MIDDLE GRADE REALISTIC FICTION : Rowan + Gemma by Sally J. Pla
ROWAN + GEMMA written by Sally J. Pla Quill Tree Books, 2026 ISBN: 978-0-06339588-6 Source : Blue Slip Media for review Ages 10-14 All opinions expressed are solely my own. Book cover & summary provided by Blue Slip Media and the publisher. ABOUT THE BOOK In this new middle grade novel by Schneider Award-winning author Sally J. Pla, two neurodivergent tweens, one of whom is nonverbal, forge a friendship against the backdrop of their feuding families. Rowan Monahan has lived in the town of Friendship Prairie forever. He knows everyone, and they know him. Some folks judge him, too, for being a slow learner. But Rowan knows in his heart that he's capable of more than people think. Gemma Caplan is new in town. Back in the city, people understood she used her assistive device (AAC) to speak. But here in tiny Friendship Prairie, she's afraid she won't fit in. When Rowan and Gemma meet, they form an instant, magic bond. But just as the two are growing close, their mothers star...