Cover of Being Home by Traci Sorell

being home

ISBN: 978-1984816030
May 7, 2024

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.

recognition

May/June 2024 Kids’ Indie Next List
Kirkus Reviews’ 15 best may books for young readers

RAVE REVIEWS

  • “It’s a joyful image of a family embracing change that examines “the rhythm of being home.””

    —Publishers Weekly, starred review

  • “Sorell’s lyrical, alliterative verse positively sings . . . Goade’s breathtaking mixed-media artwork layers in emotion . . . An evocative, heartwarming testament to the power of home and community.”

    —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

  • "A message of deep connections . . . Readers young and old will want to linger with these gorgeous pages, noting the rich textures and details."

    —Booklist, starred review

  • "Jaw-dropping art and stellar storytelling . . . an absolute glory of a book."

    —Betsy Bird, A Fuse 8 Production, School Library Journal

  • “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.” List Item

    —BCCB, starred review

  • “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

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