Hanover teen’s picture book spotlights kindness and inclusion

By AI, Created 5:05 AM UTC, May 22, 2026, /AGP/ – Ava Khouri, a Hanover High School senior, is set to publish her debut children’s picture book, The Apple of My Pie, on June 9, 2026. The story uses fruit characters to teach young readers about empathy, belonging and looking beyond appearances.

Why it matters: - The Apple of My Pie is aimed at children ages 3–8 and is built around themes that parents, educators and librarians often look for in early readers: kindness, empathy, inclusion and anti-bullying. - The book is designed for read-aloud use in classrooms, libraries and homes, with an emphasis on social-emotional learning. - The release gives a teenage author a public platform on a topic tied to diversity and belonging.

What happened: - Briley & Baxter Publications announced the upcoming release of The Apple of My Pie by Hanover High School senior Ava Khouri. - The picture book is set for publication on June 9, 2026. - Khouri is from Hanover, Massachusetts. - The book marks Khouri’s debut as a picture-book author.

The details: - The story follows Ava, a bright red apple, who is taught that apples of other colors are too different to befriend. - Vera, the town’s famous baker, chooses Ava for a legendary apple pie. - Ava learns that once apples are peeled and mixed together, red, green and yellow apples are the same inside. - The storyline uses fruit characters to open age-appropriate conversations about diversity, inclusion, friendship, stereotypes and belonging. - Khouri said she wrote the book to share a message that kindness and understanding should not depend on how others look. - Khouri said she wanted young readers to see that people are more alike than they think. - Professional artist Maddy Moore illustrated the book. - Moore has worked in the industry for more than a decade. - Moore grew up in an international family and has worked in different parts of the world. - Moore began her artistic career at age 15 while pursuing a Bachelor of Arts at the University of Pennsylvania. - The book will be available in hardcover for $24.95, paperback for $16.95 and e-book for $7.99. - Distribution will go through Ingram Wholesale and major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Bookshop.org.

Between the lines: - The book’s simple apple metaphor turns a familiar classroom concept into a direct lesson on bias and belonging. - Khouri’s background in service work and youth leadership fits the book’s message and may help position it for school and community settings. - Briley & Baxter Publications also frames itself as a mission-driven publisher, noting that it donates 10% of its royalties to animal rescues.

What’s next: - The Apple of My Pie is scheduled to reach readers on June 9, 2026. - The title will be sold through wholesale and retail channels after publication. - Briley & Baxter Publications has not announced additional details about launch events or author appearances.

The bottom line: - Ava Khouri’s debut aims to package a straightforward lesson on inclusion in a format that is easy for young children to understand and for adults to use in teaching conversations.