Written by: Pauline David-Sax.

Illustrated by: Charnelle Pinkney Barlow.

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. (From GoodReads.)

Recommended by: Auntie Anne.