lordofbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
afro8921's review against another edition
3.0
At first glance, calling the water drum is a cute story about a boy who likes to drum. The story takes on a different slant when you learn about the little boys dangerous journey to America. Great story about friendship and resiliency.
heisereads's review against another edition
4.0
A heart-breaking, yet hopeful story to add to a text set on the refugee experience. This boy's family flees from Haiti and tries to make a boat crossing. The water bucket he drums on is the only thing he has left from his life and parents.
fernandie's review against another edition
3.0
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
backonthealex's review against another edition
4.0
When they receive money from his Uncle Jacques in New York City, Henri's parents buy a rickety old boat in the hope of successfully crossing from Haiti to the United States. Told not to tell anyone what they are planning, Henri, his mother and father set out in the middle of the night. It's scary out in to ocean in a small boat that's taking on water. When the waves get bigger and rougher, the boat capsizes. Henri's father puts him on top of the boat, while he and his mother try to hold on. As it get rougher, they loose their hold and disappear into the water. Rescued by another boat, Henri lives with his uncle in NYC. The only thing he has left if the bucket he used in Haiti to help his parents with chores. Henri is unable to speak due to the trauma of losing his parents, but now, he uses the bucket as his voice and to drum his feelings about his loss. Henri does make a friend, Karrine, who lost her father in Hurricane Katrina.
This is a realistic, moving story that really portrays the uncertainty and danger, as well as the courage and tenacity refugees face as they try to escape to a better, safer life. Henri's story does end on a hopeful note, as he finds his voice and learns to laugh again. The realistic watercolor illustrations really capture the dangers and struggles Henri faced.
You can download a useful Teacher's Guide for Calling the Water Drum from the publisher HERE
This is a realistic, moving story that really portrays the uncertainty and danger, as well as the courage and tenacity refugees face as they try to escape to a better, safer life. Henri's story does end on a hopeful note, as he finds his voice and learns to laugh again. The realistic watercolor illustrations really capture the dangers and struggles Henri faced.
You can download a useful Teacher's Guide for Calling the Water Drum from the publisher HERE
afro75's review against another edition
3.0
At first glance, calling the water drum is a cute story about a boy who likes to drum. The story takes on a different slant when you learn about the little boys dangerous journey to America. Great story about friendship and resiliency.
wordnerd153's review against another edition
4.0
Interesting glimpse into a boy’s experience as a refugee from Haiti. I really liked how the power of music is woven into the story.
jozefsyndicate's review against another edition
5.0
From Lee and Low books, Calling the Water Drum by is a beautifully illustrated historical fiction book about a young Haitian immigrant whose parents are lost in the Atlantic Ocean as the three of them attempted to travel to America. Paddling in a rickety boat, Henri and his parents battle rough winds and waves until the boat is broken and they are scattered in the water. Henri is left alone, floating on broken wood and holding a water drum. Once he reaches the shore, he is so traumatized that he can't talk and instead he communicates by playing his drum. Each beat helps Henri deal with the loss while navigating through a new and foreign world. LaTisha Redding tells an exceedingly moving story using emotion, rhythm, and colors to show the uncertainties of immigration and the hope and expectation of a new life and brighter future. By taking a real-life situation and showing how it honestly affects young immigrants, Calling the Water Drum is a five-star book and a must read for diverse readers. BuyTheBook.
elephant's review against another edition
5.0
This is a heart wrenching story about a boy whose parents drowned when they left Haiti and how he made it to the USA and dealt with his sorrow.
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