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Nothing Special
Selected as a Top Ten Children's Book of 2022 by the New York Public Library; a selection of Social Justice Books (a Teach for Change project); Winner of the 2023 Paterson Prize Books for Young People; selected by the Association for Library Service to Children to their 2023 Summer Reading List; Next Generation Indie Book Award Finalist!
A buddy story that spans generations, and a love letter to the Black family connections that survive the Great Migration.
Six-year-old Jax can't wait to leave Detroit and spend a week with his grandparents in coastal Virginia, where he's sure he'll be spoiled with the kinds of special things he enjoys at toys, movies, and hamburgers. As he dreams of the adventures he'll have, his PopPop has other ideas. He fills their days with timeless summer fun-crabbing, shucking corn, and counting fireflies.
Illustrated entirely of repurposed textiles, Nothing Special celebrates the enduring connection between the generations who stayed in the South and the millions of emigrants for whom it will always be home. Between 1910 and 1970, more than six million African Americans left the Jim Crow South, but they never forgot the culture, the land, and the family they left behind. In the decades since, it has become a summer ritual for many black families to reverse the journey and return South for a visit to their homeplaces.
A buddy story that spans generations, and a love letter to the Black family connections that survive the Great Migration.
Six-year-old Jax can't wait to leave Detroit and spend a week with his grandparents in coastal Virginia, where he's sure he'll be spoiled with the kinds of special things he enjoys at toys, movies, and hamburgers. As he dreams of the adventures he'll have, his PopPop has other ideas. He fills their days with timeless summer fun-crabbing, shucking corn, and counting fireflies.
Illustrated entirely of repurposed textiles, Nothing Special celebrates the enduring connection between the generations who stayed in the South and the millions of emigrants for whom it will always be home. Between 1910 and 1970, more than six million African Americans left the Jim Crow South, but they never forgot the culture, the land, and the family they left behind. In the decades since, it has become a summer ritual for many black families to reverse the journey and return South for a visit to their homeplaces.
40 pages, Hardcover
Published October 4, 2022
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
About the author
Desiree Cooper
17 books31 followersIn Know the Mother, Cooper explores how sexism and racism continue to uncoil in the midst of life's most intimate moments. A former journalist and Pulitzer Prize-nominated columnist for the Detroit Free Press, Cooper uses the compressed form of "flash fiction" to tell an entire story. Slipping between poetry and prose, the 2015 Kresge Artist Fellow takes the reader to places where race and gender are unexpected interlopers--from a traditional Japanese market where a black woman shops with her newborn, to a law office where a woman miscarries during a conference call, to the middle of the night when spirits arrive for dinner.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
January 20, 2023
Lovely story about a boy spending the day with his grandpa. The textile illustrations are exquisite.
October 31, 2022
Desiree Cooper's and Bec Sloane's "Nothing Special" captures the simple sweetness of doing "nothing" in this uniquely illustrated tribute to the lived wisdom of elders, and slowing down.
I find that most picture books about relationships with grandparents are at the very least, good. But there are several elements in this manuscript that put it in the above average category.
It realistically acknowledges the truth of today's children and their expectations. In a world where much emphasis is put on fast and convenient, and children's lives are just as scheduled as their parent's, Jax is a contemporary character who most kids will relate to. (That said, it was interesting to me that both Cooper and Sloane omitted any reference to electronics and I wonder if kids will notice -- hopefully not!)
In an unexpected but welcome surprise, "Nothing Special" is also a reflection of Black reverse-migration. The author explains her personal connection to the annual visit home, and her fond memories of "homecoming"are obvious in each sentence. For non-Black readers such as myself, it was new information that I could share with my own children. Any book that helps fill in the gaps of our current social/historical curriculum -- especially for children -- gets an extra star from me.
Finally, the pastel pallet, and amazing use of textile and found objects, perfectly evokes the feel of the warm southern air, the sun on the gulf, and the scratch softness of a grandparent's hugs. I couldn't help but wonder if some studio might snatch up "Nothing Special"and make an animated short from it?
Grandparents, family, the value of conscious living, and Black experience.
I find that most picture books about relationships with grandparents are at the very least, good. But there are several elements in this manuscript that put it in the above average category.
It realistically acknowledges the truth of today's children and their expectations. In a world where much emphasis is put on fast and convenient, and children's lives are just as scheduled as their parent's, Jax is a contemporary character who most kids will relate to. (That said, it was interesting to me that both Cooper and Sloane omitted any reference to electronics and I wonder if kids will notice -- hopefully not!)
In an unexpected but welcome surprise, "Nothing Special" is also a reflection of Black reverse-migration. The author explains her personal connection to the annual visit home, and her fond memories of "homecoming"are obvious in each sentence. For non-Black readers such as myself, it was new information that I could share with my own children. Any book that helps fill in the gaps of our current social/historical curriculum -- especially for children -- gets an extra star from me.
Finally, the pastel pallet, and amazing use of textile and found objects, perfectly evokes the feel of the warm southern air, the sun on the gulf, and the scratch softness of a grandparent's hugs. I couldn't help but wonder if some studio might snatch up "Nothing Special"and make an animated short from it?
Grandparents, family, the value of conscious living, and Black experience.
June 9, 2023
I read this book as an adult reader for the AR Diamond Book Award. My advice to you --Find this book ASAP and read it! I loved this book and the total message it sends. This book takes the reader back to basics in a "family-time" kind of way. A good read for anyone (especially grandparents w/ their grandchildren). 10/10 from me!
*Also, although I typically don't enjoy the hand sewn illustrations, this one just worked. The use of a variety of material and felted characters made it fun to look at after each page was read. It's fun to see all of the different materials that were used in the creation of each page/character.
*Also, although I typically don't enjoy the hand sewn illustrations, this one just worked. The use of a variety of material and felted characters made it fun to look at after each page was read. It's fun to see all of the different materials that were used in the creation of each page/character.
August 25, 2022
This book is a peace I didn't know I needed. That I didn't know WE needed. When a boy goes down south to visit his grandparents. It seems to simple, but to many of it just that means so much. Reading this to my kids brought us all so much joy. Them learning about the Great Migration from a part of the book started a fun and light hearted conversation about tradition and family. I don't know how but this book made me FEEL the slowness that you feel when you are down south.....the ease.....the need not to rush to do anything. The peace that comes with just moving at your own pace, with a purpose. I can see this book becoming one of the classics, AS IT SHOULD.....please write more of these.....we need it.
October 15, 2022
A child travels from Michigan to Virginia to visit his grandparents for summer vacation. There he discovers all the joy and delight to be had in a most ordinary day. As the reader follows Jax from morning to dusk on his first day with his grandparents, we see how his experience differs from what he expected. Ultimately, we recognize how a Nothing Special kind of day is truly something very special. Cooper’s words are a celebration of generations and being with family and connections to the places that are part of us. Sloane’s illustrations, made entirely of repurposed textiles, are a wonder. ‘Nothing Special’ is a treasure. This calm, peaceful, gentle story will be a favorite for children and their caregivers.
February 21, 2023
Wow. Do yourself a favor and go check this picture book out. The illustrations are done with recycled textiles and the story is charming and sweet and unexpectedly made me tear up. It is a common story of a black child from Detroit who gets to go visit his grandparents who live in the South. He is fully expecting to do all the things he does in Detroit--movies, go out to eat, etc. but instead his grandfather has him do the things he did as a young boy. They fish, they make a hand-made kite, the grandma cooks a feast and they watch fireflies at night. It is stupendous. Also, having the young boy Jax in University of Michigan garb made this wolverine smile!
October 27, 2022
This beautifully illustrated book illuminates a world non-African American readers may not have had the chance to encounter -- the reverse migration in the US, from North to South, to visit and revisit family roots. Cooper tells the story through the visit of Jax to his grandparents in coastal Virginia. Seeing Black characters rejoicing and relaxing in their home, reveling in nature and life's simple pleasures and abundant love is a balm. We need many more picture books like this one.
February 17, 2023
I loved this book! The thought that Jax had his ideas of what would be fun and then grandpa simply went about a typical day along with a few things from his childhood. All in all Jax had stepped out of his normal and into his grandparents normal only to realize the beauty that exists in both.
**Raising children in Marylands Eastern Shore this is an absolute delight. Our children were raised eating crabs and fresh picked corn.
**Raising children in Marylands Eastern Shore this is an absolute delight. Our children were raised eating crabs and fresh picked corn.
February 25, 2023
A wonderful story. Historically relevant and helpful commentary about the “reverse migration” of Northern Black folks who were descended from those who migrated from the South in the early to mid 20th century, but delivered in a really kid friendly way of a kid visiting his grandparents. And the illustration is phenomenal. I don’t think I’ve been more impressed with a book. All the images are made from repurposed textiles. The attention to detail is so wonderful.
September 1, 2022
Absolutely gorgeously illustrated, sweet, and very heart-filled story of the love between a grandfather and his grandson! Utterly charming and sure to be a great read-aloud!
December 17, 2022
I loved the artwork
February 24, 2023
So sweet! I love the message and the felted artwork us so cool!
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August 26, 2023Turn/Level: 1/3
Grandson/Grandfather
Features a kid staying with his grandparents and learning to like new things. The author is black.
Grandson/Grandfather
Features a kid staying with his grandparents and learning to like new things. The author is black.
April 4, 2023
A beautiful book!
May 7, 2023
This book is extremely charming and special.
May 12, 2023
Sweet, back to basics type of story.
January 6, 2023
Oh, the joys of visiting grandparents in a rural area, when you are a child of the city. This reminds me of my visits to my grandparents in Illinois. But as the author explains in her note, many people talk about the Great Migration of blacks from the oppression and violence of the Jim Crow South to the North, but not many talk about the annual reverse migration for a homecoming and a reconnection to church and community "central to black nostalgia". This isn't the only book I've read about this reverse migration, I'll have to create a booklist about them. The art is made from homemade and gathered textiles, with people (and dog) made out of felt. I loved this, but the art is too detailed and the text too easy-going for me to use in storytime.
June 7, 2023
A boy is going to his grandparent's house and is speculating what he will be doing - hoping it is some of his favorite things from home. Grandpa has plans for Jax to do activities from his own childhood such as crabbing, flying kites, and counting fireflies.
The book is great to so how the simple things sometimes are better than more complicated or modern. I really enjoyed the story and the message. After reading the illustrator notes on the pictures I understand their choices, they are just not my favorite. The illustrations are comprised of a mixture of drawings, paintings, and textured textiles all interwoven together. The colors are rich and saturated, they are just not to my taste. Good book though.
The book is great to so how the simple things sometimes are better than more complicated or modern. I really enjoyed the story and the message. After reading the illustrator notes on the pictures I understand their choices, they are just not my favorite. The illustrations are comprised of a mixture of drawings, paintings, and textured textiles all interwoven together. The colors are rich and saturated, they are just not to my taste. Good book though.
March 19, 2023
Nothing Special is actually pretty dang special. Its art is unlike any I've seen in a children's book before. The stunning illustrations made entirely from repurposed textiles bring an incredible vibrancy to this story of a young boy from Detroit visiting his grandparents in Virginia. This heartwarming book is one that parents will enjoy just as much (maybe more) as the kids they share it with.
December 14, 2024
Such a sweet book. A boy goes to visit his grandparents in summer. In his mind, he plans all the fun places he wants to go. They don't end up doing all those "special" things, but they wind up having a wonderful time doing ordinary things. Nat artwork, too!
February 10, 2023
Best illustrations I've ever seen. Give this illustrator a Caldecott!
May 27, 2023
This offers a sweet and simple story with absolutely beautiful, moving textile art.
June 29, 2023
Beautiful, loving story of a family and a young boy visiting grandparents. He has his expectations; reality is different, but just as joyous and memorable.
July 25, 2023
In this intergenerational story, a boy spends the summer with his grandparents in Virginia, who teach him about the simple things in life. Fabulous textile illustrations bring this story to life.
Read
August 29, 2023Very cool illustrations!
February 15, 2026
Wonderful from cover to cover, this story of an old-fashioned summer day shared between grandparents and grandchild is something truly special. The intricacy of the felted scenes is astonishing, with the still images looking almost animated.
December 31, 2023
This book is nothing special. Just like your childhood relationship with your grandparents was nothing special, and how going nowhere special and doing nothing special is actually quite meaningful and deeply felt.
Jax heads down to his grandparents' for summer vacation. He's full of anticipation and expectations for their first day together, but instead it's full of nothing special. But in the meantime he's making core memories that will last him a lifetime. A quiet, but thorough celebration of enjoying the everyday moments together, the comfort food we make together, the connections we make when we spend time together. While those connections might have universal appeal, this story is specifically about the connections forged over generations after the Great Migration (see: The Warmth of Other Suns for extensive grownup context).
The illustrations are textually magnificent, and also "nothing special" in the best way.
Note: author spent considerable time living in Michigan.
Jax heads down to his grandparents' for summer vacation. He's full of anticipation and expectations for their first day together, but instead it's full of nothing special. But in the meantime he's making core memories that will last him a lifetime. A quiet, but thorough celebration of enjoying the everyday moments together, the comfort food we make together, the connections we make when we spend time together. While those connections might have universal appeal, this story is specifically about the connections forged over generations after the Great Migration (see: The Warmth of Other Suns for extensive grownup context).
The illustrations are textually magnificent, and also "nothing special" in the best way.
Note: author spent considerable time living in Michigan.
April 16, 2023
1/28/2023 ~ An homage to traditions and family connections. The textile illustrations are fantastic. I appreciated the reviews by Black readers who highlighted the connections this story made to the Great Migration and the importance of maintaining relations with family in other areas of the country. Definitely a story to read on multiple levels.
This is a very small press, and I had to read an electronic version. Try to get your library to buy a print version!
This is a very small press, and I had to read an electronic version. Try to get your library to buy a print version!
January 26, 2026
"Nothing special" is how PopPop and Jax spend the day doing when Jax comes to spend summer with his grandparents. Jax imagines urban activities as his life in Detroit dictates, but PopPop has a different idea. From the early morning, Jax and PopPop day is filled with activity: catching crab, on the dock, building a kite and flying it, and helping grandma make dinner. No drive through drive in dinners or movie theaters. Just good plain fun.
The claymation-type art is amazing.
The claymation-type art is amazing.
July 4, 2023
Jax goes south for the summer to visit his grand parents.
He's looking forward to doing things with them, like go to the movies, go to his favorite drive-thru restaurant....but PopPop and Nana have other ideas.
This book was the inspiration for a summer arts & crafts program. Participants were asked to create a
collage.
He's looking forward to doing things with them, like go to the movies, go to his favorite drive-thru restaurant....but PopPop and Nana have other ideas.
This book was the inspiration for a summer arts & crafts program. Participants were asked to create a
collage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews