# Braided Roots

**Author:** Pasha Westbrook
**Grade range:** Grades 2–3
**Page count:** 40
**Genre:** Juvenile Fiction
**ISBN-13:** `9781546110965`
**ISBN-10:** `1546110968`
**Canonical URL:** https://readinglist.school/book/braided-roots
**License:** [CC BY 4.0](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/) — please credit ReadingList.school when citing.

## About this book

A stunning, poetic debut picture book from Pasha Westbrook about honoring one’s roots and the unbreakable bond of familial love, brought to life with enchanting illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight. Father braids my hair, just like his, scented of coconut oil, the familiar tug of fingers on my scalp, love in every twist... As a young girl’s father lovingly yet painstakingly braids her hair, he weaves a story about the strength and resilience of their ancestors, Freedmen who walked the Trail of Tears from Mississippi to Oklahoma. In this enchanting picture book, past and present come together in a tale about endurance, history, and love. With beautiful, sweeping illustrations by Madelyn Goodnight and debut author Pasha Westbrook's lyrical writing, Braided Roots tenderly explores the unwaverin

## Where this book is assigned

### Great Lakes Great Books Award

- **recommended** · 2nd grade · Michigan — [source: Michigan Reading Association — Great Lakes Great Books Award 2026-27 nominee (official GLGBA nominee press release + nominees list, announced March 7, 2026 at the MRA Annual Conference; Michigan students vote through January 9, 2027) — 2-3 division](https://michiganreading.org/Great-Lakes-Great-Books)
- **recommended** · 3rd grade · Michigan — [source: Michigan Reading Association — Great Lakes Great Books Award 2026-27 nominee (official GLGBA nominee press release + nominees list, announced March 7, 2026 at the MRA Annual Conference; Michigan students vote through January 9, 2027) — 2-3 division](https://michiganreading.org/Great-Lakes-Great-Books)

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