Before we share info about this month’s book, we want to recognize that this month’s “Community Kindness Sponsor” (which helps offset the cost of the extra 20 books we hide after scavenger hunt weekend every month – the “random act of kindness” books) are our friends at the Tucson Spotlight AND the Book Chisme Book Club! We are so grateful for their support in creating a bookish community rooted in kindness. If you are familiar with them, please send some gratitude their way (and subscribe to the Tucson Spotlight!)!

Do you know someone who might be interested in partnering with us as a Community Kindness Sponsor in 2027 ($250)? We are all set for 2026, but are starting to look ahead to 2027 (because, as we know, time flies!). Please send us an email (tucsontomegnome[at]gmail.com), and we can send you some information 🙂

AND NOW, for what you’ve been waiting for: all about this month’s hidden book!

About the book, from Zando:

“Erica Skyberg is thirty-five years old, recently divorced—and trans. Not that she’s told anyone yet. Mitchell, South Dakota, isn’t exactly bursting with other trans women. Instead, she keeps to herself, teaching by day and directing community theater by night. That is, until Abigail Hawkes enters her orbit.

Abigail is seventeen, Mitchell High’s resident political dissident and Only Trans Girl. It’s a role she plays faultlessly, albeit a little reluctantly. She’s also annoyed by the idea of spending her senior year secretly guiding her English teacher through her transition. But Abigail remembers the uncertainty—and loneliness—that comes with it. Besides, Erica isn’t the only one struggling to shed the weight of others’ expectations.

As their unlikely friendship evolves, it comes under the scrutiny of their community. And soon, both women—and those closest to them—are forced to ask: Who are we if we choose to hide ourselves? What happens once we disappear into the woodwork?

Detransition Baby meets Fleishman is in Trouble in this remarkable debut novel from an incisive contemporary voice. A story about the awkwardness of growing up and the greatest love story of all, that between us and our friends, Woodworking is a tonic for the moment and a celebration of womanhood in all its multifaceted joy.”

About the author, Emily St. James:

“Emily St. James is a writer and cultural critic. This is her first novel. Her journalism and criticism have appeared in The New York Times, Vox, and The A.V. Club, and her writing for television has been featured on the Emmy-nominated series Yellowjackets. She lives in Los Angeles with her family.”

Why I selected Woodworking for the June 2026 Giveaway:

• June is, of course, Pride Month, and I wanted to share a story that celebrates the courage it takes to embrace who you are 🙂 Woodworking reminds us that authenticity isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth pursuing (and, perhaps most importantly, every person deserves to be seen and loved for who they are).
• The characters in this novel feel extremely authentic: they’re funny, vulnerable, and imperfect, and I found myself genuinely rooting for them as they navigated life’s challenges.
• Speaking of characters: each voice is distinct, and each journey feels genuine. By the final page, I felt like I’d spent time with old friends rather than fictional characters.
• One of my favorite things about this story is the community the characters create together. They show up for each other with compassion, patience, and grace, reminding us that friendships can grow into family – – – and that none of us has to find our way through life alone (even when things are really challenging and difficult).
• To sum it up: Pride Month is a celebration of LGBTQIA+ history, resilience, and joy, but it’s also a reminder that strong communities are built through one act of kindness, one conversation, and one shared story at a time. I hope this novel finds the reader who needs it most.