One small act of kindness ripples out to connect four kids in this stirring novel by the author of the beloved The Benefits of Being an Octopus.

Libby comes from a long line of bullies. She wants to be different, but sometimes that doesn’t work out. To bolster herself, she makes a card with the message You are amazing. That card sets off a chain reaction that ends up making a difference in the lives of some kids who could also use a boost—be it from dealing with bullies, unaccepting families, or the hole that grief leaves. Receiving an encouraging message helps each kid summon up the thing they need most, whether it’s bravery, empathy, or understanding. Because it helps them realize they matter—and that they're not flying solo anymore.

The author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus delivers a stirring novel in which one small act of kindness ripples out to connect four kids in need of support.

Libby comes from a long line of bullies. To cope, she leaves motivational postcards around town for others who might feel as belittled as she does. When she hears about a kid on the other side of the country who's getting the bully treatment, she mails him a postcard saying: "You're amazing."

That kid is Vincent. His plan to stop the bullying backfired in a big way, so he's stopped going to school. But when he gets Libby's note, he's so moved by her gesture that he wants to help someone, too. He starts bringing food to T, who's homeless and living on a sidewalk. T doesn't identify as male or female, and ran away from home because their family wouldn't accept them. As T and Vincent get to know each other, T helps build Vincent's confidence, and inspires him to write to a kid he saw in the newspaper recently.

That kid is Jack. He's been petitioning to keep his small school open; it might lose funding if it doesn't make some changes. One of them is to add a gender-neutral bathroom--making transgender students a hot-button issue at the school board meeting. Jack gets misquoted in a newspaper that Vincent reads, and Vincent sends him a letter explaining how we all need to listen better and let people be who they are. Vincent's letter helps Jack start thinking more deeply, as does meeting Libby, who is astounded at how much change her small act of hopefulness has wrought . . . and will continue to ripple out.

* “Four narrators spread across small towns in Vermont and the city of Seattle establish meaningful connections in this highly satisfying examination of the power of small, positive actions. . . . Braden takes these disparate threads and weaves them together in a way that will not just appeal to young readers but will lead to an empowering acceptance of themselves. This includes an understanding of how treating those who identify as transgender with respect is just another way of appreciating and celebrating our differences. . . . A great read aloud for classrooms that are dealing with bullying in any form as well as an inspiration for sharing art. The balance between urban and rural as well as popular and uncool promotes the value of building a network in this striking entry.”—School Library Connection, starred review

* “The narrative develops each individual’s story, gradually providing clues about their homes, families, and schools. . . . Braden sensitively demonstrates how isolating it can be to live with people who, despite good intentions, force their children to fulfill expectations that run counter to their own senses of self. . . . All the characters find ways to encourage each other, be less alone, and connect.”—Booklist, starred review