Description
Why does Amadi’s mother insist he learn to read words? Why should an Igbo boy of Nigeria, who will become a great trader, waste precious time on books?
When he runs off to the market instead of sticking around for a reading lesson, he encounters a much-admired older boy secretly reading at a book stall, and then Amadi becomes intrigued by a storybook with pictures of a strange white creature that has a carrot for a nose. Unable to shake his questions about the snowman, Amadi discovers the vast world reading can open up—especially for an Igbo boy of Nigeria.
Reviews
"Amadi’s experiences are genuine and come across naturally in the narrative. The vibrant illustrations depict the setting and bring richness and depth to the story." — School Library Journal
"Children will enjoy reading about Amadi’s life in the village, depicted in the earth-toned, intimate scenes. It’s a nice reversal that young children will be able to grasp—what looks exotic and faraway to one person is a place where someone else lives." — Booklist
"This tale shines a welcome light on cultural differences." — Kirkus
"A beautiful tribute to the power of reading." — Andrea Davis Pinkney, Coretta Scott King Book Award winner
