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Irma Black Award Finalist

Young Casey loves sparkly things, just like his older sister, who does not approve until an encounter with teasing bullies helps her learn to accept and respect Casey for who he is.

Casey loves to play with his blocks, puzzles, and dump truck, but he also loves things that sparkle, shimmer, and glitter. When his older sister, Jessie, shows off her new shimmery skirt, Casey wants to wear a shimmery skirt too. When Jessie comes home from a party with glittery nails, Casey wants glittery nails too. And when Abuelita visits wearing an armful of sparkly bracelets, Casey gets one to wear, just like Jessie. The adults in Casey's life embrace his interests, but Jessie isn't so sure. Boys aren't supposed to wear sparkly, shimmery, glittery things. Then, when older boys at the library tease Casey for wearing girl things, Jessie realizes that Casey has the right to be himself and wear whatever he wants. Why can't both she and Casey love all things shimmery, glittery, and sparkly?

Here is a sweet, heartwarming story about acceptance, respect, and the freedom to be yourself in a world where any gender expression should be celebrated. Sparkly things are for everyone to enjoy!

LESLÉA NEWMAN is the author of seventy books for readers of all ages. She has received
many literary accolades, including poetry fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation, and has served as Poet Laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts, from 2008 to 2010. In addition to creating her own books, Newman teaches writing for children and young adults at Spalding University's brief-residency MFA in Writing program. She wrote this book to celebrate all the "sparkle boys" she knows. Newman lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with her spouse, Mary Vazquez.

MARIA MOLA studied art in Barcelona, Spain, and later at art schools in the United States.
She has illustrated picture books for several European publishers and is just breaking into the
US picture book market. Mola was drawn to the story in Sparkle Boy because it addresses a socially important topic. She lives in Evanston, Illinois, with her husband and their two sons.

LESLEA NEWMAN is the author of seventy books for readers of all ages. She has received
many literary accolades, including poetry fellowships from the National Endowment of the Arts and the Massachusetts Artists Foundation, and has served as Poet Laureate of Northampton, Massachusetts, from 2008 to 2010. In addition to creating her own books, Newman teaches writing for children and young adults at Spalding University's brief-residency MFA in Writing program. She wrote this book to celebrate all the "sparkle boys" she knows. Newman lives in Northampton, Massachusetts, with her spouse, Mary Vazquez.