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Award-winning children's author Sally J. Pla includes neurodiversity, autism, humor, empathy, compassion, joy, and acceptance in her books.

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Books

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Rowan and Gemma

Pubs September 29, 2026! Preorder Now!

In this new middle grade novel by Schneider Award-winning author Sally J. Pla, two neurodivergent tweens, one of whom is nonverbal, forge a friendship against the backdrop of their feuding families.

Rowan Monahan has lived in the town of Friendship Prairie forever. He knows everyone, and they know him. Some folks judge him, too, for being a slow...

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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

A Beautiful Contemporary Coming-of-Age Story

On 27 state award lists (and counting), numerous "best book of the year" lists, and with multiple starred reviews, this book is the 2024 winner of the American Library Association Schneider Family Award for its disability representation.

Neurodivergent Maudie is ready to spend an amazing summer with her dad, but will she find the courage to tell...

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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

Latest Updates

February 24, 2025

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

THE SOMEDAY BIRDS:

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