Just Shy of Ordinary

Thirteen-year-old Shai is an expert problem-solver. But there’s one thing Shai hasn’t been able to logic their way through: picking at the hair on their arms. Ever since their mom lost her job, the two had to move in with family friends, and the world went into pandemic lockdown, Shai’s been unable to control their picking. After reading that a routine can reduce anxiety, Shai makes a plan to create a brand new normal that includes public school. But when their academic evaluation places them into 9th grade instead of 8th, it sets off events that veer off the path Shai had prepared for, encouraging them to learn how to accept life’s twist, especially when you can’t plan for them.