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Rowan and Gemma Book Giveaway – Ends 11/25/26 📖

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Sally J. Pla’s Moving New Middle Grade Novel

middle grade novel rowan and gemma

Explore a moving story of friendship, growing up, and self-discovery in Rowan and Gemma by Sally J. Pla! Discover why this HarperCollins hardcover release offers a deeply relevant narrative for middle grade readers and adults alike.

📚 Navigation, Friendship & School Life: An Introduction to Rowan and Gemma

Finding books that resonate deeply with the real-life experiences of growing kids, from navigating complex friendships to dealing with school dynamics, is always a priority for parents, educators, and book lovers.

When an author captures the authentic emotional landscape of youth with empathy and nuance, it becomes an important addition to any shelf.

That is why Rowan and Gemma by Sally J. Pla is such a noteworthy new arrival from HarperCollins!

Published in a beautiful hardcover format, this novel offers a thoughtful, heart-centered exploration of middle school life and personal growth.

🎒 Themes That Speak Directly to Middle Grade Readers

Middle school is a time of immense transition, self-discovery, and social challenge.

Sally J. Pla is known for crafting tender, relatable stories, and this title highlights several key themes:

  • Real School & Life Experiences: The narrative touches directly on the day-to-day moments, anxieties, and triumphs that middle grade students face in their classrooms and peer groups.
  • Emotional Depth & Empathy: Through its characters, the book models compassion, perspective-taking, and understanding during critical developmental years.
  • Relatable Character Dynamics: It tackles the evolving nature of personal relationships, making it deeply validating for young readers navigating similar waters.

💖 A Broad Appeal: Recommended for Ages 10 to 99

While primarily tailored for ages 10 and up, this story truly transcends strict age categories:

  • For Middle Schoolers: Kids ages 10 to 14 will find it incredibly relevant to their current social and academic worlds.
  • For Adults & Educators: Adults, parents, and teachers will appreciate its heartwarming tone and insightful look into the minds and hearts of young people.

🛒 Where to Find Rowan and Gemma

Whether you are looking to build a classroom library, pick out a thoughtful gift for a young reader in your life, or simply enjoy a poignant coming-of-age story, this title is worth a look.

➡️➡️ Order Rowan and Gemma today! ⬅️⬅️

hardcover rowan and gemma novel

📖 Rowan and Gemma

Harper Collins Quill Tree Books
isbn 9780063395886
Pub Date 10/20/26

Synopsis

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 learner. But Rowan knows in his heart that he’s capable of more than people think.

Gemma Caplan is new in town. Back in the city, people understood she used her assistive device (AAC) to speak. But here in tiny Friendship Prairie, she’s afraid she won’t fit in.

When Rowan and Gemma meet, they form an instant, magic bond. But just as the two are growing close, their mothers start a feud: they’re running terribly nasty campaigns against each other for school board.

Since their moms detest each other, Gemma and Rowan feel they must keep their connection a secret.

When they’re discovered and punished, Rowan and Gemma decide it’s time to take a stand — and show their families what a place called Friendship Prairie is supposed to be about.

Author

Sally J. Pla

Suggested Ages

10 years old and up

 

🏆 Book Giveaway

Prize: Rowan and Gemma (arv $19.99)
1 Winner
1 Entry Per Person Per Day
US 18+
Ends 11/25/26 11:59pm ET

Rowan and Gemma

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