Pablo Cartaya

"In a future shaken by climate disasters, Yolanda Cicerón knows that nature is something to be feared. While life in the Valley is brutal and harsh, Yoly dreams of leaving her farm to live in Silo—the most advanced town for miles around. But first, Yoly will need to prove she belongs in a place where only the smartest and most useful are welcomed. Between her razor-sharp smarts and sheer determination, Yoly is well on her way until she discovers...

"Baseball is Elena Rueda’s entire life. Just like her mom at her age, Elena's the best player--and the only girl--on her team. If she works hard enough this summer, she'll be on track to join the varsity team in high school. That's Elena's dream . . . isn't it? The truth is, Elena loves baseball, but she may not love playing anymore. So when an injury forces her to take a break, her abuelo suggest she try something new: live-action role-playing...

Sixth-grader Emilia Torres struggles with ADHD, her controlling abuela, her mother's work commitments, her father's distance after returning from deployment, evolving friendships, and a conflict over school redistricting.

The children in these "short stories each have a minor superpower they’re learning to live with. One can shape-shift—but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another can always tell whether an avocado is perfectly ripe. One can even hear the thoughts of the animals in the pet store! But what these stories are really about is their young protagonists 'owning' a power that contributes to their individuality, that allows them to find their...

In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpower-while also discovering their power to change themselves and their community, find their voice, and celebrate what makes them unique. The kids in these humorous short stories each have a minor superpower they're learning to live with. One can shape-shift-but only part of her body, and only on Mondays. Another...