First published 2021
Stacey loves words more than anything else in the world. She finds joy in reading them and comfort when life gets difficult. Words help her make sense of everything around her. But when her teacher selects her to represent the class in the spelling bee, Stacey feels nervous instead of excited. She worries about making mistakes in front of everyone. Even worse, she fears she might freeze up and stay silent, just like what happens when bullies pick on her at school. The competition looms ahead, and Stacey must find the courage to use her voice. Through this challenge, she discovers that her words carry real strength. Whether she wins or loses the spelling bee matters less than learning to speak up for herself. Stacey realizes that perseverance might be the most valuable word she knows.
Genres: fiction, literary-fiction, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, overcoming-adversity
32 pages · Hardcover · HarperCollins