Earthlog, My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year

Jayden returns to sixth grade feeling like everything has changed—his body, his friendships, and his place in the world. Just as he’s trying to figure it all out, Earth makes first contact with extraterrestrial life, and Jayden finds himself forming an unlikely bond with Zin, a curious alien navigating human middle school for the first time.

As the two build a friendship across galaxies, they face the everyday challenges of growing up—awkward lunches, bullies, dodgeball disasters, and spring dances—while learning that being different isn’t something to hide, but something to celebrate.

Earthlog: My Not-So-Normal Sixth Grade Year blends humor, heart, and meaningful themes to explore identity, belonging, and what it means to find your crew. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy middle-grade adventures, laugh-out-loud moments, and unforgettable characters—and an excellent choice for book clubs and classrooms looking to spark conversations about empathy, inclusion, and growing up in a world learning to welcome the unfamiliar.

Lexile® Framework for Reading: 880

Dan H. Lawrence is a storyteller, librarian, and educator who believes that imaginative stories can spark curiosity, inspire reflection, and create meaningful connections. With nearly 30 years of experience in libraries, Dan has dedicated his career to fostering discovery and creativity, a passion he brings to his writing.When he's not writing, Dan enjoys reading, woodcarving, tinkering with random musical instruments, and traveling with his family-experiences that shape the worlds and characters in his stories. His debut middle-grade novel, Earthlog: My Not So Normal Sixth Grade Year, blends humor, sci-fi, and heartfelt reflection in a series about growing up, navigating friendships, and discovering your place in the world. Dan is also the author of the forthcoming young adult novel, Logistical Edge, which explores a future shaped by supply chain logistics, advanced AI, and the human cost of innovation. Learn more about Dan and his stories at www.danhlawrence.com.