Xavier's Voice

by Ashley Franklin, Tatiana Gardel (Illustrator)

Overview

Xavier wishes his small voice was bigger and the anxious feeling he gets when trying to make friends was smaller. He makes many attempts to be louder, but he still isn't able to connect with any of his classmates. As Xavier withdraws into the world of his sketchbook, he wonders will he ever be able to make friends with such a small voice?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781959244035
Publisher:	The Innovation Press
Publication date:	10/08/2024
Pages:	48
Product dimensions:	9.75(w) x 9.75(h) x (d)
Age Range:	6 - 8 Years

About the Author

Tatiana Gardel is a Brazilian-born illustrator whose work has been recognized by the Society of Illustrators in New York and American Illustration. Her art is inspired by her culture, by her love for nature, and by mythology and childhood memories. She is a cofounder of #LatinxPitch and lives in New York City with her family.Ashley Franklin loves writing stories featuring kids with big hearts and even bigger imaginations. She is an African-American Muslim writer, mother, and adjunct college professor. She currently resides in Arkansas with her husband and two sons. Not Quite Snow White is Ashley's picture book debut. For more information, you can follow Ashley on Twitter: @differentashley or visit her at www.ashleyfranklinwrites.com.

Editorial Reviews

"This narrative will speak to many young people grappling with anxiety as Franklin creates a safe environment for introspection and growth… An encouraging story for those who struggle to be heard.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the Publisher

2024-08-30
A timid boy learns to summon his own internal strength.

School is filled with the raucous sounds of kids laughing, shouting, and playing. Quiet, bespectacled Xavier is swallowed up by all that noise. Whenever he tries to speak, his voice gets stuck in his throat. Even when other children make a friendly effort, “his small voice [can’t] find its way out.” Inspired by a new comic hero named Super Saleem, Xavier starts drawing his own superhero world. He fills a sketchbook with characters who have the qualities he wishes he could possess. When a sudden rainstorm drenches his drawings, another student helps Xavier dry them off. Could this be the beginning of a beautiful friendship? Afterward, overwhelmed with anxiety and what ifs, Xavier starts to worry. But he feels bolstered by a superhero strength deep inside. Though Xavier’s outward attempts at trying to be loud fail miserably, he eventually finds a way to shine—by relying on his huge imagination. Peppered with calming techniques, this narrative will speak to many young people grappling with anxiety as Franklin creates a safe environment for introspection and growth. Gentle cartoon art brings the action to life; Xavier’s fantasies of flying alongside superhero characters add child appeal. Xavier and his family present Black and are cued Muslim; his school is diverse.

An encouraging story for those who struggle to be heard.(Picture book. 4-7)

Kirkus Reviews