Reviews

Inspired by a true incident, Rockliff's (The Busiest Street in Town) story demonstrates what real generosity looks like. It takes place in a Cameroon village, where an American teacher tells his students that the Great Depression is worsening in his country, "far away across the great salt river." His news that children were starving deeply affects Kedi, who knows hunger firsthand, and the girl's "heart stood up for them in sympathy." When she asks her mother and other villagers for money to send to America, they respond that they have none to spare, yet Kedi's "heart would not sit down." The narrative conveys a keen sense of Kedi's compassion and determination to help, which, as the conclusion proves, is contagious. Rendered in watercolor, pen-and-ink, and oils, Tanksley's (The Six Fools) pared-down, childlike pictures provide a sketch of Cameroon village life, their electric hues of orange, magenta, and scarlet jumping from the pages. An author's note, which puts the story in real-life context and spotlights others who, despite their own need, have aided the hungry, offers a useful springboard for discussion. Agent: Andrea Brown Literary Agency. Ages 5-8. (Jan.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

Gr 2-4-When a girl in Cameroon learns from her American teacher that people are starving in New York City because of the Great Depression, she asks her mother and neighbors for money for people across the "great salt river," but everyone is so poor that no one can help. Nevertheless, the next day, though she hasn't enough to pay the head tax, Kedi's mother gives her a single coin. The child is embarrassed to give so little to her teacher until the villagers arrive with their coins as well-and they collect a total of $3.77. From the brilliant title spread in which water extends across the page separating Cameroon villagers from the Manhattan skyline, the folk-art illustrations, rendered in watercolor, pen and ink, and oils, evoke life and vegetation in Kedi's village in contrast to the city's crowded sidewalks. A depiction of Kedi stirring soup "with fou-fou and a bit of meat and greens" appears opposite an image of New Yorkers on a breadline. An author's note reveals that Kedi's story is based on a true event; describes the market crash of 1929 and its effects; details life in Cameroon; and provides examples of other poor communities that have helped those without food. Sharing this inspiring story, along with Carmen Agra Deedy's 14 Cows for America (Peachtree, 2009), in which the 9/11 attacks "burned a hole" in a Maasai boy's heart, may motivate youngsters to find their own ways to help people in need.-Marianne Saccardi, formerly at Norwalk Community College, CT (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.