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book cover for Where I Grew

Where I Grew

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Pub Date Mar 24 2026 | Archive Date Feb 28 2026

W. W. Norton & Company | Norton Young Readers


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Description

This gorgeous, heartfelt picture book celebrates the strength and legacy of those who travel to new lands and the homes they build.

A young girl takes a walk in the forest with her grandfather and observes the animals, plants, growth, and marks of the seasons—a walk that parallels the journey her family took to put down roots and that shaped her life. Reflecting on the present, she looks to the future and the ways that she, too, will offer strength and support to generations that follow.

Jashar Awan’s spare, lyrical text is given magnificent expression in Rahele Jomepour Bell’s stunning images of nature. Where I Grew is a nuanced and lovely picture book that honors the sacrifices and strengths of people who journey to new lands and to the beautiful and enduring homes that they create.

About the Contributors:

Jashar Awan is the creator of numerous award-winning picture books, including Geisel Honor book Towed by Toad. He lives in Ohio with his family.

Rahele Jomepour Bell is an award-winning children’s book illustrator. She lives in Iowa.

This gorgeous, heartfelt picture book celebrates the strength and legacy of those who travel to new lands and the homes they build.

A young girl takes a walk in the forest with her grandfather and...


Available Editions

EDITION Hardcover
ISBN 9781324016618
PRICE $18.99 (USD)
PAGES 48

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Average rating from 9 members


Featured Reviews

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Where I Grew, written by Jashar Awan and illustrated by Rahele Jomepour Bell, is a stunning picture book that beautifully ties the growth of trees to a family’s immigrant journey. The lyrical text and gorgeous illustrations convey deep emotions of strength, legacy, and hope.

It's a quiet, powerful story that gracefully honors the sacrifices made to build a home in a new place. Nuanced and incredibly moving, this book is a must-read for all ages. It’s a flawless, heartwarming tribute to family history.

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I received an electronic ARC from W. W. Norton & Company through NetGalley.
A grandfather and his granddaughter take a walk in the woods. The grandfather refers to different parts of the forest to emphasize their lives - where they came from, where they are, where they will be in the future. The simple text can be interpreted as looking at portions of the forest growth and also seen as the growth of this family. The beautifully drawn artwork captures the mood and the love.

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