“When someone walks on, where do they go?” The loss of a biracial (Mexican and Seminole) child’s grandmother evokes poignant imaginings about what happens after death. Could their loved one be found engaged in her usual activities, like “thumping melons” at the market, or fishing with a bucket of minnows? The child longs to tell their grandmother stories about their day and hopes that when she completes her journey, she’ll “turn around and come home.” Memories and reminders of her are everywhere: “hair in the brush, starlight mints by the bed, shoes on the floor.” The fragrances of eucalyptus tea and grape dumplings bring her cooking to mind. Toward the end of the book, the particularities of this child’s grief give way to universal, comforting reassurances that loved ones who “walk on” remain with us in our hearts and memories and continue to guide us. There’s a feeling of gentle solidarity and community in the closing line. “In the end, we all walk on… together.” The Author’s Note provides more information about the Native expression “walk on,” which can signify a “continuance of spirit” regardless of one’s belief in an afterlife. Highly Commended, 2026 Charlotte Zolotow Award