Wesolowska, Monica. Elbert in the Air. Illustrated by Jerome Pumphrey. Dial, 2023. 978-0-593-32520-9. Unpaged. $18.99  Grades PK-3.

Soon after his birth, Elbert begins floating in the air. Many have much to say and much advice about Ebert’s floating, but his mother embraces who he is, saying “‘If Elbert was born to float, I will let him.’” At first, Elbert creates a world for himself out of floating toys; then, as he is older, he plays in the yard… but he is always alone.  Yearning for companionship, he follows the local children to school, and once again, the advice begins to bring Elbert down to Earth. His mother, again advocating for her son, advises school to let him float.  As Elbert grows, he floats higher and higher, away from his friends and family, and the community’s acceptance of him grows more and more tenuous. In time, he floats high enough to discover a floating community of people just like him and finds the acceptance he has been looking for.

THOUGHTS: Elbert in the Air presents a unique story on acceptance. Elbert’s difference is unlike any other students will have encountered. Elbert’s situation offers the opportunity for young readers to make connections both to Elbert and to his mother, who advocates for him, and the differences and upstanders they meet in their own lives. A great read-aloud for enjoyment as well as to spark discussions. A strong choice for library and guidance collections.

Picture Book