Sally J. Pla is the ALA Schneider Family Award-winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, the Dolly Gray Award-winning THE SOMEDAY BIRDS, and many other acclaimed novels and picture books. Her books have been translated into lots of languages, have starred reviews, and appear on many state awards lists and “best book of the year” roundups.
Sally has appeared on television and radio as an author and neurodiversity advocate. She also runs the kidlit website resource, A Novel Mind. Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights!
Coming September 29, 2026!
Preorder HERE!
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.
Hello and Welcome!
I write books for young people – but really, they are for everyone.
My books feature characters who may have a few extra challenges in life, and who think about the world a bit differently — but you are sure to recognize many, many parts of yourself in these stories.
Feel free to click around – there are lots of resources here on my books and background. Also, I love to hear from kids and teachers, so please feel free to email me — you can ask me anything!
Thank you so much for visiting!