From Sibert Honor–winning author Traci Sorell and Caldecott Medal–winning artist Michaela Goade comes a heartwarming picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land.
Today is a day of excitement—it’s time to move! As a young Cherokee girl says goodbye to the swing, the house, and the city she's called home her whole life, she readies herself for the upcoming road trip. While her mother drives, the girl draws the changing landscape outside her window. She looks forward to the end of the journey, where she'll eat the feast her family has prepared, play in the creek with her cousins, and settle into the new rhythm of home.
With warm, expressive artwork and spare, lyrical prose, the story of a young girl’s move toward rather than away from home unfolds.
Praise for Being Home By Traci Sorell; illustrated by Michaela Goade:
Publishers Weekly Best Picture Books of 2024 American Booksellers Association May/June 2024 Kids’ Indie Next List Kirkus Reviews 15 Best May Books for Young Readers
★ "An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★” It’s a joyful image of a family embracing change that examines “the rhythm of being home.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “[With] lush, detailed illustrations…[the] girl’s imagination is rendered in a vibrant pink hue that is present in one way or another on every page. The family’s ‘new’ home is a place of community and warmth, a place where the ‘rhythm of home’ is palpable. Readers young and old will want to linger with these gorgeous pages, noting the rich textures and details.” — Booklist, starred review
★ “The author beautifully expresses core themes of family and the importance of full self-realization on ancestral land; in doing so, she echoes the oh-so-important rhythms which animate her characters. Goade's mixed-media art is at once delicate and strong, with spirited, sparkling colors and a keen sense of motion that reinforces the text's rhythm and energy…an exceptional offering, emphasizing the inherent rhythms and motions of life.” — Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “Sorell’s minimal but resonant text speaks from an authentically childlike voice…Goade’s blend of media is beautiful, with the cool jewel tones of the city giving way to gentler, bright greens and browns as mother and daughter return to a place that embraces them fully…While this will especially resonate with Indigenous children considering their heritage, the thoughtful text and beautiful visuals will engage any kid in contemplating what it means to be at home.” — BCCB, starred review
“Being Home embodies emotional depth, cultural significance, and artistic brilliance. [This is] an unforgettable achievement that captures what makes picture books extraordinary.” — Annisha Jeffries, Calling Caldecott, The Horn Book
“A grounded depiction of treasuring home and culture, skillfully presented by two artists of Indigenous backgrounds.” — School Library Journal
“Goade’s illustrations are warm, joyous, and vibrant. It’s a beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture and what it means to be home.” — Book Riot
From Sibert Honor–winning author Traci Sorell and Caldecott Medal–winning artist Michaela Goade comes a heartwarming picture book about a Native American family and the joy of moving back to their ancestral land.
Today is a day of excitement—it’s time to move! As a young Cherokee girl says goodbye to the swing, the house, and the city she's called home her whole life, she readies herself for the upcoming road trip. While her mother drives, the girl draws the changing landscape outside her window. She looks forward to the end of the journey, where she'll eat the feast her family has prepared, play in the creek with her cousins, and settle into the new rhythm of home.
With warm, expressive artwork and spare, lyrical prose, the story of a young girl’s move toward rather than away from home unfolds.
Photos
Praise
Praise for Being Home By Traci Sorell; illustrated by Michaela Goade:
Publishers Weekly Best Picture Books of 2024 American Booksellers Association May/June 2024 Kids’ Indie Next List Kirkus Reviews 15 Best May Books for Young Readers
★ "An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community." — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★” It’s a joyful image of a family embracing change that examines “the rhythm of being home.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ “[With] lush, detailed illustrations…[the] girl’s imagination is rendered in a vibrant pink hue that is present in one way or another on every page. The family’s ‘new’ home is a place of community and warmth, a place where the ‘rhythm of home’ is palpable. Readers young and old will want to linger with these gorgeous pages, noting the rich textures and details.” — Booklist, starred review
★ “The author beautifully expresses core themes of family and the importance of full self-realization on ancestral land; in doing so, she echoes the oh-so-important rhythms which animate her characters. Goade's mixed-media art is at once delicate and strong, with spirited, sparkling colors and a keen sense of motion that reinforces the text's rhythm and energy…an exceptional offering, emphasizing the inherent rhythms and motions of life.” — Shelf Awareness, starred review
★ “Sorell’s minimal but resonant text speaks from an authentically childlike voice…Goade’s blend of media is beautiful, with the cool jewel tones of the city giving way to gentler, bright greens and browns as mother and daughter return to a place that embraces them fully…While this will especially resonate with Indigenous children considering their heritage, the thoughtful text and beautiful visuals will engage any kid in contemplating what it means to be at home.” — BCCB, starred review
“Being Home embodies emotional depth, cultural significance, and artistic brilliance. [This is] an unforgettable achievement that captures what makes picture books extraordinary.” — Annisha Jeffries, Calling Caldecott, The Horn Book
“A grounded depiction of treasuring home and culture, skillfully presented by two artists of Indigenous backgrounds.” — School Library Journal
“Goade’s illustrations are warm, joyous, and vibrant. It’s a beautiful celebration of Indigenous culture and what it means to be home.” — Book Riot
