Everything in Its Place

Written by Pauline David-Sax · Illustrated by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

A shy girl finds unexpected community when her library sanctuary closes.

4.3 Goodreads · 663 ratings

40 pages· 692 words· Est. 6 min read-aloud· AD640L

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Nicky, a shy girl, finds solace in her school library until it closes for a week, forcing her to confront her social anxiety. At her mother's diner, she encounters a diverse women's motorcycle club, discovering that being different doesn't mean being alone. As she navigates this new world, Nicky learns that there's a place for everyone, and that words can bridge connections and foster empathy. Will she find her voice and embrace the community around her?

From the publisher

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 YearAn Atlanta Parent Best Book of the YearA RISE: A Feminist Book Project Reading List selectionAn Association for Library Service to Children Notable BookMaine Chickadee Award nominee, 2023-24