ENCHANTED STORIES: Nana Akua Goes to School

Nana Akua Goes to School
By Tricia Elam Walker
Illustrated by April Harrison
Schwartz & Wade Books, 2020. Picture Book.

Zura loves going to school. Only, she is a little nervous when all the students are asked to bring their grandparents to school one day. Zura loves her grandmother but isn’t sure what the other children will think of her—because due to an old African tradition her Nana has marks on her face to represent what tribe she belongs to. Zura is scared that people won’t see how wonderful her Nana is because they will only look at her marks.

This is a beautiful book. I love how Zura is willing to talk through her fears to her Nana and that Nana isn’t afraid to help Zura work through what could be an awkward situation due to classmates not understanding the African tradition. Zura is a strong and caring character—but the real star is Nana and her powerful beauty and dignity that know just what to do to include everyone and create a beautiful memory. Enchanting. Memorable. Powerful.

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