Eric Nicol

Maddy has a disease as rare as it is famous: she is literally allergic to the world. For seventeen years, she hasn't stepped outside her house. Her entire universe consists of her mother, her nurse, and the pristine, filtered air of her bedroom. But everything changes the day a moving truck pulls up next door. Through her window, Maddy spots Olly. He is tall, dresses entirely in black, and has eyes the color of the Atlantic Ocean. Soon, they are communicating through the glass, sharing secrets, and opening up a world Maddy never thought she could experience. Olly is funny, fierce, and completely unpredictable and he becomes the greatest risk Maddy has ever taken. As their connection deepens, Maddy realizes that surviving isn't the same as truly living. She starts to want more. She wants out of her bubble. She wants to experience everything the world has to offer, even if it means risking it all. This beautifully written, heartbreakingly romantic story explores the terrifying, exhilarating leap of first love and the incredible courage it takes to step into the unknown.

Discover a vibrant spectrum of identities in this groundbreaking anthology featuring stories for every letter of the LGBTQA+ acronym. Bringing together top authors in realistic, fantasy, and science fiction genres, this collection delivers joyful and proud representation for young readers. Dive into a variety of incredible journeys: a boyband fandom that serves as a conduit for coming out, a fierce young witch who turns herself into a puppy to impress a new neighbor, and a nonbinary pirate whose magical wish goes wonderfully awry. You will also follow a nonbinary athlete searching for an inclusive sports community and a transgender girl empowering her online best friend to embrace her true self. From wind-breathing dragons to awkward first kisses, these sixteen poignant tales celebrate the beauty of being exactly who you are. It is an inspiring, heartwarming read full of adventure and authenticity.

There is no single way to experience adoption. You might be learning about your heritage and taking your first steps toward finding your community, or you might be wrestling with the ghosts of loved ones you have lost. In this powerful and groundbreaking anthology, fifteen acclaimed and emerging adoptee authors take back the narrative to share what it is genuinely like to grow up as an adoptee. Across a wide range of genres, these evocative stories reflect the incredible breadth, depth, and complexity of adoptee life. You will meet two teens who take the stage to finally find their own voices, alongside characters navigating the intricate intersections of family, identity, and belonging. Because no two individuals share the exact same story, this collection ensures a multitude of perspectives are represented. Written exclusively by adoptees, for adoptees, these tales reclaim the mic. Prepare to explore a beautifully varied spectrum of poignant and heartfelt experiences that celebrate the unique journeys of discovering who you are and where you come from.