Award-winning children’s author Sally J. Pla includes neurodiversity, humor, empathy, compassion, joy, and acceptance in her books.
She is the American Library Association Schneider Family Award winning author of THE FIRE, THE WATER, AND MAUDIE McGINN, and the Dolly Gray Award winner THE SOMEDAY BIRDS, among other acclaimed novels and picture books. Her books have been translated into different languages, have earned multiple starred reviews, and have appeared on dozens of state award lists and “best of the year” roundups.
Sally has appeared on television and radio as an author and neurodiversity advocate. She also runs the kid lit website resource, A Novel Mind. Sally believes in kindness, respect, and the beauty of different brains. We are all stars shining with different lights!
Rowan and Gemma
Coming Oct 20!
This subtle take on Romeo and Juliet is set in a quaint midwestern town against the background of an out-of-control family feud.
Rowan has always been underestimated and called slow, even though he is brilliant at knowing what’s truly important about being human.
Gemma is sensitive, poetic, and nonspeaking autistic – she uses assistive tech to communicate.
When they meet on their first day of high school, the stars align — but due to their bickering families, storm clouds also start to brew.
Welcome!
I write books for young people – but really, they are for everyone. My books often feature characters whose brains work a bit differently, but you are sure to recognize many parts of yourself in these stories.
Feel free to click around – there are lots of resources here on my books and background. And 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!