The Heart Never Forgets
by Ana Ot; illus. by Hayden Goodman
Primary    Atheneum    40 pp.
4/24    9781665913058    $18.99
e-book ed.  9781665913065    $10.99

A young girl and her family celebrate the annual West African tradition of masquerade—the first one since her grandfather’s death. The dark-skinned protagonist hears the “Dum! Dum! Dum! Dum!” of drums and knows masquerade, which “honor[s] our ancestors,” will soon begin. Her family, dressed in traditional garb, shares akaras, “Grandpa’s favorite food,” and carries items that belonged to him: Mama wears his bead bracelet; Papa wears his green velvet hat; and the girl’s brother proudly carries his special walking stick. Despite the festivities, the little girl feels that “masquerade without [Grandpa] hurts too much.” The drummers and musicians “stream by in splashes of color and fanfare,” followed by the masquerades—costumed performers whose masks (per an author’s note) symbolize “the tribe’s cultural roots” and represent deities, spirits, or ancestors. “The burst of energy in the air lifts my spirit and gives me courage. I know what I must do.” When the dancers finally appear, the girl courageously participates in the celebration in her own way. Goodman’s culturally rich gouache illustrations add energy to this heartfelt introduction to the uniqueness of this village-wide masquerade celebration. A joyful story of a ritual of remembrance.

From the July/August 2024 issue of The Horn Book Magazine.