Rayana Johnson’s Giant Leap

In this hopeful middle grade debut from Tew (An Ocean Apart), a Black 13-year-old who lives with anxiety struggles to manage her diagnosis as she grapples with adolescent trials surrounding crushes, periods, and establishing agency. Rayana Johnson makes lists to help mitigate heightened feelings of panic brought about by her anxiety. While preparing to leave for a 10-day sleepaway camp at the National Center for Space and Rocketry in Woodsboro, Ala., list-making distracts her from her nervousness about a mysterious tension between her parents and leaving behind her best friend Kaya, who is grieving her own recently deceased father. At camp, Ray determines to pass the program’s challenging final mission, the reward being a coveted NASA bomber jacket, but mishaps leading up to the test—including getting her first period and contending with arrogant peer Travis—jeopardize her success. And even as Ray befriends her bunkmates and learns how to be a team player, she finds that her lists aren’t always enough to ferry her through the unexpected. Ray’s notes punctuate significant plot beats, offering humor—about Travis, “Hold your breath as soon as he pops an Altoid. Pretend you’re on a spacewalk and oxygen levels are critical”—that lightens the protagonist’s earnest and urgently rendered attempts to navigate intense emotions and follow her passion. Ages 8–12. Agent: Jennifer Azantian, Azantian Literary. (Apr.)