One Thursday Afternoon by Barbara Dilorenzo
When Ava leaves school one Thursday afternoon, she has a lot of big feelings. That day, her school had held a lockdown drill. Ava feels terrified. But as her grandfather arrives to pick her up, she’s quiet. She doesn’t know what to say or how to name her feelings. One Thursday Afternoon follows Ava as her grandfather makes space and supports her during her silence. They go outside, paint, and enjoy nature. And when Ava is finally ready to talk, her grandfather listens. This book helps kids understand that their fear is normal. They don’t have to talk about it right away, but when they are ready to share, the adults in their life will be ready to listen.