Contemporary Bundle

Sophie Murphy Does Not Exist by Tiffany Blanchard is a contemporary middle grade novel about one girl's quest to find her purpose in life, despite the unexpected, humorous bumps along the way. When 7th grader Sophie Murphy decides to become remarkable, she never dreamed it would be so hard. Finding what really matters ends up mattering most. Winner of the ABC Book Award Runner Up!

Best Friends Playbook by A.W. Downer is a lower middle grade contemporary friendship story that brings football and princesses head to head in a homeschool setting. Hannah Taylor has always had football friends in her homeschool co-op, but when Beth goes to private school, Hannah has to make new friends. These girls don't even like sports, let alone know anything about football. They like to play princess. Through fumbles and lots of downs, Hannah learns what it really means to be a friend.

Miss Classified by Susan Phelan is a fun middle grade contemporary school story that explores choices and consequences through the lens of photography. 7th grader Blythe struggles to find a way to not struggle in school, and the choices she makes lead her on a path she never intended to travel. With elements of neurodiversity, STEM, and photography, Blythe learns what friendship, family, and honesty are really about.

Jeff Pennant's Field Guide To Raising Happy Parents by Kelli McKinney is a humorous contemporary middle grade novel about learning to see beyond yourself and recognizing the perspectives of others. Jeff doesn't understand why he's always in trouble with his parents, so he decides to conduct a science experiment to learn what makes them happy. Along the way and amid the mishaps, Jeff discovers what true friendship and love in a family are. Oh, and science, and video games, and terror turtles too. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review, the Readers Favorite Award Finalist 2023, and the Angel Book Award!

Sixth Grade Secret Service by Jason F. Franz is a humorous contemporary adventure about learning to trust yourself. Abe comes from a long line of Secret Service Agents who always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time, but he's determined to break the curse. Using a mix of adventure, high-tech gadgetry, sleuthing, and food allergies, Abe finds the courage to trust himself.

Perfect by Kiri Jorgensen is a contemporary mystery filled with cold weather, friendship, and the beauties of nature. When Sal discovers snowflake photography, her pattern-driven mind is hooked. What she doesn't expect is that finding the perfect snowflake will help solve the perfect crime. Learning to see the world from a new perspective, and venture into unknown experiences gives Sal the courage she needs to grow. Winner of the Readers Favorite 5 Star Review!

Galloping Away by Robin Kolb is a heartwarming contemporary horse story about families, animals, and resilience. Alex learns to never give up as she works toward her dream of competing on a horse of her own. She also realizes what love and hope look like—and it's not always what she thought.

Ghost Town Treasure Hunt by Abbi Lee is a lower middle grade contemporary adventure that mixes mystery, intrigue, and treasure hunting. Book 1 in the Geocache Club Series. When Layton discovers geocaching with his new friend Sherry, he's hooked. But will his adventures and discoveries be enough to help his family and change history?

Year of the Meatball by Angela Calabrese combines a funny contemporary story about friendship with baseball, meatballs, and a trio of llamas. Joey learns to shift his outlook on his circumstances and the people around him and find a solid home run.

Virtue Focus: Shifting Your Outlook

Rowley Peters and the Lumberjack Ghost by Carol L. Paur is a rollicking Lower Middle Grade mystery filled with camping adventures, spooky ghosts, and friendship. Rowley learns what it means to advocate for herself.

Virtue Focus: Advocating For Yourself