In the spirit of timeless read-alouds like An Angel for Solomon Singer, Miss Rumphius, and Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, this heartwarming Valentine's Day picture book is a thoughtful choice for classrooms, nurturing the traits of respect, empathy, and kindness.

A Missing Piece...

In a small Tennessee town, a mysterious woman with a chessboard has quietly piqued the curiosity of locals. When she appears at the school's Valentine's Day luncheon, third graders, especially Justin, are drawn to her and eagerly ask her to teach them the game. Though held back by shadows of her past, she begins to open up as the children's interest deepens. Through their innocent questions and kindness, she discovers that the part of herself she thought was lost may be closer than she ever dreamed. This unique story celebrates the warmth of intergenerational bonds and life lessons in character, leaving readers of all ages with something special.