Page Turner’s Bookshelf: Where They Gather by Teresa Rodrigues

Where They Gather By Teresa Rodrigues is a Beautiful Picturebook for Kids

There’s something extra special about putting a friend’s book on Page Turner’s Bookshelf.

The Where They Gather book, written by my friend and fellow critique-group member Teresa Rodrigues and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali, is a beautiful picture book about Black history, family, resilience, and hope.

The story begins with a newly freed Black couple planting a pecan tree. As the tree grows, so does their family. Generation after generation gathers beneath its branches as both the tree and the family weather difficult seasons, from the Jim Crow era through the Civil Rights Movement and into the present day.

I love the way the tree becomes part of the family’s story. Its roots grow deeper. Its branches stretch farther. And through it all, it stands as a beautiful reminder of the strength that can grow from the hopes and dreams planted by those who came before us.

If you’re looking for a Black history picture book that explores history through the story of one family, Where They Gather is a beautiful choice. It’s also a wonderful Black family picture book for starting conversations about generations, resilience, roots, and the people and stories that came before us.

This book is even more meaningful to me because Teresa is my friend and one of my critique-group partners. We’ve spent countless hours talking about stories, wrestling with words, sharing works-in-progress, and cheering each other on. There’s nothing quite like watching someone you care about put a story into the world.

And this is a beautiful one.

Welcome to Page Turner’s Bookshelf, Where They Gather. ❤️