If last year's theme from Newbery contenders was bad moms, this years theme might be overachieving girls.

Verity (Very) is the epitome of type A, overachieving, perfectionist. She's class president, involved in many activities, and good at everything. Everything that is, except math. In fact, she's not just passable in math. She's very bad at it.

Once Very is placed in math pod with another girl who is also struggling in math, she learns that she has dyscalculia, a learning disability that causes her to mix up numbers. 

While the main theme of this book is about pressures young people put upon themselves these days to excel at everything, there are also themes of friendships woven in. And accepting everyone's differences, including those who are introverted and unique in their own way.

I found Very to be relatable and imagine that many young readers who put enormous pressures on themselves to the best may also relate. And keep an eye out on books about overachieving girls this year. I can think of a few that are timely for my own tween girls!

Recommended for ages 8+.