Sandy's Spotlight
BOOK REVIEW
When This Is Over, I Will Go To School, And I Will Learn To Read
by
Pamela Sisman Bitterman
Author: Pamela Sisman Bitterman
Genre: Children's Book - Non-Fiction Picture Book
The following is my June 13, 2012, 5 Star review:
Please pick this book up! The message is too important to pass by.
My policy is that I DO NOT review children's books. I did, however, make an exception for WHEN THIS IS OVER, I WILL GO TO SCHOOL, AND I WILL LEARN TO READ by PAMELA SISMAN BITTERMAN. The title hooked me and I just had to find out what this book was all about.
This book was born from the travels of Ms. Sisman Bitterman to Kenya and her interactions with the people there. It is a true story with pictures of a Kenyon orphan that broke my heart, from this child's bleak living and health situation to the true spirit of human kindness and selflessness of those there to help. It brings tears to my eyes just writing this review and thinking of those children and the deplorable life situation they find themselves in. "There but by the grace of God, go I." Even after losing parents that are supposed to protect and cherish these children and the horrible illnesses many of them face, this book reflects the child's vision of hope for the future. It takes my breath away.
Excerpt taken from the Author's Notes at the end of the book: "I have promised the children of the village the proceeds from the publication of this book. They trust me. And they wait."
I encourage all parents to purchase this book for their children or their children's children. Who knows? Maybe one of them will be the next in line to offer their time and skills to help the children of Kenya. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Please take a moment and pick this book up and help spread the word about it.
WHEN THIS IS OVER, I WILL GO TO SCHOOL, AND I WILL LEARN TO READ by PAMELA SISMAN BITTERMAN has been awarded the following prestigious first prize children's book awards: The Gold Seal CBC Award and the Smart Writ Book Award.
When This Is Over, I Will Go To School, And I Will Learn To Read Book Trailer:
Purchase information and blurb:
No one knows the story of Kenya better than the children who live it. I had the opportunity to travel to this country and become immersed with the families there. The result is a1500-word nonfiction picture book titled, "When This Is Over, I Will Go To School, And I Will Learn To Read": A Story of Hope and Friendship for One Young Kenyan Orphan. This true story of one little boy is told in his own words. While there are many books about Africa on the market, none are told from a child's point of view like this one.
The children from the village created the book's illustrations. I asked these students to draw what represented family, love, happiness, sadness, fear and hope for them. I have powerful photographs of the children, the school, the village and the countryside, the hospital, the mobile clinic and orphan program. It is this truth that is certain to nudge the hearts and minds of parents, teachers and children everywhere.
*****
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