Reviews

Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke

lalatut's review against another edition

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4.0

This is such an interesting story. It's unique to find early reading books featuring diverse characters from other cultures. This one is fantastic.

lizard1508's review against another edition

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3.0

I loved the multicultural focus of this book but other than that, I just didn't love it. Felt repetitive and predictable. Maybe better if you're a kid...

erine's review against another edition

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4.0

A delightful early chapter book about a charming girl. I loved her family's dynamics.

hollyizm's review against another edition

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5.0

My daughter and I loved this book about Anna's life in Africa- amazing Africa! We liked it so much we decided to head out for dinner at an Ethiopian restaurant so we could eat with our fingers "the proper African way". I am incredibly grateful to have found such a well-written early chapter book to introduce my daughter to African culture that does not exocticize or patronize its characters. She especially enjoyed thw story about Anna and the girls selling oranges and it gave us the opportunity to discuss privilege and how to best consider and help others. I would have liked to have specified a country rather than generalizing Africa but balanced with nonfiction that details the many nations on the continet and asserts "Africa is not a country" this was a great, fun read and we will be looking for the others in the series.

awetzel829's review

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funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

katykelly's review against another edition

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5.0

What a wonderful set of tales about a little girl growing up in a large, happy family in Africa!

So much in here to recommend - the traditional element of Anna's family, the way they live modern lives as well, the loving relationships, some very sweet stories about a bright and curious girl, and a whole pile of fascinating detail of African life that comes out in the pictures and stories.

This will be read to my son when he's older.

librarydosebykristy's review against another edition

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5.0

I love the sweet illustrations on every page and how they document what's happening as well as just everyday life in Africa. I also love how Anna learns about people who have less then her in a way that is not heavy handed or preachy. It simply is what it is.

Love Anna Hibiscus!

fyziksgirl's review

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informative sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

I had heard so many great things about this book years ago, but when I read it I was disappointed. Being queer and disabled it might have hit different for me than most.

sparklethenpop's review against another edition

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4.0

We love Anna Hibiscus!

lannthacker's review against another edition

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4.0

Great read aloud and early chapter book. A typical little girl many of my community's families could relate to. Anna Hibiscus also happens to be a biracial child living with her extended family in Amazing Africa. Such a vibrant, glowing view of modern Africa through a child's eyes. It was refreshing to read a positive portrayal of a part of the world usually viewed as a Catalog of Problems.