A brave little girl learns about empathy when she attends a new school in Cooper’s picture book.

Third grader Alexis, a young Black girl, has just moved to Annapolis, Maryland. It’s an exciting change, and she is surrounded by her loving family: her mother, her brother, Sean, and her guinea pig, Reese’s. But as she goes to bed that night, she worries about starting at a brand-new school. Will her teacher be nice? Will she make friends? Sean gives his nervous sister a rock with an image of the sun painted on it for comfort. When she meets her teacher and her classmates the next day, she spills her lunch in front of everyone. This is the perfect opportunity for the school counselor, Mrs. Johnson, to talk about kindness and empathy (“Instead of feeling sorry for Alexis, let’s try to put ourselves in her shoes”). The author writes with the pure-hearted, graspable wisdom of a teacher of young children; her words helpfully teach both children and adults how to approach a situation like the one Alexis faces. The characters, both adults and children, are lovable and relatable for readers of various ages. Grannum’s bold and beautiful illustrations are rendered in colors that draw the eye and hold attention.

A sweet, striking picture book about kindness and understanding, fit for any classroom or home.