Jamie's Little Library

If you’re looking for a powerful middle-grade story that blends friendship, fear, courage, and real-world issues, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a must-read. Saadia Faruqi delivers a heartfelt, eye-opening novel about a Muslim boy navigating prejudice and finding his voice in a changing community—and it will stay with you long after the last page.

In Sisters of the Neversea, Cynthia Leitich Smith reimagines Peter Pan through the voices of two stepsisters — one Muscogee Creek, one white — who discover the truth behind the myths of Neverland. A powerful story of sisterhood, identity, and the courage to tell your own story.

A Map for Falasteen by Maysa Odeh is a heartfelt picture book about a young Palestinian-American girl searching for her homeland—and finding that home lives within her family’s stories. Perfect for classroom discussions on identity, maps, and belonging.

Cooking connects people in ways words sometimes can’t. In Measuring Up, Cici learns that recipes carry memories, and that belonging can be found one dish—and one friendship—at a time.

Swim Team by Johnnie Christmas is a lively, middle-grade graphic novel about Bree, a new student who’s afraid of water but ends up on a swim team that needs a win. With themes of courage, identity, teamwork, and a history of Black swimmers’ access to pools, it’s a compelling read for ages ~8–12.

The Power of Her Pen: The Story of Groundbreaking Journalist Ethel L. Payne by Lesa Cline-Ransome, illustrated by John Parra, tells the inspiring true story of Ethel L. Payne, a pioneering African American journalist who used her writing to fight for justice and equality. From her early love of words to her bold questions in the White House press room, Ethel’s story shows how courage and determination can give voice to those who have been silenced.

Marya Khan and the Disastrous Class Project by Saadia Faruqi is a fun, heartfelt story about friendship, culture, and finding confidence when things don’t go as planned. When Marya is paired with Waleed, a new student from Pakistan who misses home, she’s sure their country project will be amazing — until her big ideas start to spin out of control. Through humor, teamwork, and a few mistakes along the way, Marya learns that kindness and understanding can turn any “disaster” in