Flight of the Puffin

LIBBY
MONDAY, APRIL 30
 
This is going to be the best sunrise ever. I slather on more orange paint, catching the drips with my paintbrush and mixing them into the hot pink. I swirl it around and around. My paintbrush is like the band teacher conducting. I don t play an instrument, but I ve seen him waving his arms when I peek in the band room.
I dip my brush back into the can and make even bigger circles, then add extra dollops above, like sparks flying up. I love how the sparks look. I know that s not how people usually make sunrises, but there s fire involved, right? I add more on the other side. I have to. There s too much joy inside me to not.
I step back. I knew this would make me feel better!
Now it s time to add the yellow. I kneel down and pry the lid off the can. A blazing inferno just waiting to be unleashed.
That s when I hear footsteps.
And Principal Hecton s voice.
Libby Delmar, what have you done to that wall?
 
I sit in the seat in front of Principal Hecton s desk. He col­lapses into his chair and lets out a sigh.
His desk would look better with polka dots. He could get the magnetic kind, and then those of us having to stare at it could rearrange them to keep it fresh. Orange, blue, and purple dots would be nice.
Principal Hecton leans back and closes his eyes. I should have known.
Maybe with a few yellow dots. That d really pop.
He opens his eyes and leans over the desk. Are you going to be just like your brother? And your dad?
No way! Is he kidding? I try to do the exact opposite of them.
Because I don t think I can handle that, he says.
Okay, maybe I did do some bad stuff . . . but it was to make things better. And it already did. I eye the still-wet paint splotches on my green pants. Value added!
And don t think I didn t hear the stories about your grandpa, too, back when I was in school. Principal Hecton shakes his head. I ve got to tell you, I m tired of your family

Ann Braden is also the author of The Benefits of Being an Octopus, which was an NPR Best Book of 2018 and is currently on 10 state lists. She founded the Local Love Brigade, which has chapters all over the country sending love postcards to those who are facing hate. She also founded GunSenseVT, a grassroots group championing the common ground on the issue of guns in Vermont, which helped pass landmark gun violence prevention legislation. She is a former middle school teacher, the co-host of the children's book podcast "Lifelines: Books that Bridge the Divide," and a co-organizer of #KidsNeedMentors. Ann lives in southern Vermont with her husband, two children, and two insatiable cats named Boomer and Justice.

* 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