Sélavi, That Is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope
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Book Overview
The true story of Selavi ("that is life"), a small boy who finds himself homeless on the streets of Haiti. He finds other street children who share their food and a place to sleep. Together they proclaim a message of hope through murals and radio programs. Now in paper, this beautifully illustrated story is supplemented with photographs of Haitian children working and playing together, plus an essay by Edwidge Danticat. Included in the 2005 ALA Notable Children's Book List and the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List.
Youme Landowne is an artist and activist who has worked with communities in Kenya, Japan, Haiti, and Cuba to make art that honors personal and cultural wisdom. She makes her home in Brooklyn, New York, and rides her bike everywhere.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0938317954
ISBN13:9780938317951
Release Date:September 2005
Publisher:Cinco Puntos Press
Length:40 Pages
Weight:0.35 lbs.
Dimensions:0.1" x 8.0" x 9.9"
Age Range:6 to 9 years
Grade Range:Grades 1 to 4
Customer Reviews
5 ratings
Great Story Showing Rich History
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 16 years ago
Many adults do not know the rich history of Haiti and so to have a book that can educate children as well as adults is great. Although, this book focuses on some of the sadder parts of Haiti's history it still shows the richness and strength of its people. For children, this book is a lesson in teamwork, collaboration, love, and pride.
Wonderful children reading.
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 17 years ago
Very well written. Great service and fast shipping. Thank you
This is a powerful and moving book...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
The story, as you can read in the descriptions above, is an amazing and powerful one. The book itself could be filled with negativity, but it seems to barely flitter over the negative spots... what, exactly happened to Selavi's family? The upheaval and chaos of revolution and political instability is not mentioned directly, though a knowledgeable (not a young) reader would be able to recognize it. The young reader is able to recognize the central theme: We are all drops of water, but together we can create a mighty river. Teamwork and community are powerful forces against evil. The illustrations are beautiful and meaningful. I enjoyed reading the endnotes by Danticat, which helped fill in some of the gaps of the story.
A true story with a positive message
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
Selavi: A Haitian Story of Hope is the story of a homeless child befriended by other street children living in Haiti, who all look out for one another sharing food and companionship. Together they find a caring community and a voice to create a radio station run by and for children. A true story with a positive message, that vividly presents the poignant difficulties street children face in daily life.
All the colors of life...
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 20 years ago
This is a gracefully written, beautifully illustrated book that introduces young readers to a complex true story of hardship and resourcefulness, persecution and triumph. As a former teacher, I think it would also make a strong teaching tool to introduce the concept of human rights to young readers.While the story has painful moments, the pages also contain joy, humor, and levity. The book does not condescend or oversimplify. It trains a keen child's eye, perceptive to all the colors of life, on the people and politics of Haiti.
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