PreS-Gr 2--It's a long road from being an awkward child to one of the most famous female Black political leaders in the U.S., but Abrams has not forgotten who she was as a child. Nor has she forgotten how books were her refuge. In this companion to Stacey's Remarkable Words, Abrams and Thomas again team up to show us how words change lives. This time, Abrams uses her childhood friendship with Julie, a Vietnamese girl, to ground her story. The star of the story, Stacey, reads alone during recess and looks forward to the day she visits the library. When Julie sits down with Stacey under an apple tree, she tells Stacey that reading in English is hard for her. Stacey volunteers to read every Thursday with Julie, and the girls quickly discover that they have a shared dream. A diverse group of other students, from Gambia, Indonesia, and South Korea, soon join them, bringing with them their "own words and different histories" and bridging the social divide at school. Eventually Julie even helps Stacey overcome her fear of joining in recess games. The illustrations are joyous and vibrant, showing round-faced, big-eyed children and a beaming librarian who make their school a place where everyone belongs. At the end, Abrams has included her list of "remarkable" stories, thoughtful picture books that will help readers better understand those from different cultures. VERDICT A book that celebrates the power of stories and libraries to forge a more inclusive society.--Sally A. James

Sharing books brings children from multiple backgrounds together in this companion to Stacey's Extraordinary Words (2021). Again lightly burnishing actual childhood memories, voting rights activist and former gubernatorial candidate Abrams recalls reaching out as a young book lover to Julie, a new Vietnamese classmate shy about reading in English. Choosing books to read and discuss together on weekly excursions to the school's library, the two are soon joined by enough other children from Gambia, South Korea, and elsewhere that their beaming librarian, Mr. McCormick, who is dark-skinned, sets up an after-school club. Later, Julie adds some give and take to their friendship by helping Stacey overcome her own reluctance to join the other children on the playground. Though views of the library seen through a faint golden haze flecked with stars go a little over the top (school librarians may disagree), Thomas fills the space with animated, bright-eyed young faces clustering intimately together over books and rendered in various shades beneath a range of hairstyles and head coverings. The author underscores the diversity of the cast by slipping scattered comments in Spanish, Wolof, and other languages into the dialogue and, after extolling throughout the power of books and stories to make new friends as well as open imaginations to new experiences and identities, brings all of her themes together in an afterword capped by an excellent list of recommended picture books. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A worthy message delivered with a generous dose of inclusivity. (Picture-book memoir. 6-9) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

On the playground, children jump, shout, and laugh. But what is Stacey doing? She's off alone under a tree reading! In books, she can be good at everything and be anyone. When she sees new kid Julie, who is Vietnamese and doesn't speak English very well, she invites her to the library for "Adventure Day." Soon Haddy from Gambia, Sam from South Korea, Vikal from Indonesia, and even popular Genny, who speaks Spanish, join too, and Stacey's Reading Club is born. Stacey also tries new things: playing kickball, laughing, and "running around like a cheetah, like her favorite characters in her favorite books." In this powerful endorsement for reading, back matter includes a list of books exploring multicultural themes to help kids grow and identify their own dreams. Digital illustrations are vibrant and joyful, showing children actively engaged in making friends and learning (look for some magic stars popping up!). These two creators pair up again (Stacey's Extraordinary Words, 2022) for another positive message about the joy of words.