Hidden Talents

Blubber by Judy Blume (1974)

Judy Blume’s 1974 middle-grade novel Blubber focuses on the complex social dynamics of a fifth-grade class as they begin to bully one of the girls among them mercilessly. The story is told through a first-person narrator, Jill Brenner, as she joins in on the bullying and gets wrapped up in the drama that results from it, learning valuable lessons about people getting what they deserve and about the harm she’s helped to facilitate.

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Freak the Mighty by Rodman Philbrick (1993)

Freak the Mighty tells the story of two boys—a slow-learning giant and a genius in a disabled body—who become friends, share adventures, and defend themselves against bullies and social rejection. The novel explores themes of bullying, friendship, and loss.

• Freak the Mighty on SuperSummary

Firegirl by Tony Abbott (2006)

In Firegirl, Abbott explores the growing empathy of a seventh-grade boy when he forms a friendship with a girl whose face has been disfigured by burn scars. Written for middle-grade readers, Firegirl tries to realistically convey what effect an encounter with a profound difference would have on an average adolescent. Addressing issues like bullying, social standing, and the nature of friendship, the novel paints a portrait of a middle school boy forever changed by a short-lived but meaningful connection.

• Firegirl on SuperSummary

Out of My Mind by Sharon M. Draper (2010)

Sharon M. Draper’s Out of My Mind, based on her own experiences parenting a disabled child, is a New York Times bestselling novel told from the first-person perspective of 10-year-old Melody Brooks. Melody is a fifth-grade girl who, due to cerebral palsy, is unable to communicate verbally and uses a wheelchair. The struggles and prejudice that Melody encounters provide a more intimate and personal view of the lives of people with physical disabilities.

• Out of My Mind on SuperSummary

Wonder by R.J. Palacio (2012)

Wonder is a middle-grade novel written by R.J. Palacio. Though multiple narrators tell the tale, the plot centers around August “Auggie” Pullman, a 10-year-old kid with a genetic condition called mandibulofacial dysostosis that has left his face deformed. Auggie’s life of relative isolation is upended when he transitions from homeschooling to attending Beecher Prep Middle School. He faces bullying and discrimination because of his appearance and the routine trials of growing up.

• Wonder on SuperSummary

Auggie & Me by R.J. Palacio (2015)

Auggie & Me is a collection of three short stories written as a companion to Palacio’s famous novel, Wonder. Auggie & Me illustrates the complexities of navigating friendship, specifically as children change over time. All three stories show how the yearning to do right and form meaningful connections is often challenged by the pressures of growing up and wanting to fit in with their peers.

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Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus by Dusti Bowling (2017)

Born without arms, 13-year-old Aven Green approaches her unique life with good humor, grace, and unflagging positivity—until her parents take a job managing a worn-out Western theme park in Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus. Suddenly the new kid at school, Aven discovers that others have trouble seeing past her disability to the creative, funny person inside. Aven’s life changes when she meets Connor, who struggles with Tourette Syndrome. Author Dusti Bowling’s debut middle-grade novel is a sensitive exploration of self-acceptance, belonging, and the power of friendship.

• Insignificant Events in the Life of a Cactus on SuperSummary