In this contemporary tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he’s sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid’s-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.
Written by Chad and Dad Richardson
Illustrated by Ashleigh Corrin
Family Reunion (Paperback)
Recommended for
Ages 5-10 years
Awards & Honours
- Silver Winner, Foreword Indie Awards, 2022
- Bank Street Children’s Books Committee’s Best Books of 2021
- Floyd’s Pick Book Award Honor Book, Choose to Read Ohio, 2022
- NYC Big Book Award Winner, African American Children’s Fiction, 2021
Special Features
- BASED ON THE AUTHORS’ & ILLUSTRATOR’S LIFE EXPERIENCES: Written by a Black American son-and-father writing team and illustrated by a Black American artist — and inspired by their own family reunions.
- TIMELINESS: A contemporary depiction of a joyful Black American experience, with powerful language and evocative illustrations, to add to BLM and anti-racist picture book collections.
- FAMILY: Celebrates the power of extended family and family traditions.
- SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL LEARNING: A child’s expectations are realigned when he learns that gathering with family can be more fun than staying home and playing video games.
- AWARD-WINNING ILLUSTRATOR: Ashleigh Corrin is the 2020 Ezra Jack Keats award-winning illustrator of Layla’s Happiness, a Kirkus and SLJ star-reviewed children’s book.
- POETRY: The story is told through punchy, accessible haiku that are seamlessly woven together.