The Mighty Macy
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- Pre-Order
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- Expected Feb 3, 2026
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- $12.99
Publisher Description
A young girl finds her voice—and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community—in this sweet and humorous chapter book by award-winning and #1 bestselling author Kwame Alexander, perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean and Ruby and the Booker Boys.
When Macy gets book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she stays up until 11:34pm finishing the book. But the next day, when Macy gets to her school library, eager to check out book two, she finds the door locked with a sign explaining that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts. Even worse, she finds out her father won't be home to help her figure out what to do, as he will be traveling to a museum in Montgomery, Alabama to read a poem about civil rights. With help from her fellow third graders, support from her mom, and encouragement from poems written and hidden for her by her father, Macy must find her voice and learn the power of advocating for herself and her community.
Can Macy learn to be Mighty?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this effervescent chapter book by Alexander (Black Star), 80 snappy poems recount a bookish tween's love for her library. Twelve-year-old Macy can't wait to pick up the next installment of her new favorite book series, The Mighty Zora, from the school library. But first, she must practice her violin. Poems relayed primarily in Macy's endearing first-person POV convey feelings of joy, anticipation, and disgruntlement, and burst with humor; in one selection, lines get progressively longer as she details staying up late reading ("Yes/ Yes, I stayed up/ Yes, I stayed up till 11:34 p.m./ Yes, I stayed up till 11:34 p.m. last night"). Following rehearsal, Macy arrives at the library ("a house/ of hope"), only to discover that it's closed due to budget cuts. Resolving to speak up at an upcoming board meeting, she attempts to write a poem she believes will save the institution. Softly rounded illustrations from Thomas (Stacey Speaks Up) emanate charm, accompanying stanzas that provide glimpses into the exuberant life of a self-assured middle schooler readers will wish was their own best friend. Macy's desire to help the library underscores the importance of similar community spaces, culminating in a winning narrative about the power of language and learning to stand up for one's beliefs. Characters are depicted with varying abilities, body types, and skin tones. An author's note concludes. Ages 6–10. Author's agent: Arielle Eckstut, Levine Greenberg Rostan Literary. Illustrator's agent: Chad W. Beckerman, CAT Agency.
