Ayana Ndoum Takes the Stage

Reach for this book when your child feels overshadowed by louder personalities or struggles with the 'secondhand embarrassment' of a well-meaning but exuberant parent. Ayana is a thoughtful, observant girl who prefers the sidelines, making her the perfect protagonist for children who find the spotlight daunting. As her class prepares for a variety show, Ayana faces the dual challenge of discovering her own quiet talent and navigating the social anxiety of having her quirky, high-energy father volunteer at school. Kekla Magoon expertly captures the nuances of elementary school social dynamics and the shift in the parent-child relationship as children become more self-conscious. This chapter book is an excellent tool for normalizing introversion and helping children see that 'shining' doesn't always require being center stage. It is a warm, humorous, and relatable story for 6 to 9 year olds that validates their need for space and privacy while celebrating family bonds.