No More Chairs

Per an author’s note, Gill draws from his own childhood in this affecting dual-timeline story about acceptance. The central account’s setting is mid-century New York City, where pale-skinned Daniel and his best friend Archie, who reads as Black, head to a classmate’s birthday party. After the pair arrive at the fancy building, the pale-skinned hostess observes the duo and declares there is only space for Daniel, citing a lack of chairs in the amply furnished apartment. First-person narration makes the subtext clear: when Daniel offers to bring a chair from home, the parent insists, “Daniel, there are NO MORE CHAIRS! You may come in, but your friend will have to leave.” The book’s framing narrative describes how grown-up Daniel—now a teacher, Mr. Gill—leaves an empty chair at the front of his classroom as a welcoming symbol: “No one will say there are no more chairs. All are welcome here.” Gal’s digitally assembled pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations layer scribbly lines to envisage a radiant, rainbow-hued kaleidoscopic style that supports the book’s thematic thrust. Characters are portrayed with various skin tones, some fanciful. An author’s note concludes. Ages 4–8. (July)