Abuelita and Me
Description
In this touching, empowering picture book debut, a girl and her beloved abuelita lean on each other as they contend with racism while running errands in the city.
Spending time at home with Abuelita means pancakes, puddle-jumping, and nail-painting. But venturing out into the city is not always as fun. On the bus and at the grocery store, people are impatient and suspicious鈥攕ometimes they even yell. Sad, angry, and scared, the story鈥檚 young narrator decides not to leave home again . . . until a moment of empowerment helps her see the strength she and Abuelita share when they face the world together. Warm, expressive illustrations by Rafael Mayani highlight the tenderness in Abuelita and the narrator鈥檚 relationship.
Awards
- Joint winner, International Latino Book Award 2022
- Nominated, Blue Spruce Award, OLA 2022
- Joint winner, Kirkus Best Books List 2022
- Joint winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, Canadian Children鈥檚 Books Centre 2022
- Joint winner, Best Bets List, Ontario Library Association 2023
- Nominated, Shining Willow Award 2023
Reviews
鈥淎 beautiful story with equally resplendent illustrations!鈥�
- The Bookshelf Corner, 02/03/22
鈥淐arranza poignantly addresses racism and microaggressions in this book about a brave and observant child . . . Mayani鈥檚 expressive illustrations use vibrant colors and warm tones to convey the story鈥檚 difficult topic in a comforting manner.鈥�
- Booklist, *starred review, 03/15/22
鈥淭he book itself is very powerful and deals with many strong emotions that are realistic. Throughout ABUELITA AND ME, the artwork helps to convey when the emotions are light and happy or dark and angry . . . Highly Recommended.鈥�
- CM Reviews, 02/25/22
鈥淲ith bright, expressive illustrations, this is an accessible, tender exploration of the ways in which many marginalized people experience the world.鈥�
- Kirkus Reviews, *starred review, 05/01/22
鈥淎 bus driver鈥檚 prejudice forces a child to grapple with difficult emotions in this affecting story . . . A subtle resolution underlines pride in a personal act in lieu of real equity won, but the incident itself should prompt discussion of systemic racism and its manifold effects.鈥�
- Publishers Weekly, 05/26/22
鈥淎 resonant, intergenerational picture book about an important and necessary topic; highly recommended for children鈥檚 picture book collections.鈥�
- School Library Journal, 06/24/22
鈥淎n important book that reminds readers about the individual, collective and systemic actions needed to create fair and just communities.鈥�
- Toronto Star, 04/25/2022