Nana Akua Goes to School
By Tricia Elam Walker
The Story
On Grandparents Day, a shy girl worries her classmates will stare at her West African grandmother's traditional facial markings, until Nana Akua finds a way to turn worry into wonder.
Why It's Special
For the kid who feels a flutter of nerves before show-and-tell, especially when what they're sharing makes their family different from everyone else's.
- Big idea: What makes someone look different is often exactly what makes them worth knowing.
- Vibes: Tender, reassuring, and rooted in family pride.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on feeling proud of what makes their family unique
- enjoy stories about grandparents and family traditions
- respond well to quiet, reassuring stories over loud, fast ones
- are curious about cultures and traditions different from their own
Ask Your Little Reader
- Feelings & empathy: Why do you think Zura was worried about bringing Nana Akua to school?
- Story & problem-solving: How did Nana Akua use her quilt and face paint to help the class understand her markings?
- Real-life connection: Is there something about your family that feels different from your friends' families?
- Imagination: If you could share one special thing about someone in your family at school, what would it be?
- Discussion: Why do you think it helped Zura's classmates to hear the story behind Nana Akua's markings?
