Library Girl

Library Girl by Polly Horvath is a heartfelt and whimsical middle grade novel about Essie, an eleven-year-old girl who has spent her entire life living in a public library. Raised in secret by the four librarians who found her abandoned as a baby, Essie has always been content surrounded by books and the care of her four "moms." However, as she grows older, Essie begins to yearn for more freedom and the possibility of a friend her own age.

Her opportunity comes when her librarians allow her to go to the mall by herself, where she meets a mysterious boy named G.E. He looks strikingly similar to her, leading Essie to wonder if they could be twins, both raised in unconventional homes—perhaps by four dads in the appliance section of a department store. Essie imagines that their stories are intertwined, and together they could create the perfect family. But as she gets to know G.E. better, she discovers that the world, including her own past, is far more complicated than the idealized stories she has read.

With warmth, humor, and a touch of mystery, Horvath crafts a story about growing up, seeking identity, and finding one's place in the world, making Library Girl a delightful read for those navigating the challenges of adolescence.