My Name is Blessing

On a recent visit to the Squirrel Hill branch of the Carnegie Library, I found this beautiful book in the children's section.  The story, which is probably best for older elementary kids, is about a young boy in Kenya with a noticeable physical disability who lives with his grandmother and eight cousins.  His grandmother loves him very much but has to make some very tough decisions concerning her family.  I don't want to give the story away - but they go on a journey that changes the young boy's life.  The story is moving and brings to life what life is like for some children in Africa.  The coolest part of the whole book is when you get to the last several pages you find out that the boy in the story, Baraka, is a real person.  The author, Eric Walter, shares another story on the last few pages about how he met Baraka and his family in Kenya. There are pictures of the the real boy and his family and what happens after they met. Walter is the founder of The Creation of Hope which is an organization dedicated to providing care for orphans in the rural Mbooni district in Kenya.  There is so much to talk and think about after reading this book. Here are some starter questions:

• The books tells about how in Kenya names often mean something. Do you know what your name means or how it was chosen? Talk with your children about how you decided upon their name. Are they named after someone special - or does their name have a special meaning?
• Muthini says he is sometimes hurt because people make fun of him for his missing fingers. But, his grandmother says he has other things that are more important like his spirit, head and his heart. What are some things about  you that are wonderful but others can't see just by looking at you? Talk about some people that you know that have physical disability. What are some things about that person that makes them wonderful?
• How do you think it felt to be called a wonderful new name?
• Baraka has two very special people in his life that love him very much, his grandmother and his new friend Gabriel who welcomes him into his home. Who are the very special people in your life?
• What do you think it would be like to live in Kenya? 
• God made children all over the world and they live in very different places and circumstances. But, what are somethings that are similar? What are some things that you have in common with the boy in the story?

This book is available on  Amazon  and of course at the library. Check it out - (literally!)