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. Atinuke. (2010). Anna Hibiscus. Illustrated by Lauren Tobia. Tulsa, OK: Kane Miller. 112 pp. ISBN 978-1-935279-73-0. (Hardcover) $12.99.Anna Hibiscus has a big warm family helping her navigate through personal preferences, cultural identity, and class differences. I have NEVER read a book as good as this one for young students that so GETS how to show privilege in society in a way that respects both rich and poor. I also appreciate Atinuke’s ability to convey cultural concerns: the first story clearly shows both the differences and the similarities between American children and children not from America. Anna Hibiscus’s big, extended family often creates the need for time alone—but the family is so much a part of everyday life, that goal is often difficult, if not impossible to achieve. The cultural fears Anna Hibiscus has for her beloved Auntie Comfort deals with the ways in which we understand both our own cultures and the cultures of others. The writing style evokes the oral tradition of Africa without limiting its effectiveness in this country. The structure of the stories is excellent with clear beginnings, middles, and surprising endings. These stories are unique! The fact that these stories have no specific place in Africa is a MERE DETAIL. Imagine Anna Hibiscus from the Netherlands or Spain or China and the writing is still excellent writing, the issues are still handled brilliantly, and the venturesome creativity is still outstanding. The fact that Tobia’s illustrations are charming is so much gravy! Of all the books that did NOT make our Notable Children's Books list, this one is perhaps the most disappointing. It really did seem as if the only real objection to this book is that it made the mistake of using the word Africa. Folks complained that it did not provide a specific location. The book, however, is NOT a geography book. Amazing Africa is a poetic refrain. Even if we grant that the book would have been better with a specific, Nigerian, location, the fact remains that there is so MUCH else in this book that it should have made our list. Darn! [Please note that I am very happy with our list and with my committee and with the process, but we all have our regrets and this one is mine]. Readers also have three additional titles from Atinuke: Hooray for Anna Hibiscus, Good Luck Anna Hibiscus, and Have Fun Anna Hibiscus. I look forward to reading more from Atinuke and I HIGHLY recommend that you pick up these gems, which are available in both paperback and library binding (the ISBN above is for the library binding).
What do You think about Anna Hibiscus (2007)?
Simone says, "I really liked it. Every chapter was like a whole new book. But it repeated a little."
—1Dlover
Very cute story and relatable to many children! Love the artwork.
—Gabbyizaweirdo
