A Little Bit Super: With Small Powers Come Big Problems, Clarion/HarperCollins, April 2024
In these hilarious stories by some of the top authors of middle grade fiction today, each young character is coping with a minor superpower they’re learning to live with.
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Reviews
“. . . these are not your run-of-the-mill, cape-and-tights-clad superheroes. These are kids with relatable struggles learning to embrace that quirky bit of themselves that makes them unique, and empathetic lessons follow.”
Booklist (starred review), April 2024
The Magic in Changing Your Stars, Sterling Children’s Books, Summer 2020
Follows a boy back in time to 1930s Harlem to meet his young grandfather in order to help them both change their stars.
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In Conversation (Politics & Prose, Washington, DC)
Reviews
“Black excellence, black fantastic, and black family combine for a transformational story of passion and persistence.”
Kirkus (starred review), February 2020
“A fast-paced story about family, bravery, and the arts, this story will have readers wanting to visit Harlem and tap alongside Ailey, Grampa, and Bojangles himself.”
School Library Journal (starred review), April 2020
“Henderson weaves magical realism and historical fiction together, offering hard lessons about trying and grit, alongside overwhelming love of family, a lot of laughs, and a “smidgen of magic.”
Booklist (starred review), April 2020
“This story is family,
and time-travel,
plus Harlem,
plus tap (and rap),
with a dash of The Wiz.
Come and get it.
—Newbery Medalist Rebecca Stead, author of When You Reach Me and Things that Will Not Change
“The Magic in Changing Your Stars is an enchanting story of a boy whose dream of becoming a star will take readers on a most wonderfully magical journey–a heartfelt tribute to legendary African American performers and their place among the stars.”
–Ibi Zoboi, NYT bestselling author of My Life as an Ice Cream Sandwich
“Leah Henderson brings heartfelt magic to this culturally rich journey of hope, self-discovery and familial love.”
-Rita Williams Garcia, NYT bestselling author of the Gaither Sisters Trilogy
Portrait In A Minute (Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery) about Bill “Bojangles” Robinson a featured character in THE MAGIC IN CHANGING YOUR STARS
ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, Summer 2017
In a story laced with magical realism, recently orphaned Mor Fall and his two younger sisters must figure out their next steps in the world amidst bullying, and the threat of separation from their home and everything they know. Set in contemporary Senegal, One Shadow on the Wall focuses on family, unexpected friendships, courage, and creating your own future—even when it’s hard to do.
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Bank Street “Best Books of 2017” starred for Outstanding Merit
Africana Children’s Book Award, notable book for older readers
Reviews
“In her debut, Henderson paints a detailed picture of life in Senegal. The author’s experience, research, and sensitivity shine, making this distinctive novel a valuable addition to the literature….A book that rewards patient, sensitive readers willing to dive in.”
– Kirkus Reviews, May 2017
“Henderson creates a multifaceted portrayal of Senegalese village life. Senegalese vocabulary (presumably Wolof) peppered throughout enriches the text….A stirring tale”
– School Library Journal, June 2017
“Debut author Henderson’s depiction of Senegalese life is well researched and warm with affection….Mor’s drive to do right and his love for his family are unmistakable. Keep an eye on this author!”
– Booklist, May 2017
“To read Leah Henderson’s remarkable debut is to be utterly transported to a world that is at once mesmerizing, harrowing, and full of profound grace. Even as I rushed through this page-turner, I didn’t want it to end; I wanted to bask in its evocative language, and fell completely in love with its loyal, clever hero. Give this to book to anyone who has ever struggled to decide between doing what is right, and what easy – namely, everyone.”
– I.W. Gregorio, author of None of the Above
“A poignant yet hopeful story of surviving the world through the power of promises.”
– Kathy Erskine, National Book Award winning author of Mockingbird
Discussion Questions & Activities
The Middle Grade @ Heart team created some wonderful discussion questions to accompany ONE SHADOW ON THE WALL as well as suggestions for fun activities. Check them out here.
Glossary
If you want to check your pronunciation, or see if you have the meaning of a word correct, here’s a helpful PDF: