Debut Release
The Things We Hold
by Vanessa Lewis-Porter · illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright
A tender story about how being unhoused affects the school life of a fourth grade girl.
Debut Release
The Things We Hold
by Vanessa Lewis-Porter · illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright
A tender story about how homelessness affects the school life of a fourth grade girl.
The Book
Everyone is carrying something you can't see.
Lilly holds a lot inside. There's the sting of being teased for wearing the same clothes to school. The quiet ache of a field-trip permission slip with a fee her mom can't cover. And the heaviest thing of all — the one she keeps to herself — is that her family doesn't have a home right now, and some nights they sleep in the car.
Drawn from author Vanessa Lewis-Porter's years in the classroom, The Things We Hold is a gentle reminder that we never really know what someone is carrying — and that the kindest thing we can do is lead with empathy.
“You never know what a person is holding inside.”
Illustrated by Cornelius Van Wright
An award-winning children's book illustrator whose warm, expressive artwork has brought dozens of picture books to life — and gives Lilly's story its tender, hopeful heart.
A few things about me:
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I am a bookaholic! I have separate collections of cookbooks, children's books, black authors, and a Michelle and Barack Obama collection.
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I’m a huge fan of professional basketball and tennis. Yay Wemby, Steph, Magic, Kareem, Venus, and Victoria.
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I am a new Thrifty (like Swifties). Love, Love, Love estate sales.
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Devoted wife and mother, if you know me, you also know my husband and my sons.
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Retired teacher, Literacy Coach, and Reading Intervention Coordinator.
Praise & Honors
Recognized, and loved by readers
Lee & Low New Voices Award
Honoring outstanding debut picture books by writers of color.
Junior Library Guild Fall Selection
Selected by editors as one of the best new books for schools and libraries, 2026.
News & Events
Story times, signings & school visits.
Newsletter
News, new books, and visit dates.
Occasional notes and updates from Vanessa including what she's working on, where she'll be, and ways to bring the book into your home or classroom.
Contact
Say Hello
For school and library visits, interviews, festival invitations, or just to share what the book meant to you — send a note and Vanessa will get back to you.
Press & visits: lewisbaby67@gmail.com