Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this effervescent chapter book by Alexander (Black Star), 80 snappy poems recount a bookish tween's love for her library. Twelve-year-old Macy can't wait to pick up the next installment of her new favorite book series, The Mighty Zora, from the school library. But first, she must practice her violin. Poems relayed primarily in Macy's endearing first-person POV convey feelings of joy, anticipation, and disgruntlement, and burst with humor; in one selection, lines get progressively longer as she details staying up late reading ("Yes/ Yes, I stayed up/ Yes, I stayed up till 11:34 p.m./ Yes, I stayed up till 11:34 p.m. last night"). Following rehearsal, Macy arrives at the library ("a house/ of hope"), only to discover that it's closed due to budget cuts. Resolving to speak up at an upcoming board meeting, she attempts to write a poem she believes will save the institution. Softly rounded illustrations from Thomas (Stacey Speaks Up) emanate charm, accompanying stanzas that provide glimpses into the exuberant life of a self-assured middle schooler readers will wish was their own best friend. Macy's desire to help the library underscores the importance of similar community spaces, culminating in a winning narrative about the power of language and learning to stand up for one's beliefs. Characters are depicted with varying abilities, body types, and skin tones. An author's note concludes. Ages 6--10. Author's agent: Arielle Eckstut, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. Illustrator's agent: Chad W. Beckerman, CAT Agency. (Feb.)
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Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--5--Alexander makes his chapter book debut with this sweet tale of a young Black girl speaking up for her community. Third grader Macy has so much music in her life, from her poet father's beloved daily recitations to her younger brother's annoying rap habit, and even her own (humorously fraught) violin practice sessions. She also loves to tune out the world and read. When she finds out the school library's hours have been reduced due to budget cuts, Macy and her fellow bookish friend Blue decide to stage a protest at the upcoming board meeting. Even though Macy has so much to say, it will take a little bit of inspiration and a lot of support from friends and family to help her find that perfect poem deep inside. Tender and powerful, this unique chapter book in verse is a delight. Young readers will learn about poetic form and music terminology while they follow Macy through her life with people who love and encourage her. Thomas's monochrome illustrations make the narrative come alive, deftly capturing character mood and tone. The text swoops and swirls, inflates and italicizes to express Macy's relatable worry over nailing her minuet solo or that her father won't be able to keep a promise. The musicality of this novel would make it perfect for small-group read-alouds. VERDICT A beautiful book centering an endearing protagonist that hits all the right notes; highly recommended for elementary fiction shelves.--Ashleigh Williams
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Review by Horn Book Review
Alexander's latest novel in verse -- a love letter to school libraries and celebration of creative pursuits -- begins with third-grader Macy receiving the first book in the (fictitious) Mighty Zora series for her birthday. After staying up late to finish it, she is eager to start book two, only to discover that her school library -- "a house / of hope / an imagination park / an opportunity store / a treasure chest" -- is now open only two days a week. Her best friend encourages her to address the school board, but Macy isn't as confident when it comes to public speaking as her dad, who's a poet. Plus, she's upset because she's nervous about an upcoming violin recital and worried that her dad, who travels frequently for work, will miss it. Macy decides to write a poem in support of the library to share with school leaders, and Alexander does a good job of showcasing the inherent challenges of writing via Macy's struggles. He also shares some Black history, as when Macy listens to a recording of William Grant Still's Afro-American Symphony, which inspires her to finally write her poem. In the end, she gets over her nerves and performs well both at the school board meeting and at her recital. Black-and-white spot art (final art unseen) captures her many emotions. An author's note reveals Alexander's family connection to the story. Marva Anne HintonJanuary/February 2026 p.66 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Macy lifts her voice as she attempts to save her school library in Newbery Medalist Alexander's latest novel in verse. On her birthday, Macy receives an "unputdownable" book--the first of the Mighty Zora series. She'd love to go straight to the library to check out Book 2, but she's stuck practicing violin, listening to her little brother's freestyle rapping, and doing homework assigned by her poet father. When she finally makes it to the school library, there's a "CLOSED" sign on the door. Outraged, Macy learns of an upcoming school board meeting about budget cuts, so she rallies fellow students. But she struggles with nerves as she attempts to pen a poem to express her feelings at the meeting. Alexander's lyrical free verse paints Macy as relatable and funny and gives each character their own arc, especially her playful and joyous father (perhaps a reflection of the author). Inventive visual design aids in the storytelling, with words stretching, shrinking, and scattering across the page in bursts of motion. Dynamic black-and-white spot illustrations imbue Macy and her world with softness and humor while portraying her as a force to be reckoned with; her initial fears will resonate with readers, who will cheer her each step of the way. Macy and all primary characters are Black. Unputdownable.(Fiction. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
