No More Chairs - by Dan Gill (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A teacher's commitment to emphasizing inclusion and love in his classroom"--

Book Synopsis

Why does Mr. Gill keep an empty chair in the front of his classroom? Find out in this poignant picture book based on a true story that celebrates a beloved teacher and his commitment to making sure all kids feel welcome.

From art to science, history to math, there are so many things to learn at school! But Mr. Gill's students are most interested in learning about the empty chair that sits in the front of their classroom. He tells them a story from his childhood about his Black best friend, Archie, the racism they experienced at a classmate's birthday party, when Archie was told there wasn't a chair for him, and how it inspired Mr. Gill to prioritize inclusivity and love.

In this true story of bravery and belonging from longtime elementary school teacher Dan Gill and gorgeously illustrated by Susan Gal, readers will learn to always keep an extra chair in their home and in their hearts.

Review Quotes

* "Gill draws from his own childhood in this affecting dual-timeline story about acceptance....Gal's digitally assembled pencil, ink, and watercolor illustrations layer scribbly lines to envisage a radiant, rainbow-hued kaleidoscopic style that supports the book's thematic thrust."--Publisher's Weekly

"Gal's bright, expressive illustrations beautifully capture the era.... A timeless and essential read that delivers a powerful message."--SLJ

About the Author

Daniel Gill was a social studies teacher at Glenfield Middle School for over 50 years. He lives in New Jersey with his family. No More Chairs is his first picture book.

Susan Gal is an illustrator and picture book author. ​She is an award-winning illustrator of several picture books, including Welcoming Elijah: A Passover Tale with a Tail by Leslea Newman, winner of both the Sydney Taylor Book Award and the National Jewish Book Award, and The Tower of Life: How Yaffa Eliach Rebuilt Her Town in Stories and Photographs by Chana Stiefel, recipient of the Sydney Taylor Book Award and Robert F. Sibert Honor. Susan lives in Berkeley, California with her family. Discover more of Susan's work at galgirlstudio.com and on Instagram at susangaldraws.