Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Thu Oct 31 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A boy and his grandmother learn that home is where you make itKamau and Mama ZuZu, both of whom present Black, wake one morning stranded on the moon, unaware of how they got there. With no memories of his village, Kamau is excited for the change of scenery, while homesick ZuZu creates a new life using treasured possessions. Out of the photo of her mother grows "a large quilt of stars to keep them warm," while the river of tears she cries becomes their drinking water. Meanwhile, worried family members Back Home search for them. After a letter from Kamau mysteriously appears in his father's pocket, his family writes back, placing their missives in the nearby sea. Realizing that "none of the roads Back Home lead here," ZuZu resolves to "find a way to live, as people do." Examining the challenges of being forced to leave one's home, this visually gorgeous, nuanced work echoes stories from the African diaspora as well as global areas of conflict. Girmay's folkloric text is simple and straightforward yet deeply moving as she explores the emotions, both good and bad, involved in navigating a life-altering situation. Ejaita's textured, flat illustrations use saturated color to brilliant effect as bright colors pop off the page against a background of deep, dark blues and blacks.A stunning and empathetic look at the struggles of displacement.(Picture book. 5-8)

School Library Journal Starred Review (Fri Nov 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 2–6 —Through its gorgeous and evocative artwork, this book conveys emotions of loss, resilience, and hope. Kamau and ZuZu, child and grandmother, awaken to find themselves magically on the moon. Despite this sudden and difficult displacement, they find a way to make a home for themselves, even finding a way to communicate with their family back home. This moving narrative will connect with students who may have undergone a physical displacement or those who feel emotionally displaced within their current environments. The theme of finding one's place in the world makes it an ideal resource for teaching about resilience, self-discovery, and SEL. It delicately and poetically addresses some of the most challenging realities students may face, including separation from loved ones and the struggle to find a sense of belonging. This makes it a powerful tool for building empathy and understanding among a wide range of students. In addition, the text lends itself to lessons on figurative language, as its poetic language provides vivid imagery and symbolism for students to explore. The outstanding artwork enhances its emotional depth and educational value. VERDICT A highly recommended addition to any library, offering visual beauty and a meaningful narrative that will resonate with young readers and educators alike.—Christina Salazar

Kirkus Reviews

A boy and his grandmother learn that home is where you make itKamau and Mama ZuZu, both of whom present Black, wake one morning stranded on the moon, unaware of how they got there. With no memories of his village, Kamau is excited for the change of scenery, while homesick ZuZu creates a new life using treasured possessions. Out of the photo of her mother grows "a large quilt of stars to keep them warm," while the river of tears she cries becomes their drinking water. Meanwhile, worried family members Back Home search for them. After a letter from Kamau mysteriously appears in his father's pocket, his family writes back, placing their missives in the nearby sea. Realizing that "none of the roads Back Home lead here," ZuZu resolves to "find a way to live, as people do." Examining the challenges of being forced to leave one's home, this visually gorgeous, nuanced work echoes stories from the African diaspora as well as global areas of conflict. Girmay's folkloric text is simple and straightforward yet deeply moving as she explores the emotions, both good and bad, involved in navigating a life-altering situation. Ejaita's textured, flat illustrations use saturated color to brilliant effect as bright colors pop off the page against a background of deep, dark blues and blacks.A stunning and empathetic look at the struggles of displacement.(Picture book. 5-8)