Book details
Teresa E. Harris - Author
Gabby turns to spoken-word poetry as a way to express herself while working to help save the community arts centre she loves.
Gabby loves expressing herself — especially in the dance studio — but lately, poetry is becoming her art form of choice, and for good reason: Gabby struggles with stuttering, and spoken word poetry helps her speech flow more freely. Still, compared to how confident she feels on the dance floor, speaking up can be scary. When the city threatens to close her beloved community arts center, Gabby is determined to find a way to help. Can she harness the power of her words and rally her community to save Liberty Arts?
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: Poetry gives Gabby a way to express herself, though speaking up can still feel scary.
Talk about: What forms of expression feel comfortable, and what might make trying a new one easier?
Talk about: If a place important to a community were at risk, what different responses might people consider?
The story links a personal challenge with a community cause, giving families an opening to talk about finding ways to communicate and taking part in local efforts.
Gabby struggles with stuttering, and speaking up can feel scary for her. A child who is sensitive to communication difficulties may appreciate reassurance that her experience is not theirs to compare or judge.
If speaking up feels difficult, what different ways of expressing yourself might help—and what would make each feel comfortable?
Read together in short stretches if the communication theme prompts discussion; let your child set the pace and invite them to share thoughts without asking them to perform or speak aloud.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
Gabriela by Teresa E. Harris | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: A local arts centre under threat
Limited information
Checked: 1 October 2026.
Relevant to: Finding a voice through poetry; A local arts centre under threat
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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