Nana Akua Goes to School

By Tricia Elam Walker

Book Overview

Winner of the 2021 Ezra Jack Keats New Writer Award

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. This is a perfect read for back to school--no matter what that looks like

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0525581138
• ISBN13: 9780525581130
• Release Date: June 2020
• Publisher: Anne Schwartz Books
• Length: 40 Pages
• Weight: 1.25 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 10.8" x 10.7"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3