Nana Akua Goes to School
by Tricia Elam Walker (Author) April Harrison (Illustrator)
In this moving story that celebrates cultural diversity, a shy girl brings her West African grandmother--whose face bears traditional tribal markings--to meet her classmates.
It is Grandparents Day at Zura's elementary school, and the students are excited to introduce their grandparents and share what makes them special. Aleja's grandfather is a fisherman. Bisou's grandmother is a dentist. But Zura's Nana, who is her favorite person in the world, looks a little different from other grandmas. Nana Akua was raised in Ghana, and, following an old West African tradition, has tribal markings on her face. Worried that her classmates will be scared of Nana--or worse, make fun of her--Zura is hesitant to bring her to school. Nana Akua knows what to do, though. With a quilt of traditional African symbols and a bit of face paint, Nana Akua is able to explain what makes her special, and to make all of Zura's classmates feel special, too.
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Publishers Weekly
Zura's school is inviting grandparents to visit, and though her Ghanaian grandmother, Nana Akua, is "her favorite person in the whole universe," Zura is worried that her tribal facial markings will draw unwanted attention. "What if someone at school laughs at you or acts mean?" the child asks. Harrison (What Is Given from the Heart) shows Zura reaching across the table to take Nana Akua's big hand in her two small ones. Once in Zura's classroom, Nana Akua speaks with poise. "I'm sure you noticed the marks on my face.... These marks were a gift from my parents, who were happy and proud that I was born.... I am likewise proud to wear them." She paints Adinkra symbols on the faces of Zura's classmates (a chart listing their meanings is included) in a visit that delights the children and their grandparents. Striking artwork by Harrison gives the characters' faces classic sculptural contours, and the spreads' bold patterns and colors echo a quilt of symbols that Nana Akua made for Zura. Newcomer Walker writes convincingly about how difference can cause unease among children, and her story offers a compelling portrait of a grandmother whose pride and poise put that concern to rest. Ages 4-8. (June)
Copyright 2020 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.Review quotes
Praise for April Harrison's What is Given From the Heart:
"[An] exquisite story of generosity . . . Harrison has created soft yet dazzling illustrations for this tribute to faith, hope and the African-American community." — The New York Times Book Review "A sweet story . . . enhanced by delectable art from a prodigious new talent." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review "This final book by the late McKissack (Let's Clap, Jump, Sing & Shout) showcases the legendary author's signature lyricism in full force and receives a stunning, aesthetically ambitious interpretation by Harrison, a fine artist making her picture book debut."—Publishers Weekly, starred review "What Is Given from the Heart is a loving tribute to collective work, responsibility and the joy that comes from giving freely from the heart."—Shelf Awareness, starred review "A treasure from a marvelous storyteller."—School Library Journal, starred review
JUV035000 - Juvenile Fiction | School & Education
JUV011010 - Juvenile Fiction | People & Places | United States - African-American
Schools
Tattooing
Ghanaian Americans
