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“Themes of heritage, community, and identity intertwine in this love letter to braids that centers on a young disabled Afro-Latine girl. Sunday is hair day in Yadira’s house. Mami sections and braids Yadira’s hair, making intricate patterns and adding gold bands and cowrie shells, including one that hangs right on top of Yadira’s forehead. Mami tells her the shells invoke the power and magic of Oshún, a Yoruba goddess who was created to provide “what the people and the land needed most: love, kindness, and beauty.” …Complementing the art, Nelson’s text draws from deep cultural roots to enrich the everyday intimacy of wash day and fuel the sparks of community connection.”

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

Ochún y Yo: Una Historia de Amor y Trenzas (Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids)

Written by Adiba Nelson and Issa M. Mas
Illustrated by Alleanna Harris
Published by Feiwel & Friends

¡Es domingo y eso significa que es el día de hacerte el pelo! Mientras Mami teje oro y conchas de cauri en el cabello de Yadira, le cuenta la historia de la diosa Ochún, mostrándole a Yadi cómo su herencia afro latina está amorosamente tejida en cada trenza y concha.

Al día siguiente, Yadi llega a su primer día en una nueva escuela. Está nerviosa por hacer amigos, pero con sus hermosas trenzas, el clic-clac de las conchas de cauri y un poco de guía de Ochún, ella descubre que tiene todo lo que necesita para ser su mejor y más auténtica versión de sí misma.

Look for the English version, Oshún and Me: A Story of Love and Braids.

Primary ISBN: 9781250339546
Publication Date: January 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Picture Book, Age 03 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Unspecified

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 3rd Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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