FAMILY REUNION

Aaron is convinced that he will not enjoy the annual family reunion this year and would much rather stay home and play video games. What will it take to make him change his mind?

The Richardsons’ staccato, informal text describes how Aaron deploys his personal “force field” to shield himself, but a whisper and a hug from PopPop welcomes him and puts Aaron in the mood to join in on the fun with his family. He plays games with his cousins and watches his family lovingly gather for jokes, a cook-off, and a dance contest. At one point, Aaron listens to stories about his ancestors, who are represented as brown-outlined drawings without color, and he marvels that his family is “all over / the world.” After the family attends church together the next day, they begin to say their goodbyes and head home, leaving Aaron happy to have spent time with them and eager for their reunion next year—force field–free. This warm story highlights the tradition of African American family reunions, and Corrin’s loose, stylized illustrations capture both the love these extended family members share and their diversity in skin tone and hairstyle. Readers of many backgrounds will relate to Aaron’s initial reluctance to do something he would rather not do—and the joy of having overcome it.

A welcome book about the beauty of family, togetherness, and trying new things.