Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging /// Pauline David-Sax, illustrations by Charnelle Pinkney Barlow

An inspiring and poetic story about reading, libraries, and overcoming shyness to find community.

I gather the books in my arms, and give them a hug. “Welcome back,” I whisper.
 
Nicky is a shy girl who feels most at home in the safe space of her school library, but the library closes for a week and Nicky is forced to face her social anxiety. When she meets a group of unique, diverse, inspiring women at her mother’s diner—members of a women’s motorcycle club—Nicky realizes that being different doesn’t have to mean being alone, and that there’s a place for everyone.

Book lovers of all ages will find inspiration in this beautiful love letter to reading—and how words help us find empathy and connections with the world around us.

BIO

Pauline David-Sax is a playwright, author, and educator living in Brooklyn. She worked in New York City public schools for eighteen years before turning her attention to writing. Everything in Its Place is Pauline’s debut children’s book and was inspired by her friendship with the Sirens Women’s Motorcycle Club in New York City. Pauline’s play How We Survived was awarded the 2020 Jane Chambers Prize and her play Cotton’s Tale was selected as a finalist for the 2021 Susan Glaspell Contest. Follow Pauline on Twitter at @Pauline_D_S.

Charnelle Pinkney Barlow received her BFA in llustration from the University of the Arts, Philadelphia, and her MFA in the Illustration as Visual Essay from the School of Visual Arts, New York. Charnelle’s children’s book illustrations include Everything in Its Place, The Real Santa, and Remember to Dream, Ebere. Charnelle lives in Indianapolis with her husband. When she’s not drawing, she is baking, sewing, or reading with a cup of tea by her side. Find her online at callmechartreuse.com and follow her on Instagram at @callmechartreuse.

REVIEWS

★ Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor

A Kirkus Best Book of the Year

An Atlanta Parent Best Book of the Year

A RISE: A Feminist Book Project Reading List selection

An Association for Library Service to Children Notable Book

A Book Riot Must-Read July Children’s Book Release

Maine Chickadee Award nominee, 2023-24