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And They Walk On
CCBC Review:
“When someone walks on, where do they go?” The loss of a biracial (Mexican and Seminole) child’s grandmother evokes poignant imaginings about what happens after death. Could their loved one be found engaged in her usual activities, like “thumping melons” at the market, or fishing with a bucket of minnows? The child longs to tell their grandmother stories about their day and hopes that when she completes her journey, she’ll “turn around and come home.” Memories and reminders of her are everywhere: “hair in the brush, starlight mints by the bed, shoes on the floor.” The fragrances of eucalyptus tea and grape dumplings bring her cooking to mind. Toward the end of the book, the particularities of this child’s grief give way to universal, comforting reassurances that loved ones who “walk on” remain with us in our hearts and memories and continue to guide us. There’s a feeling of gentle solidarity and community in the closing line. “In the end, we all walk on… together.” The Author’s Note provides more information about the Native expression “walk on,” which can signify a “continuance of spirit” regardless of one’s belief in an afterlife. Highly Commended, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award ©2026 Cooperative Children’s Book Center
Illustrated by Rafael Lopez
CCBC Age Recommendation: 5-9
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Format:
Picture book
Subjects:
Death and Dying
First/Native Nations
Grandmothers
Grief and Loss
Mexicans and Mexican Americans
Multiracial Characters/Families
Seminole People
Diversity subject:
Indigenous
On CCBC Booklist:
Charlotte Zolotow Award (for Outstanding Writing in Picture Books)
Publisher:
Roaring Brook
Publish Year: 2025
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9781250821980
CCBC Location: Picture Book, Maillard