Shanté Keys and the New Year’s Peas
Author: Gail Piernas-Davenport
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 9780807509282
Illustrator: Marjorie Priceman
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
ISBN: 9780807509282
Topic: New Year traditions, family, hope, and cultural heritage through the story of a girl learning about good luck foods for the new year.
Main Character: Shanté is a curious, thoughtful young girl who loves learning about her family and the traditions that matter to them. As New Year’s Day approaches, she wants to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas and what the tradition means.
Plot: As she watches the traditions unfold, Shanté becomes curious about why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day. Her questions lead to conversations with family members who explain the meaning behind the custom and the hope it represents for the year ahead.
Settings: The story is set primarily in Shanté’s home during the days surrounding New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
I Gave This Book 4 Roars! 🦁🦁🦁🦁
Why 4 Roars? This book captures the feeling of standing on the edge of a new year with curiosity and hope. It introduces children to a meaningful cultural tradition while keeping the story warm, accessible, and relatable. Kids see themselves in Shanté’s excitement, questions, and desire for good things to come. However, be prepared for some children to dislike peas!
Critical Analysis: Gail Piernas-Davenport weaves cultural learning into an engaging narrative rather than presenting it as a lesson. Shanté’s journey to understand why her family eats black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day unfolds naturally through conversation, family interaction, and anticipation. The style is warm, conversational, and joyful. The language is accessible for young readers while still rich enough to support read-aloud sessions and classroom discussion.
Marjorie Priceman’s illustrations are energetic and expressive, filled with motion, color, and emotion. The artwork reflects the excitement of New Year’s Eve and the warmth of family traditions, helping young readers feel the celebration rather than simply observe it.
Accuracy: The book accurately reflects the Southern tradition of eating black-eyed peas for good luck in the new year. Cultural elements are presented respectfully and clearly. The story follows a clear, linear progression from curiosity to understanding. Shanté’s questions guide the narrative, making it easy for young readers to follow along while building anticipation for New Year’s Day.
Connections: This book works especially well for January story times and early-year classroom themes such as new beginnings and family traditions.
Possible activities include:
• sharing family New Year traditions
• creating a “hope for the new year” drawing
• exploring foods associated with celebrations
• discussing how different cultures welcome a new year
Happy New Year!
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