A Night for the Rice Carriers
Mae loves spending time in Coco’s garden, and today is a very special day. Together, they pull weeds, sweep the paths, and hang bright lanterns to get ready for a full‑moon celebration with all their neighbors and friends. Tonight, Mae will stand beneath the glowing moon and share a powerful story—one that has been passed down through her family for generations.
As music fills the air and everyone enjoys delicious food, Coco reminds Mae of the brave women they honor each year: Yaya and Paanza. Long ago, when Yaya and Paanza escaped enslavement, they carried tiny grains of rice hidden in their braids. Those grains helped them plant new fields, feed their families, and build a new life. Their courage—and the rice they carried—became a symbol of hope, strength, and good rebellion.
NOTE: This book's publish date is August 4, 2026.
