Just Shy of Ordinary, A. J. Sass
Just Shy of Ordinary, A. J. Sass
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

Just Shy of Ordinary

Author: A. J. Sass

Narrator: P.J. Morgan

Unabridged: 7 hr 27 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 01/30/2024


Synopsis

In this heartfelt novel about family, friendship, and identity perfect for fans of The List of Things That Will Not Change and Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World, a thirteen-year-old nonbinary kid discovers that life doesn't always go according to plan—especially when they start public school for the first time. ​
 
Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. There’s never been something they couldn’t research and figure out on their own. But there’s one thing Shai hasn’t 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, Shai’s been unable to control their picking. Now, as the difficult times recede and everyone begins to discover their “new normal,” Shai’s 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.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Scottsdale Public Library on February 19, 2025

This middle-grade novel is full of depth! Shai, a nonbinary homeschool student, is navigating the challenges of starting public school (and skipping a year ahead), making new friends, exploring their Jewish heritage, and managing anxiety. It might sound like a lot to tackle, but A.J. Sass handles it......more

Goodreads review by Rachel on February 15, 2024

Three Kleenex Box Sob Fest This book made me cry at least four separate times and always in the right way. As a non-binary (even if i didn’t have words to explain it yet) reformed Jew, I never saw books about people like me as a kid. It’s so wonderful to find great stories with this kind of represen......more

Goodreads review by Anna on March 14, 2024

Another win for A.J. Sass! Shai is a genderqueer pansexual middle schooler about to go to public school for the first time. They aren't prepared for just how stressful public school would be and end up getting a bit buried in the workload of actual school work and building friendships along with gett......more

Goodreads review by melhara on December 19, 2024

"I was going to fix this though. By creating a new normal, everything would reset. My plan consisted of the following to-do items, organized by season: 1. Spring - Come out as non-binary/gender-fluid 2. Summer - get a haircut that expresses who I am 3. Fall - attend public school instead of being......more

Goodreads review by Heather on January 05, 2024

This book is just what older middle grade readers need! Shai loves to research and learn about new things. They also keep a journal of poetry, recording their thoughts and feelings. When Shai starts public school for the first time in order to have more structure and, hopefully, cure their trichotil......more


Quotes

Praise for Ellen Outside the Lines:
A Sydney Taylor Honor Book
School Library Journal Best Book of the Year
Booklist’s 2022 Editors’ Choice Book 

* "A heartwarming and inviting book about finding self that hits at the ever-changing (and challenging) world of middle school. Recommended for all middle grade shelves."—SLJ, starred review

* "Sass' sophomore novel shines in its nuanced characterizations, subversion of stereotypes, and world that celebrates autism for the joy it brings Ellen when they are happily flapping. A tender, sweet coming-of-age story."—Booklist, starred review

"The story’s beautiful locales and scavenger hunt puzzles frame a heartwarming story about a transitional period in life, conveyed alongside an affirming, incidental portrayal of Ellen’s experiences."—Publishers Weekly

"The amazing-to-imagine school trip provides an appealing backdrop, but it is the story’s interpersonal aspects that are especially welcome."—The Horn Book

Praise for Ana on the Edge:

A Booklist Editor's Choice Title
An ALA Rainbow Book List Top Ten Title for Younger Readers


"Sass has created dynamic, original characters who are believable and fun to follow… You can’t help rooting for Ana."—New York Times Book Review

"Heartfelt, nuanced and engaging, Ana on the Edge is both an insider's look at the world of competitive figure skating and a sensitive exploration of the protagonist's nonbinary identity. Highly recommended." — Barbara Dee, award-winning author of Maybe He Just Likes You and My Life in the Fish Tank

"A lovely, necessary story of self-discovery and friendship."—Ashley Herring Blake, author of Stonewall Honor book Ivy Aberdeen's Letter to the World

"Ana on the Edge is a poignant exploration of the importance of being seen for who you are. Ana will glide into your heart and open your mind to the richness of the full gender spectrum." — Ami Polonsky, award-winning author of Gracefully Grayson and Spin With Me

"Sass's gorgeous debut fills a much needed void on LGBTQ+ middle grade shelves." — Nicole Melleby, award-winning author of Hurricane Season