Grama’s Hug

PreS-Gr 2–May and her Grama live together and are practically inseparable. When they do have to part, it is never first without a hug. May and Grama love birds, flight, and space and they work together imagining ways they can engage in flight opportunities. As May moves through the grades at school, she enters and wins the yearly Space Fair competition. One year, after a month at space camp, May becomes the youngest astronaut invited to travel to space. Grama is thrilled. The separation will be hard, but Grama and May find comfort in one last hug before her great adventure. There are two overarching themes in this picture book for elementary students. First, being a story of love, family, and perseverance, this book touches a chord about life, loss, and moving forward. Second, May has a passion that is unwavering and supported by her grandmother and they work together through trial and error to help May’s biggest dreams become a reality. The theme of stick-to-itiveness and innovation could promote thoughtful discussions on growth mindset. The digital artwork is happy and rich and expertly conveys the loving nuances of the family dynamic expressed in the text.