Saturday, March 3, 2018

Juliane's Story #DiverseKidLit


Juliane's Story: A Real-Life Account of Her Journey from Zimbabwe

Written by Andy Glynne

Illustrated by Karl Hammond

(Based on the BAFTA winning animations)


Juliane lived on a farm in Zimbabwe. She was only three and a half when her mom left for her own safety. Church people took Juliane in and raised her.

"I had to learn to be my own mother and father."

But she believed, deep down, her mom was looking for her.

"In the orphanage, there were about 30 children trying to eat from one plate."

Reading about what life was like in the orphanage is heartbreaking. For kids, especially for many kids in America, it'll show them that they have things and privileges that other kids around the world don't have--a full plate of food and clean drinking water. There are things many children take for granted in this generation of iPhones, video games, and YouTube.

"I survived by drinking water, but it wasn't clean."

One day, all the orphan are put on a truck. Juliane's the smallest and the last to get on the truck. All of a sudden, a woman is chasing at it--her mom! They're reunited and leave Zimbabwe, but Juliane struggles to adapt to her new life in her new host country.

She experiences severe panic attacks, something not many kids understand, so this is a great teaching moment for parents to see if their children have ever experienced anxiety.

This is a picture book with few words, but the illustrations are stunning. There are also several lessons for kids today between these pages, such as acceptance.

RECOMMENDED




16 comments:

  1. This book is new to me. The artwork looks interesting, though! I love exploring new artistic styles.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy new, different artistic styles, too.

      Thanks for commenting!

      Delete
  2. This book is new to me, too. It certainly sounds like quite the experience—I'll have to keep an eye out for it.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks like a powerful book! I am definitely going to get a copy. Thanks for the recommendation.

    ReplyDelete
  4. What an important story for children! I am always searching for powerful stories like this one. The illustrations are amazing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I enjoy powerful children's stories, too.

      Thanks for commenting, Patricia!

      Delete
  5. This sounds like a great story for kids to read - maybe it will make them appreciate the blessings they have! Those are some really good illustrations, too!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it will open their eyes to the blessings they have. At least for a little while. Until they want something new. ;)

      Delete
  6. Wow...that illustration is heart-stopping. This sounds like a story that can open kids' hearts, minds and eyes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is such a powerful image.

      Thanks for commenting, Gayle!

      Delete
  7. This sounds like a powerful book. I hadn't heard of it before- so thanks for sharing. :)
    ~Jess

    ReplyDelete
  8. Wow, what a powerful story. These are the type of stories that need to be told.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Indeed, they are. And they should be told more often. Thanks for commenting!

      Delete