TeachingBooks
The Sublime Ms. Stacks

Book Resume

for The Sublime Ms. Stacks by Robb Pearlman and Dani Jones

Professional book information and credentials for The Sublime Ms. Stacks.

  • Publisher's Weekly:
  • Ages Toddler - 6
  • Booklist:
  • Pre-K - Grade 2
  • TeachingBooks:*
  • Grades PK-2
  • Word Count:
  • 779
  • ATOS Reading Level:
  • 3.8
  • Cultural Experience:
  • LGBTQ+
  • Genre:
  • Picture Book
  • Realistic Fiction
  • Year Published:
  • 2022

The following 2 subject headings were determined by the U.S. Library of Congress and the Book Industry Study Group (BISAC) to reveal themes from the content of this book (The Sublime Ms. Stacks).

The following unabridged reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers. Reviews may be used for educational purposes consistent with the fair use doctrine in your jurisdiction, and may not be reproduced or repurposed without permission from the rights holders.

Note: This section may include reviews for related titles (e.g., same author, series, or related edition).

From Publisher's Weekly

September 5, 2022
At the start of this energetic picture book, a group of children portrayed with various abilities and skin tones introduce pale-skinned librarian Mr. Stephen, who's great at his job but lacks in craft savvy and showmanship. So for some activities, he's "replaced" by glamorous, blond-haired Ms. Stacks, who leads them through arts and crafts ("There's no such thing as 'too much glitter!' "), story time, and finally show-and-tell, featuring a lip-sync performance alongside two other librarians. Though the students don't realize that Ms. Stacks is Mr. Stephen in drag, their enthusiastic acceptance, conveyed though Pearlman's lively narration and mirrored in Jones's bold-hued illustrations, is heartwarming; so, too, is the way Ms. Stacks's performance encourages the students to do what they love, making a great case for the joyfully affirming power of drag. As Ms. Stacks says, "It's so nice... to be seen." Ages 3â€"6.

From Booklist

May 1, 2022
Preschool-Grade 2 A librarian secretly swaps his staid demeanor for a glittery alter ego who delivers showstopper storytimes in this energetic and affirming picture book destined to inspire karaoke battles. Readers' advisory and library management are no trouble for Mr. Stephen, but programming proves a struggle. So, for storytime and show-and-tell, Mr. Stephen calls in the Sublime Ms. Stacks, who appears in a flourish with a fur-trimmed apron and an abundance of creative flair. "Ta-da!! It's nice to see you again--and to be seen, my darlings!" Shepherding the children through craft projects and dramatic read-alouds, Ms. Stacks finally launches into karaoke, complete with two "librarian sisters" on backup, before Mr. Stephen returns. Jones' warm and inclusive digital illustrations feature incidental LGBTQ+ representation throughout, and Pearlman (Pink Is for Boys, 2018) welcomes everyone in with the text's playful and positive tone. Pair with a playlist, Lil Miss Hot Mess' The Hips on the Drag Queen Go Swish, Swish, Swish (2020), and Jonathan Hillman's Big Wig (2022) to fashion a sublime storytime.

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The Sublime Ms. Stacks was recognized by committees of professional librarians and educators for the following book awards and distinctions.

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This Book Resume for The Sublime Ms. Stacks is compiled from TeachingBooks, a library of professional resources about children's and young adult books. This page may be shared for educational purposes and must include copyright information. Reviews are made available under license from their respective rights holders and publishers.

*Grade levels are determined by certified librarians utilizing editorial reviews and additional materials. Relevant age ranges vary depending on the learner, the setting, and the intended purpose of a book.

Retrieved from TeachingBooks on December 24, 2025. © 2001-2025 TeachingBooks.net, LLC. All rights reserved by rights holders.