Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow

In the cheerful illustrations, the classroom is full of supporting characters of many backgrounds, but this is definitely Abdul's story. There is no epiphany, no abrupt connection but instead loads of hard work and compassion, as well as patience. That one adult can turn a child away from self-loathing to self-realization is a common theme, but it's transcendent here. Muhammad, shows Abdul his own messy notebook, and opens the boy's mind up to rewriting, and reworking, until the story on the page matches Abdul's ideals. Some letters challenge him he erases a lot he makes a mess on the page. An author visits his class, sending Abdul into a tailspin of worry. The residents of his neighborhood star in these stories because Abdul observes everything and misses little.

PreS-Gr 1-Abdul, a kid with skin the color of the orange of a sunset and a hairstyle cut high and tight, is full of stories, and his classmates clamor for them. VERDICT A realistic look at what it takes to improve, this book will find a wide audience among other children who have struggled with words.-Kimberly Olson Fakih

Abdul's Story by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow