Synopses & Reviews
andldquo;Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.andrdquo; So begins the true story of Selavi, a small boy who finds himself on the streets of Haiti. Selavi finds other street children who share their food and a place to sleep with him. Together they proclaim a message of hope through murals and radio programs.
Youme is an artist and activist who has worked with communities in Kenya, Japan, Haiti and Cuba to make art which honors personal and cultural wisdom. Edwidge Danticat, Haitian author, adds an essay to Selavi.
Review
"Beautiful illustrations using watercolor, photographs, collage, and techniques like batik make vivid Sand#233;laviand#8217;s lifeandhellip;A strong message of caring for the children and for each other rings through the kinds of sorrows too many children face in the world." andmdash;Kirkus Reviews
"This is a true tale of children who face some of life's cruelest obstacles. It is both moving and engagingandhellip;This is an excellent choice not only for the intended audience, but also for anyone who cares about others."andmdash;Children's Literature
"The bookand#8217;s animating belief that people can come together as 'a mighty river' of change and caring is genuinely inspiring. Photographs from the actual orphanage and an essay by Haitian author Edwidge Danticat make for a compelling closing statement. "andmdash;Publishers Weekly
"A mix of full spreads and small, carefully sequenced illustrations that are varied in scale and tone helps tell the story. Photographs and lengthy endnotes from Landowne and Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat provide valuable background informationandhellip;Useful in communities that serve Haitian-Americans, and libraries in which children are exploring issues of social justice." andmdash;School Library Journal
"Through the story of one Haitian child, this stirring picture book puts a human face on news images and tells of young people caught up in the terror of war at home." andmdash;Booklist
"In view of recent events, this story of the struggle of Haitian and#145;streetand#8217; children is especially timely and poignantandhellip;This relevant story of hope is not to be missed and is an excellent addition to any youth collection." andmdash;Baker and Taylor's Cats Meow
"A true story with a positive message that vividly presents the poignant difficulties street children face in daily life." andmdash;Midwest Book Review
Synopsis
“Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.” So begins the true story of Selavi, a small boy who finds himself on the streets of Haiti. Selavi finds other street children who share their food and a place to sleep with him. Together they proclaim a message of hope through murals and radio programs.
Youme is an artist and activist who has worked with communities in Kenya, Japan, Haiti and Cuba to make art which honors personal and cultural wisdom. Edwidge Danticat, Haitian author, adds an essay to Selavi.
Synopsis
On the streets of Haiti, a homeless child learns the meaning of family, solidarity, and hope.
About the Author
Youme, whose parents made her name up from the words "you"and "me,"is an artist and activist. She grew up in Miami, Florida, and Woods Hole, Massachusetts, listening to stories, reading her way through libraries, building tree houses and making books. Youmes work has taken her to Nairobi, Kenya, where she wrote and illustrated for Rainbow Magazine; to Kyoto, Japan, where she worked as a graphic artist; to Santiago de Cuba as a participant in Inter Nos, a collaborative mural project; and to Port-Au-Prince, Haiti, collaborating with children to paint murals and document their stories through drawings and the written word. She became a professional community muralist working with Precita Eyes Mural Art Center in San Francisco, California. Youme now lives in Brooklyn, New York, where she works with Groundswell, a public arts organization, and Teachers &Writers Collaborative.