A kid named Bucket stars in this cheery first volume of a chapter book series about taking action to make positive changes, big or small. One day in the school cafeteria, Bucket (who happens to be nonbinary) and their friends discuss some of the “big and small sads” that they’ve each had, from personal problems to global concerns. They wonder what they can do about all of them, since such a pile of problems seems daunting. With a little inspiration from a teacher, they decide to use their artistic talents to each address “one little piece,” and remind people of some of the good in the world.
The story is told in an engaging, first-person, stream-of-consciousness narrative whose often-breathless sentences reflect Bucket’s personality. “I’m not always good at staying focused,” Bucket tells us—and readers who feel similarly may see themselves reflected. Even if one has to hang on through Bucket’s frequent tangents, though, all readers should appreciate their irrepressible personality and kind heart.
Bucket’s nonbinary identity is incidental to the plot, but in an introduction common to all volumes, after Bucket introduces themself and their friends, they explain that they use “they” and “them” pronouns. These “fit lots better” than “he” or “she,” which felt like wearing uncomfortable clothes. One friend, they note, “used to struggle” with using “they,” but because she “would just fix it and move on and not make a big deal about it,” Bucket was okay with that (and the friend eventually always got it right). It’s a clear teaching moment, but remains separate from the main story.
Backmatter includes an Author’s Note about dealing with big emotions, Questions for Readers, and related activities for solo readers and groups.
Bucket and two friends are White; one is Black and another Asian.
