Age Level: 9 and up | Grade Level: 3 to 6

This heartwarming, coming of age story is the perfect book for middle school girls. Featuring a strong female character named Ratchet, who identifies as a motherless daughter, this relatable story with its illustrated format is particularly suited for 9-12 year old kids who love graphic novels.

If only getting a new life were as easy as getting a new notebook. But it's not.

It's the first day of school for all the kids in the neighborhood. But not for me. I'm homeschooled. That means nothing new. No new book bag, no new clothes, and no friends—old or new. The best I've got is this notebook. I'm supposed to use it for my writing assignments, but my dad never checks. Here's what I'm really going to use it for:

Ratchet's Top Secret Plan

Project Goal: turn my old, recycled, freakish, friendless, motherless life into something shiny and new.

"I cannot imagine a middle grade classroom or library where this book wouldn't be popular."—Colby Sharp, teacher and co-founder of Nerdy Book Club

"One of the freshest new voices I've heard in a while...this debut novel is a winner."—Augusta Scattergood, Author of GLORY BE, an Amazon Best Middle Grade Novel of 2012

"A book that is full of surprises...Triumphant enough to make readers cheer; touching enough to make them cry."—Kirkus, STARRED Review

Great for parents, librarians and educators looking for:

An illustrated format for middle grade readers, especially for reluctant readers and those who love graphic novels

A narrative featuring environmentalism and a positive view on activism for kids

A story featuring a strong female character

A heartwarming story that combines coming of age and accepting one's identity

A Florida Book Awards Gold Medalist

A Black-Eyed Susan Book Award nominee

A South Carolina Book Awards nominee

A Maine Student Book Award title

A Green Prize for Sustainable Literature winner

Rebecca Caudill Young Readers' Book Award nominee