Everything in Its Place: A Story of Books and Belonging

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.

★ Ezra Jack Keats Award Honor

A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Century

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

Maine Chickadee Award nominee, 2023-24