Nesting Dolls written and illustrated by Venssa Brantley-Newton - ADVISABLE

Nesting Dolls written and illustrated by Venssa Brantley-Newton.  PICTURE BOOK.  Crown Books for Young Readers (Penguin Random House), 2023.  $19.  9781984852373

BUYING ADVISORY: Pre-K, EL (K-3) – ADVISABLE

AUDIENCE APPEAL: AVERAGE

Anyiaka loves her big gorgeous Gullah Geechee family, but she is struggling to see just how she fits into the picture. Her grandmother takes Anyiaka to her artist studio and together they work on a set of nesting dolls. Anyiaka learns it’s not just what’s on the outside that counts, but they are all a part of a larger whole.

This sweet story of acceptance and finding one’s place is so important. The author manages to pack a lot: the Gullah Geechee culture, the impact of colorism in the Black community, and complex family dynamics, all in one short picture book. It’s a great book, both as a window and a mirror, for a lot of students in your school.

Kiera, ELA teacher #bookswithbeddes