Heartfelt, uplifting, empowering.
A straight line becomes a path to dignity in Avery’s empowering picture book. “Nobody wants to teach our class,” a quiet, cutting truth, sets the tone for this emotionally resonant story as four discouraged students: Jackson, Savannah, Bullock, and Stewart, brace for yet another teacher who won’t stay. Enter Mr. Murant, a tall, warm former football player in a crisp shirt and green tie, who declares, “I only teach champions!” Skepticism lingers. “Champions?” Jackson asks. “Is that some type of joke?” But with each passing day, something shifts. Helmets on, “Line ’em up!”—and everything transforms. What begins as order becomes pride and belief. The students rise from doubt to confidence, becoming a class others can’t overlook. Driven by a rhythmic, spoken-word cadence, Avery’s writing carries the story with heart and sincerity, well-suited for oral storytelling. Although the arc tilts toward idealism, its emotional message comes through with clarity and intent. Sarah Jane Docker’s warm, expressive artwork reflects this transformation, evolving from slouched postures and subdued tones to confident stances and dynamic movement.
A heartfelt tribute to belief and the educators who inspire children to see their own greatness. A strong addition to library shelves.
Illustration by Sarah Jane Docker
Publisher Bread-n-Butter Bookz
ISBN 978-1-7345743-0-2
