Review by Booklist Review
In this simple but powerful story about inclusion, a teacher explains why he always keeps an extra chair in his classroom. When he was young, he and a friend dressed up, wrapped gifts, and went to another friend's birthday party. At the door, the mother of the birthday child said the future teacher, who is white, could come in, but there were no more chairs for his Black friend. The boys' offers to sit on the floor or collect more chairs were rejected, leading them to drop off their birthday gifts and have their own ice-cream party at home. In memory of that experience of racism, the teacher always keeps an extra seat so "no more chairs" can never be an excuse to exclude others. Beautiful illustrations rendered in pencil, ink, and watercolors inject a kaleidoscope of colors into the story, matching its positive tone and choice to focus on solutions and inclusion over the discrimination itself. Though based on the author's personal experience, this poignant story has the power of a fable.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Per an author's note, Gill draws from his own childhood in this affecting dual-timeline story about acceptance. The central account's setting is mid-century New York City, where pale-skinned Daniel and his best friend Archie, who reads as Black, head to a classmate's birthday party. After the pair arrive at the fancy building, the pale-skinned hostess observes the duo and declares there is only space for Daniel, citing a lack of chairs in the amply furnished apartment. First-person narration makes the subtext clear: when Daniel offers to bring a chair from home, the parent insists, "Daniel, there are NO MORE CHAIRS! You may come in, but your friend will have to leave." The book's framing narrative describes how grown-up Daniel--now a teacher, Mr. Gill--leaves an empty chair at the front of his classroom as a welcoming symbol: "No one will say there are no more chairs. All are welcome here." Gal's digitally assembled pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations layer scribbly lines to envisage a radiant, rainbow-hued kaleidoscopic style that supports the book's thematic thrust. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones, some fanciful. An author's note concludes. Ages 4--8. (July)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--In this heartfelt retelling of a true story, the first day of school brings a meaningful lesson to Mr. Gill's classroom. As students settle in, they notice an empty chair at the front. When they ask why it's there, Mr. Gill shares a memory from his childhood--one that shaped his lifelong commitment to inclusion. As a boy, Mr. Gill's best friend was denied entry to a birthday party because he was Black. The birthday boy's mother claimed there were "no more chairs," but the real reason was prejudice. Now, as a teacher, Mr. Gill tells this story every year, ensuring his students understand that in his classroom, everyone belongs, and there will always be a chair for them. The book's back pages include photographs of the author and his childhood friend in high school and Gill today. Gal's bright, expressive illustrations beautifully capture the era with thoughtful details like wooden scooters and 1950s cars. VERDICT A timeless and essential read that delivers a powerful message about standing up for what's right and ensuring fairness for all, regardless of race.--Heidi Dechief
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
On the first day of school, Mr. Gill's students ask about the empty chair in his classroom. In response, Mr. Gill, a white man, tells a story from his childhood in New York City. Mr. Gill (referred to here as Daniel) and his friend Archie, who is Black, are excited to attend their friend Steve's birthday party. Dressed in suits and ties, they arrive at Steve's fancy apartment building, ride the elevator up to the seventh floor, and ring the doorbell. Steve's mother invites Daniel in but tells Archie that he must leave; there are no more chairs. When it becomes clear that Archie isn't welcome because of his race, Daniel refuses to enter: "We're going back to my house, where there are always enough chairs." The chair in Mr. Gill's classroom serves as a reminder that there's room for everyone here. The author--who shares a name with the protagonist--based his tale on an event from his own childhood. Acknowledging that there are times when it isn't safe for those from marginalized backgrounds to speak up, this potent story reminds those with privilege that they can--indeed, must--take a stand. For powerful discussions, pair this heartfelt friendship story with narratives of brave Black characters. Gal's scribbly mixed-media illustrations are a visual feast, using richly saturated colors to emphasize emotion. An affecting and moving conversation starter on what it means to be an ally--and a friend. (author's note)(Picture book. 3-7) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
