June Reading Pick: Stacey's Remarkable Books by Stacey Abrams
- welitacademy

- Jun 16
- 3 min read

Every Child Deserves to See Themselves in a Story
Summer is upon us, and with longer days, family adventures, and plenty of opportunities to explore new worlds through books, June is the perfect time to celebrate the magic of reading.
This month's We Lit Reads June Reading Pick is Stacey's Remarkable Books by Stacey Abrams, illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
In this joyful and inspiring picture book, young Stacey loves books. She reads stories about adventure, friendship, heroes, and dreams. But one day she realizes that many of the books she reads don't feature characters who look like her. Instead of giving up, Stacey discovers that every child deserves stories where they can see themselves, their experiences, and their possibilities reflected on the page.
This powerful story reminds us that books are more than entertainment—they help children build confidence, expand their imagination, and understand that their voices matter.
Why We Chose This Book
Stacey's Remarkable Books encourages children to:
Develop a love of reading
Value diverse stories and perspectives
Build confidence in their own voice
Explore their imagination
Understand the importance of representation in literature
Most importantly, it reminds young readers that they belong in the world of books—not just as readers, but as future storytellers too.

Family Discussion Questions
For Younger Readers
Why does Stacey love books?
What kinds of stories does she enjoy reading?
How did Stacey feel when she couldn't find books with characters like her?
What makes a book remarkable to you?
For Older Readers
Why is it important for children to see themselves represented in books?
How can books help us learn about people whose experiences are different from our own?
If you could write your own book, what would it be about?
What message do you think the author wants readers to remember?

Family Activity:
Create Your Own Remarkable Book
Help your child become an author and illustrator for the day!
You'll Need:
Paper or a blank notebook
Crayons, markers, or colored pencils
Stapler or binder clips
Instructions:
Fold several sheets of paper into a small book.
Create a title page.
Write and illustrate a story about your child, family, or community.
Include a lesson, adventure, or dream.
Share the finished book during family reading time.
Encourage children to remember that their stories matter and deserve to be told.
Literacy Extension:
Build a "Remarkable Books" List
As a family, create a list of books that have made an impact on your child.
Ask:
Which book made you laugh?
Which book taught you something new?
Which character reminds you of yourself?
Which story would you recommend to a friend?
Keep the list all summer and continue adding new favorites.
Summer Reading Challenge
This month, challenge your family to read books that celebrate diverse voices and experiences.
Visit your local library, We Lit bookstore, or community literacy program and choose stories that:
Feature different cultures and backgrounds
Introduce new perspectives
Celebrate family and community
Inspire creativity and confidence
Every book opens a door to understanding, empathy, and possibility.
We Lit Reflection
Books have the power to help children dream bigger, think deeper, and believe in themselves. Stacey's Remarkable Books reminds us that every child deserves access to stories that reflect their experiences while introducing them to new worlds and ideas.
This June, let's celebrate the remarkable books that shape our children—and encourage young readers to recognize that their own stories are remarkable too.
Join the June Reading Challenge!
After reading Stacey's Remarkable Books, ask your child:
"What makes YOU remarkable?"
Then, help them create a drawing, short story, poem, or mini-book that celebrates their unique gifts, dreams, and experiences.
📚 Visit We Lit or Find The Lit Bus on the road to discover more remarkable books this summer.
📸 Share your child's favorite summer read or their "Remarkable Book" creation on social media and tag us—we'd love to celebrate their literacy journey!
💌 Forward this newsletter to a family or friend and invite them to read along with us this month.
Happy Reading!
LaDonna N. SmithFounder, We Lit Academy • The Lit Bus • We Lit Reads Initiative
Our monthly book club is truly a labor of love. If you believe in the mission of We Lit and the work we're doing to make literacy accessible for every child, consider buying me a coffee. Your support helps keep the stories, resources, and reading joy coming! ☕❤️



