best Kids Books of the Year
★ Oregon Battle of the Books (State Book Award)
★ New Jersey Garden State Book Award Nominee
★ Rhode Island Middle School Book Award Nominee
★ Oklahoma Library Association’s Book Award Nominee
★ Michigan Library Association’s Book Award Nominee
★ Booklist Top 10 Health & Wellness for Youth,
★ The Reading Council of Greater Winnipeg’s Holiday Picks 2021
★ Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine’s 2021 Book Picks for Kids
A story of a girl caught between her love of chess and her ADHD.
★ “An accurate and compassionate picture of growing up with ADHD is the icing on the cake of this well-told novel.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “Author Gerber, who has ADHD herself, is able to compassionately and realistically convey the experience in this sweetly appealing story.” – American Library Association’s Booklist, starred review
★ “This book includes middle school family drama, a little romance, and could be used for growth mindset lessons about being assertive and an effective communicator, identifying what individuals need to succeed, and learning to become a self-advocate.” – School Library Connection, Highly Recommended
“Gerber handles this very detailed and informative look at a mind under the influence of ADHD with remarkable grace and clarity, highlighting both the difficulties and the lesser-known advantages.” – Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Clea is a relatable and fully realized character. Readers may also be inspired to play chess. The matches and practice sessions are intriguing and easy to understand.” – VOYA
“Smart, capable people come in all different packages.” – New York Journal of Books
“Readers with and without ADHD will relate to Clea’s struggles in her school and social life as she strives to achieve the balance she needs to be successful.” – School Library Journal
3 starred reviews!
Buy BRACED:
The first contemporary novel about a disorder that bends the lives of ten percent of all teenagers: scoliosis.
Honors & Awards:
★ The Children’s Book Council (CBC) Disability Awareness Books, Spring 2021
★ Oklahoma Library Association’s Book Award Nominee
★ Indiana Library Federation’s Book Award Nominee
★ New Hampshire Library Association’s Book Award Nominee
★ Virginia State Reading Association’s Readers’ Choice Nominee
★ South Dakota State Library’s Book Award Nominee
★ Booklist Top 10 Books for Youth, Sports
★ Booklist Lasting Connections, Language Arts
★ “Comparisons to Judy Blume’s Deenie (1973) might be inevitable, but Rachel stands admirably on her own.” – Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ “A masterfully constructed and highly empathetic debut about a different kind of acceptance.” – Booklist, starred review
“Rachel’s struggle to fit in despite looking different is poignant and believable.” – Horn Book Guide Reviews
“Gerber’s cast of characters are wonderfully flawed and believable. Beautifully emotional, Braced will help readers recognize and celebrate their differences.” – Shelf Awareness
“All readers will appreciate Rachel’s emotional struggle and dedication to finding a way to be the best at something she loves despite challenges. I’m glad I read it and wished I had it to read when I was wearing my own brace.” – Teen Librarian Toolbox, SLJ
