Amaleigha Loves a Good Story by Janice Pratt – Review by Jamie Burns

As an elementary librarian, I adore the book, Amaleigha Loves a Good Story. Amaleigha has the world’s biggest heart and always finds ways to help the people around her. She loves to read books but soon notices that the bilingual section of her school library does not have many books. She crafts a plan to enhance her school library collection and soon has the whole community’s support.

Janice Pratt has a knack for writing amazing stories that show children how to be better people in a relatable manner. One of my favorite things about this book is that it provides a message that children need access to bilingual books at school and in the community. Pratt even included the mayor’s message in different languages which makes the message shine through her book.

Many social-emotional points can be spoken about within the story… Speaking to children about these different points can help them become more like Amaleigha.

– How can we have big hearts?
– How can we help others?
– How can we work together as a community?
– Even as a child, you can do great things.

This book would be a great way to spark the interest of children in creating a little library. Speaking of which, the back of the book provides information about creating a little library.

I also want to give a shout-out to Alina Kralia who truly brings the story to life with vivid illustrations. Kralia does an amazing job even with the smallest details of the illustrations.

As a side note… I have to say that for one of two reasons, the dedication made my heart smile: I serve as a school librarian and I know of a few librarians in the Oklahoma area.