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  • A Night for the Rice Carriers by Carmen Rubin book cover
  • A Night for the Rice Carriers by Carmen Rubin book cover
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A Night for the Rice Carriers

by Carmen Rubin

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A family gathering becomes a history of resistance

$18.12 USD
$30.21 USD $18.12 USD
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AlbakiReads Editorial

A family gathering becomes a history of resistance

As Mae and her grandmother Coco prepare a garden celebration under the full moon, Mae gets ready to share the story of Yaya and Paanza, two West African women who carried rice hidden in their braids while escaping enslavement. Music, food, and neighbors’ company frame a story passed down through oral tradition, connecting one child’s present-day gathering with her ancestors’ courage and survival. The picture book also includes backmatter text and photographs, extending its account beyond the celebration itself.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 interested in family stories and African American history.
  • Families and educators seeking a picture book about West African rice carriers, oral tradition, and community celebration.

Themes

Ancestral memoryResistance and survivalOral traditionFamily and community

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

A young girl celebrates the courage and cleverness of her ancestors and the generations of resistance they inspired!

Mae and her grandmother, Coco, spend the day preparing Coco's garden for a full-moon celebration with neighbors and friends. This will be the night that Mae, herself, shares her ancestors' powerful story of rebellion and survival. Through music, food, and joyous revelry, Coco and her guests honor the legacy of two courageous women--Yaya and Paanza--who carried grains of rice hidden in their braids to forge a new life when they escaped enslavement.

The stories of these West African "rice carriers" have lived on through oral tradition, but are being shared in this picture book for the very first time. Written by a historian and children's literacy advocate, this celebratory book captures the spirit of good rebellion and great community. It was inspired by real rice carriers, Yaya and Paanza, and includes backmatter text and photographs.
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