The Walking School Bus

 

Friedland, Aaron, and Ndileka Mandela. (2023) The Walking School Bus. Andrew Obol, Illustrator.    

   Greystone Kids. ISBN-13‏: ‎ 978-1771644693

Synopsis:

Shaka and his little sister walk with their father to school every morning. Though the journey is long and hot, they arrive at school happy to see their friends and ready to learn. Then one day, their father gives them terrible news: he must go to work in a mine far away, and they won’t be able to go to school anymore. The route is too dangerous for them to walk alone, so they’ll have to stay home. 

But when they discover a yellow toy bus in the dirt, Shaka and Nandi let their imaginations run wild. Could they buy their school bus? Or build one themselves? Their plans prove much harder than they thought—but just when they’re about to give up, Shaka and Nandi come up with an ingenious solution to get to school, one that will take the whole community to help.

My Review:

 This book is an inspiring story of community and one that is based on true events. It was co-written with Nelson Mandela’s granddaughter and a nonprofit was started to help children like Shaka and Nandi. The socio-economic status portrayed in this story is accurate to what children in poverty and rural areas of the world experience daily in the pursuit of education. This book is an amazing way to have children understand what it is like for those in Africa, how they desire education, and how intelligent these children are. I loved the illustrations and think it helps children to see the similarities between them and other children around the world. The Walking School Bus is a great read-aloud for children to see how it is for other children around the world when it comes to the right to education and being grateful for what you have.

Awards/Reviews:

USBBY 2024 Outstanding International Books

"Moving"
—The New York Times

"An inspiring and disquieting testament to the value of education.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“An uplifting tale about the determination of global children to get an education. Obol deftly brings this story to life through colorful and expressive cartoon-Ish illustrations that speak to themes of perseverance and pride.”
—Pauletta Brown Bracy, Horn Book

“A lively, engaging story with colorful illustrations that help readers become aware of the challenges other children face around the world to get an education."
—Books to Borrow, Books to Buy

Connections:

·         Reading articles of the author really journey and noticing the difference even been himself and the children.

·         Learn more about the Simbi foundations- maybe even do a fundraiser for the foundation.

·         Read other books related to how children get to school. Such as: On the Way to School by Marzella Brown, On the Way to School by Vikki Conley and more.