Summary:
Zettie and her Mama left their warm and comfortable home in Jamaica for an uncertain life in the United Sates. With Papa gone, Mama can't find a steady job that will sustain them and so they are forced to live in their car. But Mama's unwavering love, support, and gutsy determination give Zettie the confidence that, together, she and her mother can meet all challenges.
My Review:
This book although fictional, is also not so fictional. There are thousands of people that are homeless today including many of them children. Yes, many do live in their cars too, the one possession that might keep them safe. Many live in shelters or with other members of their family, and yes, the streets. Homelessness has many views.
The two main characters in this book, Zettie and her Mama, have to do many undignified things just to survive, like washing in the bathroom at the park, and being told to move their car after they have gone to sleep. They also have to trust some others who live on the street and even the police, this too can lead to danger. Mama takes care of Zettie as best as she can and constantly tells and shows her love for her. The story is heart-wrenching and an eye opener to maybe those that do not have to live a life of indignities.
The illustrations are done with chalk as cartoon-ish chunky characters. The colors are mainly muted and darker which adds to the overall sadness of the book.
However, in the end there is hope for these two which packages the book in a nice tidy bow but for those living a life on the streets, hope can be as little as finding your next meal.
The book is targeted to 6+ and much discussion can take place with the reading and rereading of this book. Think about it and read this winner of a book. 5 stars!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book for my open and honest opinion. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ with yours. ~Naila Moon
Where to find the author:
Amazon
Goodreads
1 comment:
Thanks for a wonderful review and for celebrating Multicultural Children's Book Day with us. I look so forward to reading this book !!!
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