A Night for the Rice Carriers

This celebratory picture book introduces young readers to Mae and her grandmother, Coco, as they prepare for a community gathering. The highlight of the evening is Mae's turn to share the powerful, true story of her ancestors, Yaya and Paanza, West African women who bravely carried rice in their braids to forge a new life after escaping enslavement. Written by a historian, this book beautifully captures the spirit of resistance, cultural heritage, and the enduring strength of family and community, complete with backmatter for further learning. It's a wonderful resource for discussing history, courage, and the importance of oral tradition.

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.