2020-2021 Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List

Bernice Buttman is tough, crass, and hilarious, and she just might teach you a thing or two about empathy in this debut for fans of The Great Gilly Hopkins.

When you're a Buttman, the label "bully" comes with the territory, and Bernice lives up to her name. But life as a bully is lonely, and if there's one thing Bernice really wants (even more than becoming a Hollywood stuntwoman), it's a true friend.

After her mom skedaddles and leaves her in a new town with her aunt (who is also a real live nun), Bernice decides to mend her ways and become a model citizen. If her plan works, she just might be able to get herself to Hollywood Hills Stunt Camp! But it's hard to be kind when no one shows you kindness, so a few cheesy pranks may still be up her sleeve. . . .

Get ready to laugh out loud--and maybe even shed a tear--with this fantastic new middle-grade voice!

The girl in this story sees it happening, but she would never do these mean things herself. Then one day something happens that shows her that being a silent bystander isn't enough. Will she take some steps on her own to help another kid? Could it be as simple as sitting on the bus with the girl no one has befriended (and discovering that she has a great sense of humor)? Resources at the end of the book will help parents and children talk about teasing and bullying and find ways to stop it at school.One child at a time can help change a school. Since its release in May 2004, this book has sparked Say Something weeks in schools from Maine to Shanghai. It has been turned into plays, distributed to hundreds of kids at conferences, read by principals on large screens, and rewritten by students in several schools (Do Something! is a favorite title). Most importantly, Say Something has helped start countless conversations among kids and adults about teasing. We're celebrating with this new edition, updated with a new cover and an author's note. Fountas & Pinnell Level O

An exceptionally moving story of triumph against all odds set during World War 2, from the acclaimed author of "Jefferson's Sons" and for fans of "Number the Stars."
Nine-year-old Ada has never left her one-room apartment. Her mother is too humiliated by Ada's twisted foot to let her outside. So when her little brother Jamie is shipped out of London to escape the war, Ada doesn't waste a minute--she sneaks out to join him.
So begins a new adventure of Ada, and for Susan Smith, the woman who is forced to take the two kids in. As Ada teaches herself to ride a pony, learns to read, and watches for German spies, she begins to trust Susan--and Susan begins to love Ada and Jamie. But in the end, will their bond be enough to hold them together through wartime? Or will Ada and her brother fall back into the cruel hands of their mother?
This masterful work of historical fiction is equal parts adventure and a moving tale of family and identity--a classic in the making.

The digital world offers a wonderful way to communicate and socialize with others. Yet, it is also rife with the dangers of being victimized emotionally, physically, and financially.
Trusting individuals with autism spectrum disorders, who are oftentimes socially isolated, are especially vulnerable to online predators. Finally, we have a resource to help prepare them for the minefields they may encounter on the Internet.
In this much-needed book, Dr Baker presents three main areas of concern for our kids:
Cyber bullying Online sexual predators Internet scams Through Dr Baker's invaluable advice, kids will learn what to look out for, whom to avoid, and how to protect themselves when they're communicating online.

In this Level 3 chapter book for newly independent readers, Walter's favorite cousin, Howie, comes for a visit. Iris expected the three of them to have lots of fun fishing and learning magic tricks. Instead, Iris feels left out and worries she will lose her best friend. Like other Iris and Walter books in the Green Light Reader series, this story addresses common childhood situations with sensitivity and honesty. Storyline also creates opportunities to talk about bullying behaviors, and, ultimately, shows characters developing clever ways to resolve their troubles.

"Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era." -Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman's voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted's dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey's charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he's dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted. "Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream." -Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot

Mia and her best friends are up against a major super bully in this third adventure of the Mia Mayhem chapter book series!

When a super annoying villain (who’s actually another superhero) arrives at THE PITS and accuses Mia of not belonging, Mia doesn’t know what to do. Will she be able to hold her ground when she goes up against the Super Bully?

With easy-to-read language and illustrations on almost every page, the Mia Mayhem chapter books are perfect for emerging readers.

Going to school is a misery for Sean. Whatever he does to avoid the school bully, Mark Thomas and his mates always catch up with him. Then the students join Warrior Kids, a programme that teaches leadership and self-control. So begins a journey for Mark and Sean that has a predictable outcome for one boy and a surprise for the other. Tim Tipene sensitively depicts the reality of bullying-and strategies to address it-for children on both sides of the problem.

"90 Miles to Havana" is a 2011 Pura Belpre Honor Book for Narrative and a 2011 Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year.
When Julian's parents make the heartbreaking decision to send him and his two brothers away from Cuba to Miami via the Pedro Pan operation, the boys are thrust into a new world where bullies run rampant and it's not always clear how best to protect themselves.

A little brother imagines how great life will be once he's bigger than his older brother in this saucy classic on sibling rivalry keenly captured by master storyteller Judith Viorst.

Mother says deep down in his heart Anthony loves me. Anthony says deep down in his heart he thinks I stink

Anthony's younger brother puts up with a lot. Anthony won't read to him. Anthony is always threating to clobber him. Anthony thinks he stinks. There's nothing he can do now...but just wait until he's six! Then he'll fix Anthony! Judith Viorst's funny, classic sibling rivalry story is as timeless as ever.

Debut author Jilly Gagnon bursts onto the scene with a story equal parts bite and romance, perfect for fans of Jenny Han and Jennifer E. Smith, about falling for someone in front of everyone. In this modern day love story: Girl likes boy. Girl snaps photo and posts it online. Boy becomes insta-famous. And what starts out as an innocent photo turns into a whirlwind adventure that forces them both to question whether fame-and love-are worth the price...and changes both of their lives forever. Told from alternating points of view, #famous captures the sometimes-crazy thrill ride of social media and the equally messy but wonderful moments of liking someone in real life.

Ollie is back with more adventures using his superpowers, and a chance to earn his second Captain's stripe! With the help of his superpowers, Ollie is gaining the confidence to stand up to bullies and be himself. When some mean kids start to get him down, Ollie draws upon the superpower of emotional resilience, which serves as a suit of shiny armour against hurtful words. With this superpower, Ollie tries to help his new friend Mollie who lives in foster care learn to love and take care of herself. Can Ollie help Mollie to build her own emotional superpowers? And will he earn his second Captain's stripe in the process?