JUDE SAVES THE WORLD
Perfect for fans of Alex Gino, A. J. Sass, and Kyle Lukoff, this is the joyful and heartwarming story of Jude, a nonbinary kid who knows exactly who they are and decides to create a safe space in their community.
Twelve-year-old Jude struggles with some things: focusing at school, feeling like everything rests on their shoulders, not being able to come out as nonbinary to their old-fashioned grandparents. But Jude doesn't struggle with Dallas, their best friend in the whole world. Their person.
Jude and Dallas's world changes when they learn Stevie, a girl in their class, has been ousted from the popular clique at school. Worried it had something to do with Stevie's rumored crush on another girl, Jude reaches out to see if Stevie is okay. Stevie quickly becomes an important friend to Jude and Dallas, whose unwavering acceptance of her is a stark contrast to the tests and dysfunction she experienced with her former friend group.
As their friendship deepens and the three open up to each other, Stevie's unconditional and open acceptance when Jude comes out to her motivates them to create a queer safe space in their community. Jude has the courage and determination it takes to create the first Diversity Club in their community, but will they be able to find the support they need to make it happen?
Cover Artist: Ricardo Bessa | Designed by: Maeve Norton
Awards & Nominations
☆ 2024 Forest of Reading: Silver Birch nomination
☆ Shortlisted, Hackmatack Children's Choice Award (Atlantic Canada) 2024
☆ Commended, OLA Best Bets 2024
☆ Rainbow List: Top Ten LGBTQ Books for Children and Teens, 2011-2026
quick facts
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middle grade (ages 8-13)
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LGBTQ+ contemporary
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April 18, 2023
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Scholastic Canada & Scholastic US
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48,000 words
272 pages
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9781338855876
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queer, nonbinary, friendship, hope
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on-page: coming out storylines (end well)
off-page: deadnaming & misgendering -
bisexual and nonbinary main character (they/them)
gay best friend (he/him)
bisexual best friend (she/her),
various queer side characters,
ADHD (main character)
dyscalculia (secondary character)
“I wonder if others are looking for their safe spaces.”
- JUDE SAVES THE WORLD