Where They Gather
As noted in the afterword, Rodrigues uses her own family’s background to create this poetic picture book that follows generations of a Black family and their link to their land and home starting after the Civil War to the present day. With themes of agriculture and hope, the family takes root, grows, and branches out over the years, turning dirt and hope into an enduring home. Law’s illustrations follow the agricultural palette, largely relying on brown and green tones.
While the book tackles an interesting subject of a family’s connection to the land and its importance throughout history, some scenes such as the family’s home coming under attack (presumably by racists) rely on reader background knowledge for understanding rather than explicitly stating what is happening. Given the target audience is the picture book crowd (ages 4-8), this book is probably best read to and discussed with children.
