KEYANA LOVES HER FAMILY

A celebration of big ideas, teamwork, and family.

Keyana McGee, a young Black girl, loves big ideas and is willing to put in the work to bring them to life. Her latest idea is to create a backyard soiree for her extended family’s scheduled movie night. Once she has completed her “movie-star hairstyle,” including her “jewel-encrusted princess tiara,” of course, she transforms her family’s yard into a movie set, with her parents’ and younger brother’s help. Soon, a multitude of extended family arrives: a “fashionista” great-aunt and her dog, five favorite cousins, two uncles, and a set of grandparents, who bring their cat along. When the night’s events take a dramatic turn, Keyana is initially upset, but she and her family work together to implement another of her big ideas…one that might just be more brilliant and meaningful than her original. Tarpley’s text captures the lighthearted mood of the story, with vocabulary that matches Keyana’s growth mindset and can-do spirit. Pinkney Barlow’s whimsical and expressive illustrations, created digitally and finished with a handmade watercolor texture overlay, convey the playful and joyous occasion as well as the family’s unwavering commitment to each other. Small details in the illustrations, such as Keyana’s hair supplies (e.g., spray bottle and sleeping bonnet) and choice of hairstyles, offer a welcome layer of authenticity to this celebration of a carefree childhood. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A loving depiction of a warm, affectionate Black family.