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 Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century

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