Ali and the Sea Stars by Ali Stroker, Gillian Reid
Published by HarperCollins on May 17, 2022
ISBN: 0063015714
Pages: 40
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

Why wait to make a dream come true? Ali, a theater-loving girl in Breezy Beach, dreams of starring in a Broadway musical. Together with her friends, they decide to put on a production of Peter Pan for the Breezy Beach community. The only challenge to Ali’s dream is the weather. In this story, creativity, resilience, and a “can-do” attitude – all theatrical hallmarks – make the production a success.

Stroker is a Tony-award winning actress and was the first actress in a wheelchair to appear on Broadway. Ali (main character) uses a wheelchair that is depicted visually as a fast-moving purveyor of Ali and all her theatrical energy, but is never mentioned in the text. The illustrations and text work seamlessly together. Characters are differently abled, have different skin colors. The bright colors in the illustration complement the theater and the “Breezy Beach” vibe.

Readers will enjoy this engaging, fun, well-paced, and deftly written story combining a love of theater with a love of community. It is a great read-aloud for early elementary students. Theater kids (you always know your theater kids) will cheer. The story focuses on all Ali can do, without a heavy-handed message about the wheelchair.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School Library, Saco