The Gray

Ages 10 to 14

A middle-grade novel about a boy spending the summer in the country to help deal with his anxiety.

Sasha has had a tough middle-school year—he’s been bullied, and his anxiety is increasing. Sasha’s dad tells him to “toughen up,” and he does, with unfortunate, hurtful results. His parents and therapist agree that a summer in the country with his aunt is the best medicine, but the house reminds him of his beloved uncle, who died two years before.

His aunt is supportive, and there are some potential new friends, but still, Sasha’s anxiety, which he calls the Gray, is ever-present. When he is matched at a local ranch with a horse coincidentally named The Gray, he feels a kindred spirit, even though riding scares him. But what is scarier is when one of his new friends disappears. Will Sasha be brave enough to face the truth about himself and his new friends?

About the Author

Chris Baron is a professor of English at San Diego City College. He is the author of The Magical Imperfect, a Sydney Taylor Book Award Notable Book, and All of Me, a Southern California Independent Booksellers Association bestseller, a Book Riot Best Children’s Book About Kindness, and an NCTE Notable Book. Chris lives in San Diego with his family. Chris-baron.com