Sally J. Pla

Invisible Isabel

From award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her...

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Sally J. Pla

Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS, and several other acclaimed novels and picture books. Her books have been translated into many languages, have gained starred reviews, and appear on many state awards lists and “best books” roundups. Sally, who is late-diagnosed autistic, has appeared on television and radio as an author and...

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Invisible Isabel

From award-winning author Sally J. Pla comes an illustrated middle grade novel about introverted Isabel Beane, who learns to speak up to quiet her worries. This thoughtful, earnest story is perfect for fans of Elana K. Arnold and Leslie Connor.

Isabel Beane is a shy girl who lives in a home full of havoc and hubbub and hullabaloo. With five...

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The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn

Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell him a terrible secret about life with her mom and new stepdad? This contemporary novel is a must-read for fans of Leslie Connor and Ali Standish. A Schneider Family Book Award winner!

Maudie always looks forward to the summers she spends...

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Stanley Will Probably Be Fine

This funny and moving second novel from the Schneider Award–winning author of The Fire, the Water, and Maudie McGinn features comic trivia, a safety superhero, and a super-cool scavenger hunt all over downtown San Diego as our young hero, Stanley Fortinbras, grapples with his anxiety—and learns what, exactly, it means to be brave.

Nobody knows...

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Praise

“A gorgeous, big-hearted, beautiful book. I loved it.”

– — Elana K. Arnold, Printz Honor and National Book Award Finalist.

“A heartfelt story of courage and hope . . . Readers will cry, cheer, celebrate, and not soon forget Maudie McGinn.”

– — Pam Muñoz Ryan, Newbery Honor-Winning author of Esperanza Rising, Echo, MañanaLand, and many more.

“Holy Smokes . . . Could not put The Fire, The Water, and Maudie McGinn down. Readers are going to love watching Maudie grow. ”

– — Colby Sharp, educator and reading advocate

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Latest Updates

February 24, 2025

Reader's Guides

Here are some links to teaching and book group resources for some of my books:

THE SOMEDAY BIRDS:

Free, common-core-aligned reading guide: ...