Don't Call Me Grandma

Great-grandmother Nell is unlike other grandmothers - she wears red lipstick, prefers solitude, and doesn't give hugs or cookies. Her great-granddaughter observes her with curiosity, noting her distinctive habits and treasured possessions. Through glimpses into Nell's room and memories, the story reveals pieces of her past as a young Black woman who lived through significant periods of American history. The relationship between the young girl and her great-grandmother develops through small moments and observations. What emerges is a portrait of family bonds across generations and how different experiences shape who people become. The book explores how love can exist without fitting conventional expectations, and how understanding between family members can grow through patience and attention to the small details of their lives.

Readers appreciate the book's authentic portrayal of a complex grandmother-granddaughter relationship that isn't sugar-coated. Many note the striking illustrations by Elizabeth Zunon and how they complement the story's emotional depth. Parents value how the book addresses difficult family dynamics and helps children understand that not all grandparents fit the warm, cookie-baking stereotype. Multiple reviews mention its usefulness in discussing different personality types with kids. Some readers found the story too brief to fully explore the grandmother's character background. A few mentioned their children had trouble connecting with Great-Grandmother Nell's stern demeanor. Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (249 ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (21 ratings) "The sophisticated artwork and intricate character development make this book stand out" - School Library Journal reviewer "My daughter asks questions about why Great-Grandmother Nell acts the way she does, which leads to good discussions" - Amazon reviewer

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🌟 Author Vaunda Micheaux Nelson based this story on her own great-grandmother, who was known for her elegance, strong personality, and deep-rooted pride in being a Black woman. 🌟 The book depicts a rarely shown dynamic in children's literature: a great-grandmother who doesn't fit the stereotypical "warm and cuddly" grandmother role, offering young readers a more complex view of family relationships. 🌟 The illustrator, Elizabeth Zunon, used a combination of oil paint and collage techniques to create the book's distinctive artwork, incorporating vintage patterns and textures to reflect the great-grandmother's sophisticated style. 🌟 Great-grandmother Nell in the story wears bright red lipstick daily, which serves as both a symbol of her independence and a connection point between generations, as her great-granddaughter becomes fascinated by this ritual. 🌟 The book addresses the impact of historical racism without directly discussing it, shown through subtle details like Great-Grandmother's pride in using the front door of establishments and her insistence on maintaining dignity in all situations.