Wallflowers by Mackenzie Joy

Wallflowers  by Mackenzie Joy. Clarion, HarperCollins, 2023.  9780358726463






Rating:  1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 5



Format : Hardcover picture book



What did you like about the book? What happens if you are not the loudest person in the room? What happens if you’re most comfortable blending in and being a “wallflower”? Finally, a book that tells kids they don’t have to be loud, or first, or stand out, or the life of the party to be ok. As 25-40% of our population are introverts it’s nice to be reassured that you can find “a quiet spot to just be you” or that even though “you like to be heard, you don’t want to have to shout”. “What fun it is to be celebrated”, the book tells us, “but you just don’t want a big, loud party.” Mackenzie Joy (ironic name) lets our small picture book crowd know that they are important and smart and a significant part of society, even if they don’t always want to be seen.



Anything you didn’t like about it? It is such a relief to finally see a book that allows quiet kids to be quiet kids without any pathology wrapped around it. 



To whom would you recommend this book?   Well, of course we give this to kids that are “wall flowers”.  Also, pair this with Willow Whispers by Lana Button for more reinforcement that quiet people do actually have something to say.



Who should buy this book?  Elementary schools, public libraries and teachers who deduct points for children who don’t “participate” in class.



Where would you shelve it? Picture books



Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Yes



Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Pam Watts is the Head of Children’s Services at the Robbins Library, Arlington, MA.



Date of review:  May 6, 2023