Africa is My Home: A Child of the Amistad

Author(s): Monica Edinger

Sophisticated Picture Books

Inspired by a true account, here is the compelling story of a child who arrives in America on the slave ship Amistad - and eventually makes her way home to Africa. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child. Lush, full-colour illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents, bring an extraordinary journey to life.

PUBLICATION FEBRUARY 2015

19.00 NZD

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This book makes an important part of history accessible to child readers...--Kirkus Reviews Fascinating. A little known story filled with original research that's a great read from start to finish. ... Nothing comes close to "Africa Is My Home" in terms of sure research, heart, blood, sweat, and tears... it works so well on the page as to seem effortless.--A Fuse #8 Production Margru's descriptions of the strangeness of life in America and her homesickness for Sierra Leona are incisive and heartbreaking. Meticulously incorporated throughout the book's design, along with reproductions of archival materials, Byrd's ("Good Masters! Sweet Ladies!") folk art-style ink-and-watercolor illustrations vividly capture the landscapes and people of West Africa, Cuba, and the U.S.--Publishers Weekly Edinger avoids sensationalism without underselling the more disturbing parts of the story... An author's note describes Edinger's motivation in seeking out Margru's story and traces some of her research methods, but it is her skill in imagining Margru's life from those original sources that opens up this episode in history to young readers.--The Horn Book The storybooklike narrative of a child torn between two worlds is captivating, and Byrd's finely lined color illustrations add to the story, as do reproductions of historical documents.--Booklist The prose is taut, and Magulu has a friendly voice, while Byrd's sprightly, delicately lined ink and watercolor illustrations are filled with deep visual detail. A few archival document reproductions are interspersed, captioned in Magulu's voice, adding to the sense that readers are having a conversation with the past.--Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books Edinger tells the story of Margru's long journey home, supporting her fictionalized narrative with primary sources like news clippings and engravings. The best of Byrd's exquisite ink-and-watercolor pictures show Margru sleeping under New England quilts while dream images of Africa wreath her head.--The New York Times Book Review

Monica Edinger is a teacher and reviews children's books for the New York Times, The Horn Book, and other publications. She began her teaching career as a Peace Corps volunteer in Sierra Leone. Monica Edinger lives and works in New York City.

General Fields

  • : 9780763676476
  • : Candlewick Press,U.S.
  • : Candlewick Press,U.S.
  • : 0.367
  • : March 2015
  • : 230mm X 190mm
  • : United States
  • : books

Special Fields

  • : Monica Edinger
  • : Paperback
  • : Robert Byrd
  • : 64
  • : illustrations