"Squez: The Word That Wasn't (But Should Have Been)" What if the words that aren't "right" are exactly the ones we need? When a young boy believes "squez" is the past tense of squeeze, what begins as a simple misunderstanding blossoms into a magnificent journey through the wonders of language. Armed with a dictionary and boundless curiosity, our protagonist discovers that words are far more than their spellings and definitions-they're bridges to understanding ourselves and connecting with others. From proving to skeptical friends that "thrice" really exists, to learning Mandarin phrases from Ming-Wei, sign language from his cousin Sarah, and experiencing how Ms. Rodriguez reads with their fingertips, each encounter reveals how beautifully different our expressions can be. This heartwarming, rhythmic tale celebrates linguistic discovery, cultural connection, and the courage to speak in your own authentic voice. Through playful rhymes and rich storytelling, readers are invited to embrace the magic of words-even those that aren't in the dictionary. "Squez" reminds us that sometimes our most meaningful connections come from the words we create, the stories we share, and the beautiful "mistakes" that make us uniquely ourselves. Perfect for curious minds ages 6-9, language lovers, and anyone who's ever invented a word that should have been.