Reach!

by Lisa Gammon Olson, Lauren Rutledge (Illustrator), Penny Eifrig (Contributor)

Nine babies of all ethnicities grow up on a balance beam high above the clouds. Their unconditional love for each other will be tested when outside influences are introduced into their innocent world. As a society, we've become so polarized in our beliefs that it's imperative we find ways to start a civil conversation to begin to bring balance back...for the good of our communities, our country, our world....and our children.

Paperback

Published August 3, 2022

Reviews

[Samuel Talley]

This book took me on a journey. There were moments I smiled, moments I felt tense, and moments that truly touched me. It’s layered and heartfelt. The author knows how to balance intensity with tenderness beautifully.

[Heidi P.]

What stayed with me after finishing this book was how quietly it builds its message. The innocence of the babies growing together above the clouds creates a sense of safety and unity that feels almost ideal. As outside influences begin to enter their world, there’s a subtle shift in tone, not dramatic, but noticeable. That change mirrors the way real-life divisions often develop gradually rather than suddenly. I appreciated that the story doesn’t point fingers or assign blame. Instead, it focuses on awareness and the importance of maintaining balance. It feels like a gentle reminder that harmony requires ongoing intention. For such a short book, it carries a surprisingly thoughtful emotional weight.

[Leo Conolly]

I’ll be honest, I picked this up thinking it would be a quick, light read. Instead, I ended up sitting with it longer than expected. The image of nine babies growing together high above the clouds feels almost peaceful at first, but there’s a quiet tension underneath. As outside influences start to shift their harmony, it felt less like a children’s story and more like a reflection of how easily perspectives can change over time. What I appreciated most was that the message isn’t aggressive. It doesn’t shout at you. It simply shows you something and lets you think about it. That subtlety made it feel genuine.

[Mona F.]

Reading this as an adult gave me a completely different experience than I expected. The concept feels simple at first, unity, innocence, shared growth, but as the story develops, you begin to sense the deeper commentary about how society shapes us. The balance beam becomes such a powerful image of stability and fragility at the same time. I found myself thinking about how easily harmony can shift when new influences are introduced. The illustrations add warmth and softness, which makes the emotional undertone feel even more sincere. It’s the kind of book that invites discussion without forcing conclusions.

[Suh Mark]

There’s something deeply symbolic about placing the children on a balance beam high above the clouds. It immediately communicates vulnerability and trust. They are elevated, united, and unaware of conflict and that innocence feels precious. As the narrative unfolds, you begin to sense how fragile that equilibrium truly is. The book doesn’t rely on dramatic events to make its point; rather, it uses steady progression and imagery to highlight how external voices can influence perception. I found myself reflecting on how early societal narratives begin shaping us. It’s a subtle but powerful commentary presented in a way that feels accessible to both children and adults.

[Denise T.]

This book feels intentionally crafted to spark reflection. The symbolism is clear enough to understand but layered enough to explore more deeply if you choose to. The idea that unity is something we begin with and that division is something we gradually learn, is both comforting and sobering. It suggests that balance is possible, but not automatic. I liked that the story doesn’t oversimplify the challenges; it acknowledges tension without becoming overwhelming. The emotional tone remains steady and hopeful throughout. It’s the kind of story that lingers in your thoughts quietly rather than loudly demanding attention.

[Billi Trott]

I was particularly drawn to the metaphor of the balance beam as a representation of society. Standing together requires awareness, cooperation, and care. One misstep affects everyone. That idea feels incredibly relevant. The babies’ shared beginning emphasizes how natural connection can be before outside noise complicates it. I appreciated how the author presents this shift in a way that feels observational rather than accusatory. It invites readers to examine their own roles in maintaining balance. The story may be brief, but its message encourages a deeper conversation about empathy, perspective, and responsibility.

[Aidan Boland]

There’s something slightly unsettling in the best way about this book. The balance beam above the clouds is such a fragile setting, beautiful, but delicate. It made me think about how stable things can appear on the surface while still being vulnerable to outside pressure. The babies represent such pure connection, and watching that dynamic shift felt realistic. Not dramatic, just gradual. I liked that the story doesn’t offer a perfect solution. It acknowledges that balance is something you constantly work toward.

[Bessie Klingler]

There’s a quiet strength woven throughout this story. It doesn’t rely on dramatic language or overt moralizing to communicate its themes. Instead, it trusts imagery and progression. The clouds create a sense of elevation and distance from conflict, almost like a protected space. When that protection begins to waver, the emotional shift is subtle but impactful. I found myself thinking about how children absorb the tone of the world around them. The book doesn’t provide easy solutions, but it does emphasize the importance of intentional dialogue and mutual understanding.

[Dean R.]

Heartwarming and Thought-Provoking
Reach! is a beautifully written story that captures the innocence and curiosity of children while addressing the complexities of our divided world. The imagery of babies growing up on a balance beam above the clouds is whimsical yet deeply symbolic. It’s a gentle reminder of how love, empathy, and understanding can guide us through life’s challenges. This book is a must-read for anyone who believes in nurturing compassion from a young age.

[Jesse M.]

What stood out to me was how restrained the storytelling is. In a world where everything feels loud and extreme, this book chooses a quieter path. It explores division without creating villains. It highlights tension without exaggerating it. That approach made it feel more believable. It reads almost like a parable, simple, symbolic, but layered enough to revisit. I can imagine different readers taking away different meanings depending on their own experiences.

[Matthew Garlick]

This isn’t the kind of book that overwhelms you emotionally, but it does leave a steady impression. It feels thoughtful rather than dramatic. I appreciated how the narrative moves at a calm pace, allowing the symbolism to breathe. The concept might seem simple at first glance, but the implications are not. It’s one of those stories where you realize later that it quietly planted a few questions in your mind.

[Grace J.]

The collaboration behind this book results in a cohesive and heartfelt reading experience. The illustrations complement the tone of the story beautifully, adding warmth and depth without distracting from the message. Visually and thematically, everything feels aligned. The balance beam imagery remains central throughout, reinforcing the idea that harmony requires collective effort. It’s a thoughtful read that encourages both self-examination and discussion.

[Victor Almeida]

This book stayed with me long after I finished the last page. The emotional depth was so real and layered, I didn’t just read the story, I felt it. There’s something so powerful about the way the author writes about love, pain, and resilience. It’s the kind of book that quietly wraps around your heart and refuses to let go.

[Terrell M.]

A Story That Teaches Unity
Lisa Gammon Olson has created a tale that resonates with both children and adults. The diversity of the characters feels authentic, and the way their relationships are tested by outside influences mirrors real-world challenges. This story encourages thoughtful conversation about tolerance, kindness, and unity—lessons that are essential in today’s society.

[Nicholas C.]

Perfect for Families and Educators
The simple yet profound narrative makes Reach! a perfect tool for families and teachers. It opens the door to meaningful discussions about empathy, social balance, and inclusion. I appreciated how the story conveys complex ideas in a way that children can understand without ever feeling heavy-handed.

[Edward V.]

Imaginative and Inspiring
From the very first page, the balance beam above the clouds sparks imagination. But beyond the creative setting, the story inspires readers to reflect on how we treat others and how society can influence us. It’s a reminder that early lessons in love and understanding are what build a better future.

[Samuel R.]

A Gentle Wake-Up Call
This book goes beyond a children’s story it’s a reflection on society itself. The challenges the babies face symbolize real-world pressures, and the author’s message about starting civil conversations is more relevant than ever. It’s a book that encourages readers to think about the world we are shaping for the next generation.

[James A.]

Beautifully Illustrated and Meaningful
Lauren Rutledge’s illustrations bring the story to life in a way that complements the narrative perfectly. Each page feels like a celebration of diversity, connection, and love. Reach! is visually engaging while still leaving space for deep reflection, making it a truly special book for readers of all ages.

[Richard H.]

Empathy at Its Core
What I loved most about Reach! is its focus on empathy and understanding. The babies’ unconditional love for one another reminds us of the importance of seeing people beyond our differences. It’s a powerful story for children learning about friendship, family, and community, and for adults who need a reminder of the same.

[Bryan K.]

A Story That Stays With You
Even after finishing the book, the imagery and lessons linger. The balance beam above the clouds is a metaphor for the delicate nature of relationships and society. The story encourages readers to reflect on their own actions and the role they play in fostering harmony. Truly a story that grows with you.

[Cesar N.]

Timely and Relevant
In a world where division often seems louder than connection, Reach! is a timely and important book. It reminds us that even small acts of understanding and kindness can make a significant difference. The story is both charming and powerful—a rare combination that works beautifully for all audiences.

[Joseph J.]

A Celebration of Diversity and Love
This book celebrates the beauty of diversity in a gentle, accessible way. The characters’ journey shows how love and understanding can help overcome differences. It’s a thoughtful, meaningful read that encourages reflection, discussion, and hope for a more balanced and compassionate society.

[Ali Gillan]

I found myself thinking less about the babies and more about the environment around them. The story subtly suggests that no one begins divided that separation is often learned. That idea stayed with me. The imagery of the narrow beam feels intentional, almost like a reminder that coexistence requires awareness and cooperation. It’s a small book, but it carries weight.

[Rory C.]

Reading this felt like watching a social experiment in miniature. Nine children, one shared space, and the gradual introduction of outside influence. The shift in their dynamic felt realistic in a symbolic way. I didn’t feel like I was being told what to believe, I felt invited to observe and reflect. That distinction matters.

[Marcus Fallon]

The book left me with a strange mix of comfort and caution. Comfort in the idea that unity can exist so naturally at the beginning. Caution in recognizing how easily it can tilt. The balance beam imagery is effective because it’s so visual. You can almost picture how one small lean affects everyone. That metaphor works well without being overexplained.

[Roth K.]

I appreciated that this story doesn’t rush to resolve its tension. It acknowledges that maintaining harmony isn’t automatic. The message about civil conversation feels woven in rather than pasted on. That makes it feel sincere instead of performative. It’s a book that could lead to meaningful discussion, especially if read slowly.

[Ileana I.]

There’s a reflective quality here that feels intentional. The setting above the clouds creates a sense of distance from everyday noise, almost like a protected beginning. When that protection begins to thin, the emotional shift feels subtle but real. I liked that the book doesn’t dramatize conflict. It treats division as something that grows quietly, which, in many ways, feels accurate.

[Janice Kinnison]

The concept alone makes this book memorable. A balance beam suspended above the clouds is both whimsical and symbolic. It immediately conveys the idea of fragility and unity. As the story progresses, that image gains emotional depth. I appreciated how thoughtfully the theme is carried from beginning to end

[Marcy E.]

What resonated most with me was the reminder that children learn not only from what we teach directly, but from the environment we create. The book subtly underscores that influence without becoming accusatory. Instead, it encourages awareness and intentional guidance. That tone makes it feel constructive rather than critical.