A heartfelt and funny story about a shy eleven-year-old who learns to manage her anxiety through improv classes—and discovers her activist voice. From Margaret Dilloway, author of Summer of a Thousand Pies, and perfect for fans of Sharon Draper, Lynda Mullaly Hunt, and Holly Goldberg Sloan.Eleven-year-old Ava Andrews has a Technicolor interior with a gray shell. On the inside, she bubbles with ideas and plans. On the outside, everyone except her best friend, Zelia, thinks she doesn’t talk or, worse, is stuck-up. What nobody knows is that Ava has invisible disabilities: anxiety and a heart condition.Ava hopes middle school will be a fresh start, but when Zelia moves across the country and Ava’s Nana Linda pushes her to speak up about social issues, she withdraws further. So Ava is shocked when her writing abilities impress her classmates and they invite her to join their improv group, making up stories onstage. Determined to prove she can control her anxiety, she joins—and discovers a whole new side of herself, and what it means to be on a team.But as Ava’s self-confidence blossoms, her relationship with Zelia strains, and she learns that it isn’t enough just to raise your voice—it’s how and why you use it that matters.Can Ava find a way to balance new friendships, old loyalties, and the courage to speak up for what’s right? Managing Anxiety: Eleven-year-old Ava learns to use the surprising tools of improv comedy to face her biggest fears, both on and off the stage. Making New Friends: After her best friend Zelia moves away, Ava must learn to step out of her comfort zone and discover what it means to be part of a team. Invisible Disabilities: A compassionate and honest look at life with a heart condition and social anxiety, perfect for starting conversations about empathy. Social Activism for Kids: From shy and quiet to a passionate advocate, Ava discovers that speaking up to save her favorite local spot is another way of taking care of her community. Long-Distance Friendships: As Ava’s confidence grows, her relationship with Zelia is tested, exploring the challenges of staying close when you’re thousands of miles apart.
