The Little Wonders Library · Working title
The Day the Sidewalk Started Talking
Leila wants her quiet apartment street to feel a little friendlier — until one chalk question gets the whole neighborhood talking.
About the story
Outside Leila's apartment building, someone has written a question in chalk: “What made you smile today?” Leila writes an answer underneath. By the next morning, there are more.
Soon Leila is leaving a new question every day — favorite foods, funny memories, things people are grateful for — and neighbors who rarely speak start stopping to read. Then someone writes, “I don't know anyone here yet.” Leila knows exactly how to answer.
A warm community story set in a diverse Los Angeles neighborhood, about how sidewalks don't really talk — people do, when someone gives them a reason.
What readers will enjoy
- A sidewalk that slowly fills with colorful chalk answers
- Neighbors whose answers each sound wonderfully different
- Leila meeting Nia, the newcomer behind the lonely message
Meet the characters
- Leila
- Artistic and observant.
- Mr. Ortiz
- An elderly neighbor who walks his dog every morning.
- Nia
- A shy girl who recently moved into the building.
- The neighbors
- Everyone who stops to read — and write back.
Big ideas
Conversation question
Something to talk aboutWhat question would help you get to know a new neighbor?
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