Allison Horrocks Libri

Written by two female historians, this is a fascinating history of the Pleasant Company, the creators of the American Girl franchise, with pop culture digressions, based on the popular podcast.

In this realistic fiction, we meet Andy and his friends who enjoy doing the same things together every day. That is, until his new neighbor, Samer, moves onto Maple Lane. Andy isn't comfortable around Samer because he is different, and Andy is afraid to speak with him until Samer invites the neighborhood friends to his house for a party. Presented with the opportunity to get to know Samer's willingness and courage to be friends, Andy learns that being different isn't that different at all. This picture book, geared toward young children, focuses on diversity, trust, and friendship.