Jabulani by Jonathan Stotler - ADVISABLE

Jabulani by Jonathan Stotler, illustrated by Beth Restrick.  PICTURE BOOK.  WestBow Press, 2017.  $14. 9781512776386

BUYING ADVISORY: EL – ADVISABLE

KID APPEAL: AVERAGE

Jabulani lives with his aunt and uncle in a small South African village.  While he goes to school each day, he also works hard at home, helping both and aunt and uncle to produce the things they need to sell to keep their home running and the family fed. While everyone works hard, there is also friendship and joy to be found.

Stotler’s book simple – telling Jabulani’s life story without added drama, but in a way that gives a satisfying look at typical village life.  I felt like I really got to know Jabulani’s way of life.  Stotler also integrates Jabulani’s language into the narrative, including definitions when needed, although there is also a glossary included in the back.  I would want to share this with a wide variety of students to help them peek into another life.  It would easily lead into discussions about how Jabulani’s life differs from my students’ lives. 

Cindy, Middle School Librarian