Gary D. Schmidt Book order (chronological)

In these humorous stories by top middle grade authors, young characters grapple with minor superpowers while discovering their ability to change themselves and their communities. Each child learns to navigate their unique abilities—one can shape-shift but only part of her body and only on Mondays, another can determine the ripeness of avocados, and one can hear the thoughts of pets in a store. These tales focus on the protagonists embracing their powers, which contribute to their individuality and help them find their place in the world. The stories highlight the idea that everyone possesses something special that makes them a little bit super. They emphasize the potential for personal growth, community improvement, and the importance of finding one's voice. Through these playful and thought-provoking narratives, readers are encouraged to reflect on their own unique abilities and how they can use them. The collection features contributions from notable authors, coedited by Leah Henderson and Gary D. Schmidt, offering a delightful exploration of self-discovery and empowerment.

Facing an unexpected partnership with former bully Jay Perkins for cross-country training, Jack grapples with their troubled past while discovering the complexities of friendship. As Jack improves his running skills, a new challenge emerges: the adoption of his younger brother, Jupiter, is threatened by a competing couple. Jack feels helpless against the adults' decisions regarding Jupiter's future. Through these trials, he learns profound lessons about love, loyalty, and the bonds that define family.

Seventh-grader Hercules Beal has to figure out how to fulfill his teacher's assignment of performing the Twelve Labors of Hercules in real life, and discovers important things about friendship, community, and himself along the way.

"Knowing that queer voices have been making themselves heard in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria decades before Stonewall, editors Gary Schmidt and Merrill Cole curated thrilling snapshots of prose fiction from more than twenty contemporary writers whose work defies stereotypes, disciplines, and expectations. These authors produce fiction for adults and young people that celebrates the multiplicity of the present, casts a queer eye on the past, and interrogates LGBTQ+ futures. These outstanding texts exemplify the glittering variety of styles, themes, settings, and subjects addressed by openly queer authors who write in German today. They explore identity, sexuality, history, fantasy, loss, and discovery. Their authors, narrators, and characters explore gender nonconformity and living queer everywhere from city centers to rural communities. They are gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans, and nonbinary. They are exiles, immigrants, and travelers through time and space. Witty, titillating, and a delight to read, Quertext opens up new worlds of experience for readers interested in queer life beyond the Anglophone world." -- Publisher's description

With insight and a light touch, best-selling, Newbery Honorwinning author Gary D. Schmidt tells two poignant, linked stories: that of a grieving girl andaboy trying to escape his violent past.

A tender story of a father-son adventure with themes of community and kindness, in short chapters with vivid full-colour illustrations, by bestseller and Newbery Honor winner Gary D. Schmidt and acclaimed artist Eugene Yelchin.

Large Print�s increased font size and wider line spacing maximizes reading legibility, and has been proven to advance comprehension, improve fluency, reduce eye fatigue, and boost engagement in young readers of all abilities, especially struggling, reluctant, and striving readers.

A tender father-and-son story about the passage of time, the arrival of spring, and the excitement of reaching a goal.

Bestselling author Gary D. Schmidt tells a coming-of-age story with the light touch of The Wednesday Wars, the heart of Okay for Now, and the unique presence of a wise and witty butler. FIVE STARRED REVIEWS!

A moving coming-of-age story of a white minister's son who discovers joy through his friendship with a black girl and finds strength after painful losses transform his life.