Bibliography
![]()
Middle GradeJust Shy of Ordinary![]()
Middle GradeCAMP QUILTBAG![]()
Middle GradeEllen Outside The Lines![]()
Middle GradeAna on the Edge
Reviews
Middle Grade
Just Shy of Ordinary
"Via sensitive depictions of Shai’s skin picking, as well as sincere prose that yields richly developed characters, relationships, and interactions, Sass captures the tension and dread of grappling with a hidden illness during a tumultuous transition."
"Shai’s struggles with identity, anxiety, first love, and faith will resonate with middle grade and young adult readers."
"Sass writes about intersectionality with plainspoken authenticity and normalizes asking for (and accepting) help from loved ones... An empathetic portrayal of multifaceted identities and the challenges of facing change."
"Shai learns more than expected about the importance of acceptance and community. While Sass tackles several heavy subjects in this affecting novel, readers remain hopeful as Shai comes out of each trial a stronger person."Horn Book Review
"A.J. Sass continues their winning streak of middle school fiction... JUST SHY OF ORDINARY reassures middle school readers (and their parents, who may also want to pick this book up) that they cannot and do not have to do all of this by themselves... This is a nuanced, empathetic novel packed with the ups and downs of school and home life."
CAMP QUILTBAG
“A timely and necessary addition to any elementary or middle school library, especially as LGBTQIA+ children are seeking examples of loving communities who fully embrace every part of them.”
“Via a perceptive dual narrative, Melleby and Sass weave the perspectives of two queer kids drawn together by a need for community.”
“An instructive, affirming pick for rainbow readers and allies … Melleby and Sass write with incredible compassion, crafting a sweet summertime romance while modeling difficult conversations and valuable lessons in inclusivity.”
“[Camp QUILTBAG] captures that camp feeling of getting away from home, meeting different people, and growing as a person . . . At its heart, an enjoyable summer camp story.”
“This engaging, gently affirming novel should be valuable to young readers exploring their own identities or curious about those of others.”
“An absolute heartwarming delight. It’s a perfect summer read.”
“[A]ll of Sass’ books are must-reads.”
Ellen Outside The Lines
"[T]houghtfully deals with gender identity and fluidity at various levels. A heartwarming and inviting book about finding self that hits at the ever-changing (and challenging) world of middle school. Recommended for all middle grade shelves."
"Sass' sophomore novel shines in its nuanced characterizations, subversion of stereotypes, and world that celebrates autism for the joy it brings Ellen when they are happily flapping. A tender, sweet coming-of-age story."
"The story’s beautiful locales and scavenger hunt puzzles frame a heartwarming story about a transitional period in life, conveyed alongside an affirming, incidental portrayal of Ellen’s experiences."
"Ellen is a satisfyingly well-rounded character with complex relationships who makes mistakes and learns from them while figuring things out about herself, including trying out an adjustment to her—or maybe sometimes their—own pronouns."
“In a refreshing change of pace from the way neurodivergent people are often treated in pop culture, Ellen is loved and supported at the same time that she is challenged by the people in her life. Ellen Outside the Lines doesn’t shy away from the obstacles experienced by people on the spectrum, while still celebrating the unique perspective that neurodivergence provides.
“This book is a real page-turner with incredibly engaging characters, lovingly drawn in all their diversity and quirkiness. Ellen’s new nonbinary classmate, Isa, who challenges Ellen’s tendency to think in black and white, is a highlight. An affirming and healing read for queer autistic readers of all ages!”
“This middle grade is such an engaging, lovely read.”
Ana on the Edge
"Sass masterfully balances Ana's passion for competitive figure skating with her journey to coming out. ...sensitive and realistic."
"Sass has created dynamic, original characters who are believable and fun to follow… You can’t help rooting for Ana."
"Vulnerable and affirming."
"Sass renders scenes on and off the ice with vivid descriptions, and writes nuanced, layered portrayals of characters."
"The tone of the story remains hopeful as [Ana] works toward a new understanding of herself. The personal connection of the author, himself a figure skater who identifies as nonbinary, to the story is evident within its pages in both the nuances of figure skating and Ana's interrogation of gender."
“Sass’ moving middle grade novel—described by so many as an instant classic—follows Ana into the incredibly gendered space of athletics and beyond those limitations. Through Ana’s eyes, you’ll fall in love with ice skating. More importantly, you’ll question what it means to win as Ana skates towards friendship, fulfillment, and the magic of becoming the best, most genuine version of yourself.”
Awards & Accolades
Middle Grade
Just Shy of Ordinary
CAMP QUILTBAG
USA
CALIBA 2023 Golden Poppy Award Finalist in Mirrors and Windows: Excellence in Children's Literature