Abrams, Stacey. Stacey’s Remarkable Books. Kitt Thomas, Illus. Balzer & Bray, 12/2022. 32pp. Picture Book. GRADES Preschool – 2. $19.99. 978-0-06-327185-2. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
The somewhat shy Stacey looks forward to Thursdays, aka Adventure Days, aka library day for her class. When she learns that her new classmate Julie is not very comfortable reading in English because her family speaks Vietnamese at home, they decide to find and read books together. Taking turns sounding out the words, soon they are joined by other students: Haddy from Gambia, Sam from South Korea, Vikal from Indonesia, and more until they have formed a school book club. Finally, with the help of her new friends, Stacey finds the courage to also try putting down her books and playing with her classmates. The illustrations by Thomas are vibrant and bright, depicting a diverse and multiracial group of children. Back matter includes an author’s note as well as a great list of recommended “remarkable” picture books.
Rachael Reiley—Hillcrest Elementary K-8, Oakland Unified School District