Publisher's Synopsis
At Cooks Academy, kindness matters, and differences are celebrated-not shamed. But when a new girl arrives with glittery shoes and a sharp tongue, things get off to a rocky start. Nora Rae Learns the Cooks Academy Way is a beautifully illustrated, heartwarming story that tackles body shaming, self-image, and the importance of accepting others-and yourself-just the way you are.
When Nora Rae shows up at school in a perfectly matching pink outfit and glowing sandals, all eyes are on her. Angelina and her best friend Zoe are excited to welcome the new girl, but Nora Rae makes one thing clear: she won't be playing at recess-not today, not ever. That would ruin her look.
Soon, her cutting remarks toward the other kids start flying: a jab at noodle arms here, a harsh comment about someone's "plump" figure there. Just like that, the joyful energy on the playground shifts. But these kids aren't having it. United in compassion, they respond, "We don't tease like that-not even for fun."
Dilan, one of the students, steps up and decides to talk to Nora Rae. With honesty, kindness, and wisdom beyond her years, she shares the values that make Cooks Academy so special-body love, not body shame.
Through their heartfelt conversation, Dilan helps Nora Rae discover something powerful: that beauty isn't about perfection, and strength doesn't come from putting others down. It's about lifting people up, celebrating differences, and embracing who you are-inside and out. Even Nora Rae starts to realize that her past experiences with judgment and unkindness have shaped her words and actions. But here, things are different. Here, growth is welcome, and so is she.
