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The Mighty Macy
A young girl finds her voice—and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community—in this sweet and humorous chapter book by award-winning and #1 bestselling author Kwame Alexander, perfect for fans of Ivy + Bean and Ruby and the Booker Boys.
When Macy gets book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she stays up until 11:34pm finishing the book. But the next day, when Macy gets to her school library, eager to check out book two, she finds the door locked with a sign explaining that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts. Even worse, she finds out her father won't be home to help her figure out what to do, as he will be traveling to a museum in Montgomery, Alabama to read a poem about civil rights. With help from her fellow third graders, support from her mom, and encouragement from poems written and hidden for her by her father, Macy must find her voice and learn the power of advocating for herself and her community.
Can Macy learn to be Mighty?
When Macy gets book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she stays up until 11:34pm finishing the book. But the next day, when Macy gets to her school library, eager to check out book two, she finds the door locked with a sign explaining that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts. Even worse, she finds out her father won't be home to help her figure out what to do, as he will be traveling to a museum in Montgomery, Alabama to read a poem about civil rights. With help from her fellow third graders, support from her mom, and encouragement from poems written and hidden for her by her father, Macy must find her voice and learn the power of advocating for herself and her community.
Can Macy learn to be Mighty?
135 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2026
1 person is currently reading
39 people want to read
About the author
Kwame Alexander
84 books3,153 followersKwame Alexander is a poet, educator, and New York Times Bestselling author of 21 books, including The Crossover, which received the 2015 John Newbery Medal for the Most Distinguished Contribution to American literature for Children, the Coretta Scott King Author Award Honor, The NCTE Charlotte Huck Honor, the Lee Bennett Hopkins Poetry Award, and the Passaic Poetry Prize. Kwame writes for children of all ages. His other works include Surf's Up, a picture book; Booked, a middle grade novel; and He Said She Said, a YA novel.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
Kwame believes that poetry can change the world, and he uses it to inspire and empower young people through his PAGE TO STAGE Writing and Publishing Program released by Scholastic. A regular speaker at colleges and conferences in the U.S., he also travels the world planting seeds of literary love (Singapore, Brazil, Italy, France, Shanghai, etc.). Recently, Alexander led a delegation of 20 writers and activists to Ghana, where they delivered books, built a library, and provided literacy professional development to 300 teachers, as a part of LEAP for Ghana, an International literacy program he co-founded.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Quick Review: A "symphony of words"
My Review: The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander is a "Children's Fiction" book. It is scheduled for release on 2/3/26.
(Updated) - > This review details my views on the audiobook, as well as on the e-book.
About the Book: "A young girl finds her voice—and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community..."
In My Own Words: When faced with a challenge, a young girl is granted a unique opportunity to lift her voice and make an impact that can and will affect others. Along the way, she learns about herself, her culture's history, her community, and her support network.
Reasons I Like/Love This Book:
- This is a kid-friendly book. It is written in such a way that children can relate to what it said and to what is done.
- I loved that it was contemporary. It presented a modern day problem that many communities are facing.
- The words painted a visual picture of what was going on in Macy's world. This started at her home life and extended beyond.
- I appreciated the language use and the expressions of each character, particularly with regard Macy and Langston. They stood out to me. Their dynamic was real. Kids will be able to relate to the sibling interactions.
- I loved how the author weaved significant figures names and cultural history into the story. Children will have no choice but to learn as they go. That was a nice touch.
- I loved that the book had an empowerment element. It will show young people that they can make a difference right where they are.
- I loved that there was formula that Macy followed to get to the outcome she sought. (I won't say more than that, as I do not want to spoil the story for other readers.)
- I loved that readers had the chance to see Macy grow and gain confidence. What she did required her to be strong and courageous.
- I loved the poetic quality used to convey the story. Each section blended together well. It reminded me of Land of the Cranes. I love that format for children's fiction.
- I loved that it featured young people who love books and that it advocated for libraries.
- I absolutely loved that the author creatively dealt with a hot button issue. It was brilliantly done.
About the Audiobook: This book is narrated by Imani Parks.
I have come to love how this narrator brings the characters she voices to life. In this story, she was able to showcase personality, flair, strength, and color via the voice of a young girl. The rhythm and movement of her words made the listening experience a good one.
About the E-Book (Illustrations and Layout): Post listening to the audiobook of this title, I requested access to a digital ARC of this e-book. I am elated to have been approved.
This book was illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
I absolutely loved the illustrations and the layout of this book. The characters and artwork were delightful. Being able to see Macy, her family/friend group, her peers, and her community added to the reading experience. I liked being able to see the special details brought to life. Everything from the musical terms to the descriptive actions to the food items to the favorite poem exploded onto the pages in the best way. Young readers will love this! I certainly did.
I would also like to say that I appreciated the font variations, the white spaces, the thoughtful placements of artwork, and the shifting sizes with text. It made the book even more appealing, because it seemed to have a visual rhythm and movement. The black and white artwork benefited from that approach.
My Final Say: This was an entertaining story. I loved the message, and I completely understood the takeaway, which was, in my opinion, that words have the power to promote change. I believe that young readers, as well as readers of any age, will get a lot out of this book.
Other: Readers who enjoy children's fiction, stories written in verse, books with social justice/advocacy slants, and stories that help to facilitate awareness and growth will love this book.
This book would be ideal for a social science class, a civic education class, and/or an elementary library book club. Further, it would be a fantastic family read aloud book.
I think even older middle grade students could benefit from reading/listening to this book. There are a number of ways that the message could be expanded. Discussions are inevitable.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: K/C, YA
Keeper: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover: +
Illustrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: 🎧 📚
Note: I plan to request access to a digital copy of this title, as I would love to see the illustrations that go along with the story. An immersive reading/listening experience is sure to be unforgettable.
Narration: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Hachette Audio | Little, Brown Young Readers | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC and a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a joy to review this work. I look forward to reading more from this writer.
My Review: The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander is a "Children's Fiction" book. It is scheduled for release on 2/3/26.
(Updated) - > This review details my views on the audiobook, as well as on the e-book.
About the Book: "A young girl finds her voice—and discovers the power of speaking up for herself and her community..."
In My Own Words: When faced with a challenge, a young girl is granted a unique opportunity to lift her voice and make an impact that can and will affect others. Along the way, she learns about herself, her culture's history, her community, and her support network.
Reasons I Like/Love This Book:
- This is a kid-friendly book. It is written in such a way that children can relate to what it said and to what is done.
- I loved that it was contemporary. It presented a modern day problem that many communities are facing.
- The words painted a visual picture of what was going on in Macy's world. This started at her home life and extended beyond.
- I appreciated the language use and the expressions of each character, particularly with regard Macy and Langston. They stood out to me. Their dynamic was real. Kids will be able to relate to the sibling interactions.
- I loved how the author weaved significant figures names and cultural history into the story. Children will have no choice but to learn as they go. That was a nice touch.
- I loved that the book had an empowerment element. It will show young people that they can make a difference right where they are.
- I loved that there was formula that Macy followed to get to the outcome she sought. (I won't say more than that, as I do not want to spoil the story for other readers.)
- I loved that readers had the chance to see Macy grow and gain confidence. What she did required her to be strong and courageous.
- I loved the poetic quality used to convey the story. Each section blended together well. It reminded me of Land of the Cranes. I love that format for children's fiction.
- I loved that it featured young people who love books and that it advocated for libraries.
- I absolutely loved that the author creatively dealt with a hot button issue. It was brilliantly done.
About the Audiobook: This book is narrated by Imani Parks.
I have come to love how this narrator brings the characters she voices to life. In this story, she was able to showcase personality, flair, strength, and color via the voice of a young girl. The rhythm and movement of her words made the listening experience a good one.
About the E-Book (Illustrations and Layout): Post listening to the audiobook of this title, I requested access to a digital ARC of this e-book. I am elated to have been approved.
This book was illustrated by Kitt Thomas.
I absolutely loved the illustrations and the layout of this book. The characters and artwork were delightful. Being able to see Macy, her family/friend group, her peers, and her community added to the reading experience. I liked being able to see the special details brought to life. Everything from the musical terms to the descriptive actions to the food items to the favorite poem exploded onto the pages in the best way. Young readers will love this! I certainly did.
I would also like to say that I appreciated the font variations, the white spaces, the thoughtful placements of artwork, and the shifting sizes with text. It made the book even more appealing, because it seemed to have a visual rhythm and movement. The black and white artwork benefited from that approach.
My Final Say: This was an entertaining story. I loved the message, and I completely understood the takeaway, which was, in my opinion, that words have the power to promote change. I believe that young readers, as well as readers of any age, will get a lot out of this book.
Other: Readers who enjoy children's fiction, stories written in verse, books with social justice/advocacy slants, and stories that help to facilitate awareness and growth will love this book.
This book would be ideal for a social science class, a civic education class, and/or an elementary library book club. Further, it would be a fantastic family read aloud book.
I think even older middle grade students could benefit from reading/listening to this book. There are a number of ways that the message could be expanded. Discussions are inevitable.
Rating: 5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: K/C, YA
Keeper: Yes
Status/Level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Cover: +
Illustrations: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Format: 🎧 📚
Note: I plan to request access to a digital copy of this title, as I would love to see the illustrations that go along with the story. An immersive reading/listening experience is sure to be unforgettable.
Narration: +
Sincere appreciation is extended to the author, to the publishers (Hachette Audio | Little, Brown Young Readers | Little, Brown Books for Young Readers), and to NetGalley. Thank you for providing access to an ALC and a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a joy to review this work. I look forward to reading more from this writer.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Some stories don’t just open—they unfurl, like steam rising from a freshly poured cup, carrying warmth, truth, and a little ache. The Mighty Macy is one of those stories. Kwame Alexander brews a tale that feels soft enough for young readers to hold, yet strong enough to stir something deep in the adults reading alongside them.
Macy is a library kid through and through—the kind of child who treats stories like oxygen. So when she receives book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she does what any story‑soaked kid would do: she stays up until 11:34 p.m. devouring every last page. That detail alone felt like a love letter to every child who has ever read past their bedtime with a flashlight tucked under the covers.
But the next morning, when Macy rushes to her school library—heart bright, ready to check out book two—she finds the door locked. A sign taped to the front explains that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts.
As a lifelong library kid myself, this is my nightmare scenario.
That cold shock.
That smallness.
That moment when the world keeps moving, even when you’re too young, too tiny, too tender to know how to push back.
Alexander captures that feeling with a poetic precision that aches. Macy’s story becomes a mirror for the quiet ways children absorb the consequences of adult decisions. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that the choices we make ripple outward—often landing hardest on the smallest shoulders.
And then there’s Imani Parks, whose narration pours warmth into every line. Her voice gives Alexander’s verse its full emotional steep—bright, tender, and resonant. She makes the story accessible for young listeners while offering adults a layered, thoughtful experience. It’s the kind of performance that feels like someone sitting beside you, turning the pages with care.
This book is a full brew of the world our children live in—its joys, its injustices, its tiny triumphs, its quiet heartbreaks.
A story about courage, community, and the magic that happens when a child refuses to shrink, even when the world tries to make them small.
A cup worth sipping slowly. A story worth sharing widely.
Macy is a library kid through and through—the kind of child who treats stories like oxygen. So when she receives book one of The Mighty Zora series for her birthday, she does what any story‑soaked kid would do: she stays up until 11:34 p.m. devouring every last page. That detail alone felt like a love letter to every child who has ever read past their bedtime with a flashlight tucked under the covers.
But the next morning, when Macy rushes to her school library—heart bright, ready to check out book two—she finds the door locked. A sign taped to the front explains that the library will now only be open a few days a week due to budget cuts.
As a lifelong library kid myself, this is my nightmare scenario.
That cold shock.
That smallness.
That moment when the world keeps moving, even when you’re too young, too tiny, too tender to know how to push back.
Alexander captures that feeling with a poetic precision that aches. Macy’s story becomes a mirror for the quiet ways children absorb the consequences of adult decisions. It’s a gentle but powerful reminder that the choices we make ripple outward—often landing hardest on the smallest shoulders.
And then there’s Imani Parks, whose narration pours warmth into every line. Her voice gives Alexander’s verse its full emotional steep—bright, tender, and resonant. She makes the story accessible for young listeners while offering adults a layered, thoughtful experience. It’s the kind of performance that feels like someone sitting beside you, turning the pages with care.
This book is a full brew of the world our children live in—its joys, its injustices, its tiny triumphs, its quiet heartbreaks.
A story about courage, community, and the magic that happens when a child refuses to shrink, even when the world tries to make them small.
A cup worth sipping slowly. A story worth sharing widely.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Mighty Macy (Kindle Edition)
by Kwame Alexander
With the funding problems for schools of late this book shows the self advocacy of children that can change procedural changes. The story shows that getting notice and explaining your reluctance for cost cutting device can be changed. They are saving the schools library.
The author uses poetry as a foil for personal voice, and family connections.
by Kwame Alexander
With the funding problems for schools of late this book shows the self advocacy of children that can change procedural changes. The story shows that getting notice and explaining your reluctance for cost cutting device can be changed. They are saving the schools library.
The author uses poetry as a foil for personal voice, and family connections.
February 9, 2026
Because its is very on brand to offer "lets start a petition" to advocate for the school library. A book written in-verse of a young girl finding her voice and demands answers because all she wanted to do was read what happens in book two of the series she started...AND stayed up past her bedtime to read.
December 7, 2025
I am so excited that this author’s work can now be shared with even more readers as this is geared toward a more younger audience than many of his previous books. I hope more Macy stories are on the way!
February 6, 2026
Listened to the audio version of this book with my two children. Loved the rhythm and rhyme and the flow of the book overall. Great message and empowering for kids to use their voice to make an impact! Loved it!
(Perfect for my 6 year old)
(Perfect for my 6 year old)
February 8, 2026
The Mighty Macy by Kwame Alexander is an enjoyable and inspiring story. I would give it a 9/10 for its strong character development and vivid setting. The story shows how one person’s actions can help build a sense of community, and it encourages kids to step up and help others.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews