Ann Braden made a book out of heartstrings and glitter. FLIGHT OF THE PUFFIN, for middle-grade readers, is both tough and whimsical, following four young people who are hurt and alone — until one tiny, delightfully illustrated act of kindness connects them. Changes them. Changes their communities. Lifts them up.

Do you know how rare that is, to make a book about moral courage and love that feels like a hummingbird? Ann Braden did, and we get to love why. And cry big, sloppy, happy heart tears.