July 1, 2013
Gr 1-3-Anna Hibiscus and her adventures make a return appearance in this third book (Kane Miller, 2010) in the series. In this sparkling and engaging story, Anna lives in Africa. Atinuke, a master storyteller, provides a veritable feast for the senses. Children will smell "the hot, spicy, friendly air," and hear and see "the birds that sing in the branches and the lizards that run along the roots." They will commiserate with Anna's miserable feeling when she can't find warm clothes for her upcoming visit to Canada. They will drool when Anna's uncle prepares a mouth-watering, going-away-to-Canada meal. A transitional read for children entering the world of chapter books, it transcends stereotypes while helping all of us see an Africa that is unfamiliar to many. Atinuke adeptly weaves glimpses of social injustice into the fabric of the narrative. As Anna comes face-to-face with her city's need for water, we cheer as she and her large family work to help the children beyond the gate of their compound. An eye-opening look at middle-class privilege provides students with the opportunity to begin to recognize need and see themselves as capable agents of change. Mutiyat Ade-salu's narration is lyrically beautiful. Her smooth transitions from narrator to characters are rhythmic and lovely. A must-have for libraries that nourish global citizens.-Terri Perper, Middletown Public Library, MD
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