A Seat at the Table

At Maplewood Elementary, lunch tables and playground groups seem set in stone—until a small group of students decides to change that. When Zoe, the new girl at school, struggles to find a place to sit at lunch, Lily notices and invites her in, remembering her own past loneliness. Jake, a student council leader, sees an opportunity to make the school more welcoming. Mateo, who once felt invisible after moving from another country, knows how hard it is to be left out. Together, they launch a movement to make sure no student feels alone at recess, in the cafeteria, or anywhere at school. But not everyone agrees that things need to change. Facing resistance from classmates and even some adults, the group must work together to prove that small acts of kindness—like inviting someone to sit at the table or play at recess—can make a big difference. Perfect for readers ages 8-12, A Seat at the Table is an inspiring story about friendship, inclusion, and standing up for others. With relatable characters and real-world challenges, this heartwarming book encourages young readers to create spaces where everyone belongs. Because everyone deserves a seat at the table.