Just Shy of Ordinary
by A. J. Sass
Middle School    Little, Brown    384 pp.
1/24    9780316506175    $16.99
e-book ed.  9780316506373    $9.99

Thirteen-year-old Shai Stern is looking for their “new normal.” In addition to an edgy new haircut and a change of pronouns, the former homeschooler is planning to attend public school for the first time. Their plan takes a surprise detour when the principal suggests Shai skip a grade and start school as a ninth grader. Shai’s transition is even more of a challenge without best friend and homeschool buddy Moose by their side. Thankfully, Shai quickly makes friends with Edie and Nia and even nurtures their first crush on Edie. Balancing the excitement about new connections is an overwhelming amount of homework and a new set of academic expectations, causing Shai’s anxiety and nervous skin-picking to return. A school project requires Shai to explore their family’s Jewish heritage and how Judaism views people on the LGBTQIA+ spectrum. From interviews with family, attending holiday services with grandparents, and witnessing antisemitic vandalism of the family’s synagogue, Shai learns more than expected about the importance of acceptance and community. While Sass tackles several heavy subjects in this affecting novel, readers remain hopeful as Shai comes out of each trial a stronger person.

Pubissue-From the March/April 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.