You Don't Know Everything, Jilly P! Written by Alex Gino. Scholastic. 2018. $22.99 ages 10 and up

"You see, the first few years are
critical if we're going to help a
child make the best use of her
ears. That's why it's so very
important that we get your baby
sister fitted for hearing aids today
so that we can get her back onto a
normal track as soon as possible."

The way she says the word normal 
makes me feel itchy, and the more
she speaks, the less I like her."

The topics related in Alex Gino's second novel are as relevant and significant as in the first one, George (2015). Handled deftly through Jilly's first person narrative, readers will come away from reading it with questions, new insights and the feeling that they have read something relatable to their own lives. How important is that?

Jilly has a lot on her plate. She is enamored of one of the boys she has met in a chat room about her favorite fantasy books. He is black, deaf, uses ASL to communicate, and attends a school for the deaf. She has a new baby sister, born deaf. She has just heard another news report concerning a black youth killed by police. Her own family is diverse, yet often racist in its viewpoints. And, her parents are unwilling to be forthcoming when she has questions.

Jilly is encouraged by her Aunt Alicia, who is black, not to ignore racism, to ask questions, and to say something when she has the opportunity.

“Nothing changes if we don’t talk.”

So, Jilly talks and gets herself into some uncomfortable situations. With each mistake she makes, she learns to do better and to apologize when an apology is needed. Her willingness to learn and her honest, heartfelt voice make her story personal and uplifting despite the blips along the way. She learns that people face many different challenges, and recognizes that seeing them only from her own perspective impacts the outcomes in many situations.

Alex Gino handles each of the lessons learned with thoughtful words and opportunities to begin relevant conversations. Communication is at its heart, offering readers a way to talk about family, race, privilege and making mistakes. Kids today are faced with uncomfortable and challenging events. Let's hope this book sparks many conversations.

Alex Gino writes in an author's note: “this book is consciously written for white people as a catalyst to talk about modern racism and police violence in the United States” and to teach them “about their privilege and how to support marginalized people in their lives.”

Please read all of the note. Also, please read this book with your middle grade kids.