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Table of Contents
About The Book
As a tree grows, so too does a strong and loving Black family over generations in this gorgeous and lyrical picture book spanning centuries of persistence and hope.
Roots take hold and settle in,
creeping far and free.
They stake their claim in barren ground—
a dream of what will be.
Here, they hope together.
A newly freed Black couple plant a pecan tree. The tree grows alongside each new generation of their family, weathering various seasons of change from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights period and into present day. Through difficult winters and the promise of spring, the tree continues to rise, mirroring the strength, resilience, and celebration of the family throughout time.
Roots take hold and settle in,
creeping far and free.
They stake their claim in barren ground—
a dream of what will be.
Here, they hope together.
A newly freed Black couple plant a pecan tree. The tree grows alongside each new generation of their family, weathering various seasons of change from the Jim Crow era to the Civil Rights period and into present day. Through difficult winters and the promise of spring, the tree continues to rise, mirroring the strength, resilience, and celebration of the family throughout time.
About The Author
Aliza Hoover
Teresa Rodrigues is a histologist-turned-kid lit writer. She grew up on Merritt Island, Florida, where she spent much of her time reading and pouring her emotions into poems. Now, she spends her days in sunny south Florida, pouring her emotions into books. When she isn’t writing, you can find her sending numerous social media reels to her daughters (much to their dismay) and enjoying life as an empty nester with her husband. She’s an active member of SCBWI and works to promote children’s literacy through BAM! Festival, a nonprofit in South Florida.
About The Illustrator
Jamiel Law is an illustrator, painter, and creative thinker. He was born and raised in Sarasota, Florida, where he was exposed to the arts. He strives to create honest work that resonates with others and establishes a genuine connection. When not at his desk, Jamiel can be seen lounging around with his family or hooping at a local park. You can visit Jamiel at JamielLaw.com.
Product Details
- Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers (February 24, 2026)
- Length: 40 pages
- ISBN13: 9781665957823
- Grades: P - 3
- Ages: 4 - 8
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Raves and Reviews
"A pecan seed planted by a freed Black couple becomes the living symbol of their family’s story in
this moving tale of strength, resilience, and hope . . . Simple yet layered gouache illustrations convey the passage of time through rich colors, while silhouetted figures embody continual growth and change. A
powerful and inspiring story of Black endurance across generations, perfect for fans of Nikki
Giovanni."
– Booklist
"A pecan seed planted by a freed Black couple becomes the living symbol of their family’s story in
this moving tale of strength, resilience, and hope . . . Simple yet layered gouache illustrations convey the passage of time through rich colors, while silhouetted figures embody continual growth and change. A
powerful and inspiring story of Black endurance across generations, perfect for fans of Nikki
Giovanni."
– Booklist
"In moving, rhythmic text, Rodrigues uses the changing seasons to represent different phases of the couple’s lives. . . Law’s illustrations [are] primarily in earth tones, highlighting this family’s connection to the land. A tree the couple planted endures over time, standing as a testament to their resiliency."
– Horn Book Magazine
"A Black family perseveres over generations. . . Law’s gouache illustrations depict characters primarily in greens and browns—an artistic choice that visually connects the family with their land. . . An uplifting story of family triumph amid turmoil."
– Kirkus Reviews
Resources and Downloads
High Resolution Images
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Book Cover Image (jpg): Where They Gather
Fixed Layout eBook 9781665957823
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Author Photo (jpg): Teresa Rodrigues Aliza Hoover(0.1 MB)
Any use of an author photo must include its respective photo credit
