Just Right Jillian

At Jemison Elementary, Black fifth grader Jillian is creative but shy, and has a hard time speaking up, especially since classmate Rashida, also Black, sets the standard for the rest of the class, down to how individuals dress and wear their hair. When Jillian finishes her problem first during a math game but opts to not answer in a timely fashion, she feels dejected, and tries to find the courage to conquer her social anxiety. “Being shy is one thing. Hiding is something else,” her late grandmother used to tell her, and—determined to live her life by her beloved Grammy’s advice—Jillian dons bright clothes and does her best to stand out. Her buoyed confidence secures Jillian a spot in the school Mind Benders competition, and just like the chicks incubating in her class, Jillian learns to break out of her own shell in a healthy, positive way. Debut author Collier offers an expressively told, inspirational novel that considers grief, chronic illness of a family member, and anxiety while showcasing the power of practicing love, empathy, and self-determination. Ages 8–12. Agent: Danielle Chiotti, Upstart Crow. (Feb.)