A girl describes her hospital stay for appendicitis by detailing the times she cried (nine) and the times she didn’t. The physical and emotional ups and downs of a first-time hospital visit start with the stomachache that triggered the first bout of crying. There are subsequent tears with a needle poke, the scary news of impending surgery, and the loneliness of an overnight stay (even though dad is sleeping on the pull-out chair next to her bed). An array of encouraging and sympathetic medical providers perform routine health care protocols, from checking her temperature, blood pressure, and blood oxygen level to changing her into a hospital gown, setting up an IV, and performing an ultrasound. The busy operating suite is “a little scary, but also a little fun” and the anesthesia works quickly, even though she isn’t tired. Returning to the post-surgical comforts of home means wearing familiar pajamas and crying relieved tears, along with her family. The girl and her mixed-race family (Black/white) are supported by broadly diverse cast of hospital staff, patients, and visitors. (Ages 3-7)