Young Adult &
Children’s Bookshelf
The Space You Left Behind
West 44 Books | Forthcoming June 2024 | Grades 9–12
Sixteen-year-old Cara has cerebral palsy. Self-conscious about her limp, Cara is convinced her disability is what causes boys to always place her in the friend zone. This summer, it seems to be happening again with her new crush, Josh. The two of them are huge fans of a popular mystery podcast and, as it happens, Cara has a real-life mystery of her own. She’s never been that curious about the donor who is her biological father, but now that Josh shows an interest in learning his identity, she’s all in. As Cara starts exploring, she stumbles upon a family secret that just might explain the feeling she’s always had that something important is missing from her life. But with this knowledge, her life may never be the same again.
The Space you Left Behind is a compelling story about coming to terms with yourself and your body, as well as discovering disability pride and community. Like many teens, Cara feels alone and lonely, particularly when it comes to how her body works. But in her journey, she discovers she was never truly alone, and begins to find people like her. Cara goes from shame at the “secret” of her cerebral palsy to accepting her limitations, and expanding her definition of what it means to be made full by others. I especially loved this aspect for YA—that Cara examines her crush on Josh, and the unfair weight she put on him to “fix” her or make her feel whole.
The mystery is interesting and surprising, and Cara’s character growth is complex and satisfying. The story is in verse, which I love—and it uses the form well. A compelling, fast page-turner of a book!
—Meg Eden Kuyatt, author of GOOD DIFFERENT
August or Forever
Fitzroy Books | 2023 | Grades 4–7
“What a beautiful novel about sisterhood, about art, about hearts broken and hearts mended. August or Forever will forever chime inside my own heart.” —Gayle Brandeis, author of My Life with the Lincolns
“August or Forever tenderly conveys the dynamics of a “different” kind of sibling relationship, one between half siblings raised thousands of miles apart. We cheer for its endearing ten-year-old protagonist, Molly, as she navigates through uncertainties and misunderstandings to discover that family love has a patient, enduring force.” —Pamela Erens, author of Matasha
“August or Forever is a tender, graceful novel about sisterhood, friendship, and love. Ten-year-old Molly is a narrator in whom young readers will surely see themselves, with her longings, foibles, and authentic voice. Sweet rather than sentimental, spare but fully drawn, this book is sure to be treasured and read again.” —Caren Lissner, author of Carrie Pilby
“Author Ona Gritz writes evocatively about sisters, families, belonging and loss in this touching middle-grade novel. Readers will enjoy following ten-year-old Molly as she witnesses the power of art and navigates the challenges of shifting families and friendships during an August she’ll remember forever. A story that begs to be discussed and celebrated.” —Kimberly Behre Kenna, author of Artemis Sparke and the Sound Seekers Brigade
“August or Forever explores the complexity of sibling relationships. Ten-year-old Molly is a believable narrator whose longing to be closer to her older half-sister, Alison, rings true. As she learns to share her parents—and her bedroom—during an extended summer visit with Alison, Molly’s voice remains charming despite her flaws. Filled with a cast of well-drawn characters and settings, Gritz’s novel is an insightful read.” —Laura Shovan, author of Takedown and, with Saadia Faruqi, A Place at the Table
Ten-year-old Molly has always loved having a sister, but sisters are supposed to live together, right? Molly certainly thinks so. Unfortunately, her older half-sister Alison lives on a whole other continent. Their video chats are great, and Molly is thrilled when Alison’s hand-written letters arrive in the mail like surprise gifts. Still, it’s not enough, not compared to what other siblings have. That’s why when Molly finds out that Alison is finally coming to visit over the summer, she devises a plan she’s sure will get her sister to stay. But then Alison arrives with plans of her own, a fragile heart gets broken, and Molly stumbles upon a painful piece of her sister’s past. Molly has always loved having a sister, but this is the August when she’ll learn what it really means to be one.
Tangerines and Tea, My Grandparents and Me
Abrams Books for Young Readers | 2005 | PreSchool–Grade
Nick Jr. Family Magazine officially named Tangerines & Tea, My Grandparents & Me the Best Alphabet Book of 2005. Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine named it one of only six Best Books for 2005, and included it in their list of Teacher’s Picks.
With heartwarming illustrations and fun rhymes, this alphabet book is perfect for grandchildren and grandparents alike! Visiting grandparents is always an adventure, whether rooting through drawers, playing pretend, or relaxing and reading together in a comfortable chair. Join two boisterous siblings as they leave home to be guests on their grandparents' farm during different seasons of the year. Providing fun rhymes like “the songs we sing while we sit on the swing,” and “an oak tree to climb one limb at a time,” both adults and children will have fun singing and reading along together, as they learn the alphabet! Yumi Heo’s whimsical illustrations provide the perfect complement to the rhythm of Ona Gritz’s jubilant ABC text. Grandchildren of all ages will recognize themselves in this book's appreciative look at the warmth and happiness that grandparents provide.
“Enjoy wrapping your mouth around “a boy in a bath with a bubbly laugh.” Cheerful paintings and rhyming ABC couplets boost reading readiness as they tell of a visit to grandparents’ farm. (Ages 4+).” —Nick Jr. Family Magazine
“Nostalgic and serene, this alphabet book follows two siblings on their adventure-filled visits to their grandparents’ farm. There are “apples to share in the crisp autumn air,” “an oak tree to climb one limb at a time, ” and of course, “tangerines and tea at the table with me.” —Scholastic Parent & Child Magazine
“A book for sharing and teaching.” —Booklist
“Buy this for its charming testament to time together and its enchanting artwork.” —School Library Journal
“Arch, brash, cunning.” —Kirkus
“Effectively captures a sense of childlike wonder and joy in everyday experiences…an impressive feat of composition as well as a pleasing read aloud…” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
Starfish Summer
NY Harper Collins | 1998 | Grades 3–5
Mama’s girl! That’s what the kids at school call Amy. But spending the summer at the beach with her aunt Jenny will give Amy the chance to prove them wrong. She’ll make new friends . . . and maybe even learn how to ride a bike. Amy has high hopes for the summer, but they fall flat when she realizes that the other girl her age, Crystal, just doesn’t want to be friends. It’s only when a kindly neighbor teaches Amy about the magic of starfish that Amy finds a way to reach out to Crystal and display her own brand of courage. Ona Gritz’s first novel is a funny, warm exploration of two girls who overcome their fear of getting hurt and find true friendship.
