How We Hold the World

Set in Dogon Country, Mali, How We Hold The World follows two sisters as they move through a moment of change that reshapes how they understand family, memory, and belonging. Rooted in the rhythms of daily life and cultural tradition, the story gently explores themes of grief, education, gender, emotional growth, and the enduring bonds that hold us together.As the sisters navigate their shifting world, they draw on language, storytelling, and their connection to community to make meaning of what feels uncertain. Through their journey, young readers are invited to reflect on their own experiences of change while building empathy and emotional awareness.Designed for both home and classroom use, How We Hold The World supports social-emotional learning, grief and bereavement support and culturally responsive teaching. It offers a meaningful entry point into conversations about global cultures, indigenous language, identity, and resilience, while honoring the richness of Dogon heritage and the importance of ethical, cross-cultural storytelling.