A young Black narrator informs the reader right off the bat that he doesn’t want to go to his family reunion: “No reunion. NOPE. Rather play video games. Do I HAVE to go?” Aaron’s negative attitude is maintained through packing, the car ride, and initial introductions. “People I don’t know. Dad hugs. Mom hugs. Not me. NO. Force field activate.” Gradually the boy warms to his cousins and joins in their games, and he loves seeing his PopPop, who slips a ten-dollar bill into his pocket. Before long, he’s enjoying the food, the dancing, and the just plain hanging out with cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. By the end, he’s already looking forward to next year’s reunion. The snappy conversational narrative and the expressive stylized illustrations aptly capture the traditions of a Black family reunion, right down to the matching t-shirts and the Sunday morning church service. (Ages 4-7)

In this contemporary tale, a boy is reluctant to go to his family reunion, which he’s sure will be boring. Vivid, poetic language and rich illustrations bring readers along for the boy's emotional journey, as he ultimately finds himself enjoying the large and joyous gathering in spite of himself. This modern kid’s-eye view depiction of a Black American extended family celebrates the importance of kinship and intergenerational ties.