An inspiring and poetic story about reading, libraries, and overcoming shyness to find community. I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. "Welcome back," I whisper. Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother's diner--members of a women's motorcycle club--Nicky realizes that being different doesn't have to mean being alone, and that there's a place for everyone.
Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading--and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.
★ Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor A Kirkus Best Book of the Year
An Atlanta Parent Best Book of the Year
A RISE: A Feminist Book Project Reading List selection
An Association for Library Service to Children Notable Book
Maine Chickadee Award nominee, 2023-24
