Just Shy of Ordinary

*Signed Bookplate*

In this heartfelt novel about family, friendship, and identity perfect for fans ofThe List of Things That Will Not ChangeandIvy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World, a thirteen-year-old nonbinary kid discovers that life doesn’t always go according to planespecially when they start public school for the first time.

Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. Theres never been something they couldnt research and figure out on their own. But theres one thing Shai hasnt been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms.

Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shais been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their new normal, Shais hoping the stress that caused their picking will end, too.

After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal for themself that includes going to public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off a chain of events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging Shai to learn how to accept life’s twists and turns, especially when you can’t plan for them.