Smalltown City and the Spirit of Hall

"A chapter book "about a storm, some children, and yes, a bit of magic," Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall celebrates civic responsibility." -- Foreword Reviews 2026 Children's Book Council Teacher Favorites Smalltown City and the Spirit of City Hall is the first book in an early chapter series focused on civics and community engagement. The series demonstrates how children can influence local decision-makers, even before they are old enough to vote. The first book takes young readers on a third-grade field trip to city hall during a climate-related storm. The story's protagonists, Laila, Kehinde, Sasha, Mae, Martin, and a service dog named Dolly, have front row seats as they watch city hall in action. With a little help from a friendly spirit, they discover what it takes to run a small city, and the true meaning of community. This book is at a third grade reading level and appropriate for grades 1-4.