About this book

Aurelia has left her home, and her beloved grandmother — Abuelita — to move to Canada with her mother. At first she’s excited about her new neighbourhood with the big trees. She loves her room, which Mami says she can paint any colour she wants. And she’s looking forward to starting school and making new friends.

But school isn’t what she expected. Some of her classmates tease her for being different, and she’s left out of schoolyard games. She ends up feeling quite alone. With the help of a blanket Abuelita has given her, and the love it signifies, Aurelia returns to school with a new perspective and makes a true connection.

Inspired by the author’s own experiences, this story is a touching and age-appropriate depiction of what it’s like to experience racism and exclusion, and what it means to find friendship.

Reviews

Praise for Leonarda Carranza:

“It’s an excellent message to potential anger-prone readers, wrapped in an understanding tone. Medina’s brisk, dynamic artwork whisks the action from page to page, boasting humorous creature letters with mean smiles and gruff frowns.” — (Fighting Words) Kirkus Reviews

“Carranza poignantly addresses racism and microaggressions in this book about a brave and observant child.” ― (Abuelita and Me) Booklist, *STARRED REVIEW

“With bright, expressive illustrations, this is an accessible, tender exploration of the ways in which many marginalized people experience the world.” ― (Abuelita and Me) Kirkus Reviews, *STARRED REVIEW

“A resonant, intergenerational picture book about an important and necessary topic; highly recommended for children’s picture book collections.” ― (Abuelita and Me) School Library Journal

“An important book that reminds readers about the individual, collective and systemic actions needed to create fair and just communities.” ― (Abuelita and Me) Toronto Star