About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is facing the paralyzing 'new school' jitters or exhibits deep social anxiety that makes them want to hide in the margins. It is a quiet, compassionate lifeline for the child who feels safer observing the world from the sidelines rather than jumping into the fray. The story follows Mattie Breen, a shy girl who plans to spend her school days as a janitorial apprentice to avoid the social pressures of lunch and recess. Linda Urban captures the internal monologue of a worried child with exquisite accuracy and tenderness. Through Mattie's relationship with her eccentric Uncle Potluck, the book explores how small, manageable acts of bravery can lead to genuine belonging. It is a gentle, realistic portrayal of finding one's voice, making it an ideal choice for middle-grade readers who feel 'different' or struggle to find their place in a noisy world.
