Two early reader chapter books show preteen girls going after what they want

BY NIKKI LUSCOMBE

Skateboard Sibby

Clare O’Connor

Second Story Press, Ages 9–12

Sapphire the Great and the Meaning of Life

Beverley Brenna and Tara Anderson, ill.

Pajama Press, Ages 7–10

IN TWO new middle-grade novels about modern tweendom – with LGBTQ themes – feisty young protagonists face grown-up problems with strength and conviction.

Skateboard Sibby introduces readers to a selfassured 11-year-old girl who has been shuttled off to her nan and pop’s house in Halifax. Her father just lost his job in Charlottetown and her parents need to regroup. The girl, named Sibby, is quick to adapt to her new school and new friends. And has no problem asserting herself when it comes to an alpha-male schoolyard bully.