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A review by makenziewho
Anna Hibiscus by Atinuke
4.0
Hewan's review: "It was ok. I didn't really like it as much as Milly Molly Mandy or Besty Tacy or Pooh. I liked the snow chapter so I'd give that one five stars."
Finding a good early chapter book with a Black main character is difficult, so in that regard this book is a gem! I loved the fact that life in Africa is portrayed as both modern and traditional- traditional dress and customs are highly valued, but the family also texts each other and lives in a big city. It's a great balance.
On the other hand, I didn't love how Anna's country isn't specified- just "amazing Africa." Life in Ethiopia is very different than life in say, Nigeria. I found myself explaining that several times throughout the book. Also, the writing was good, but much more modern and realistic than what we're used to, so I think Hewan didn't connect with it as much. These books might be better to save until she can read them independently, because they just don't have the charm of our usual read-alouds.
Finding a good early chapter book with a Black main character is difficult, so in that regard this book is a gem! I loved the fact that life in Africa is portrayed as both modern and traditional- traditional dress and customs are highly valued, but the family also texts each other and lives in a big city. It's a great balance.
On the other hand, I didn't love how Anna's country isn't specified- just "amazing Africa." Life in Ethiopia is very different than life in say, Nigeria. I found myself explaining that several times throughout the book. Also, the writing was good, but much more modern and realistic than what we're used to, so I think Hewan didn't connect with it as much. These books might be better to save until she can read them independently, because they just don't have the charm of our usual read-alouds.