Then there’s Dayna’s snobby classmate, Crystal Diamond, who informs Dayna that chocolate diamonds can’t be Snow White because they “don’t even dazzle.” Here, this story succeeds on multiple fronts. First, Dayna learns to identify what anxiety feels like in her body along with a helpful technique to manage it that kids can use in their own lives. Dayna also tries out for the play despite her fear and learns that “doing what she loves makes her light up from the inside out” – as well as the fact that kids shouldn’t let stereotypes and prejudices stand in the way of their goals. Finally, through Sammy’s unwavering support, kids will see what it looks like to be a good friend.

Khadija Maryam’s expressive illustrations follow Dayna on each stage of her journey, showing her learning in her classroom, playing on the playground, walking down the street, and laughing with Sammy. The illustrations aren’t particularly immersive or detailed, but kids will relate to wide-eyed, good-natured Dayna, whose emotions are clearly visible on her face and easy for young readers to understand. In the end, Dayna’s success will show kids that the key to their own dreams lies in overcoming other people’s limiting beliefs and facing their fears.

Takeaway: Inspiring story of a little girl overcoming fear to achieve her dreams.

Comparable Titles: Ashley Spires’s The Thing Lou Couldn’t Do, Nicola Kinnear’s A Little Bit Brave.

Production grades
Cover: A
Design and typography: B+
Illustrations: B+
Editing: A
Marketing copy: A