First published 2024
Drawing from Mrs. Whatsit's whispered words to Meg Murry in A Wrinkle in Time, this picture book transforms L'Engle's memorable line into a celebration of young girls and their full range of emotions. Chan builds her story around the idea that anger can be a source of strength rather than something to suppress. The book addresses girls directly, validating their right to be stubborn, curious, loud, and sensitive without apology. Through vibrant illustrations, Chan shows girls from diverse backgrounds that their ideas matter, even when others resist them. The narrative acknowledges that being brave and true to yourself requires courage, especially when the world expects girls to be quiet and compliant. Rather than asking girls to change who they are, the book affirms that qualities like playfulness, kindness, and determination help build inner strength. Chan's artwork reinforces this message of self-acceptance and empowerment.
Genres: feminism, contemporary, picture-books
Vibes: emotional-atmospheric, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: self-discovery, strong-female-lead
24 pages · Hardcover · Farrar, Straus and Giroux (BYR)