Keisha Morris – illustratör

A fun, lively story of Black family and cousin culture that celebrates individuality and embraces differences.

One of the New York Public Library''s Best Books for Kids in 2021!

Nominated, Bank Street College of Education''s 2022 Irma S. Black Award

"This endearing picture book from Shanté (The Noisy Classroom, 2020) is a beautiful ode to Black families and the bond cousins have. . . Shanté''s love letter to Black families and the typical relationship Black children have with their cousins is smartly complemented by Morris'' bold, vivid illustrations of the cousins'' summer antics, often from the main character''s perspective. This story about wanting to feel included will be a storytime must!"—Booklist

"An adorable book about being true to yourself and the joys of family, especially cousins."—Kirkus Reviews

"Layered, collage-style art by Morris features rounded panels and centers warm relationships. Shanté aptly portrays the experiences of a young city denizen, peppering the family-centered tale with resonant cultural details."—Publishers Weekly

Fitting in can be hard, but standing out isn’t easy either!

Every summer a young girl eagerly waits for her cousins to come visit and celebrate her birthday. All her cousins are unique in their own ways and have earned cool nicknames for themselves… except for the girl. But this year things are going to be different. This year before summer ends, she’s determined to earn her own nickname!

Filled with warmth, love, and laughter, When My Cousins Come to Town brings all the energy and love of a big family to prove that you don’t need to be anyone else to be special—just the way you are is exactly right!

Winner of the 2020 Goddard Riverside CBC Youth Book Prize for Social Justice

A Top Ten Selection of the 2021 In the Margins Book Awards

A Texas Institute of Letters 2021 Finalist for Best Picture Book

A 2021 RCC Wilbur Award Winner

A Picture Book Discovery Prize Winner for the 2020 Writers'' League of Texas Book Awards

"Dad, what happened?""Why are they shooting?""What is this vigil for?"

The shootings keep coming, and so do Jeremiah''s questions. Dad doesn''t have easy answers, but that doesn''t mean he won''t talk about it—or that he won''t act. But what if Jeremiah doesn''t want to talk anymore? None of it makes sense, and he''s just a kid. Even if he wants to believe in a better world, is there anything he can do about it?

Inspired by real-life events, this honest, intimate look at one family''s response to racism and gun violence includes a discussion guide created by the Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, a multicultural center and museum committed to promoting respect, hope, and understanding.

A portion of the publisher''s sales proceeds will be donated to nonprofit organizations that facilitate the empowerment of Black communities.