Sélavi, That Is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope

Name: Sélavi, That Is Life: A Haitian Story of Hope
ISBN: 9780938317951

by Youme Nguyen Ly

Subject: Social Themes - Poverty & Homelessness
Age: 6-8 years
Format: Trade Paperback
Pages: 40
Publisher: Cinco Puntos Press
Size: 20.2 cm × 25.1 cm
ISBN: 9780938317951

On the streets of Haiti, a homeless child learns the meaning of family, solidarity, and hope.

A homeless boy wanders the streets of Haiti, until he finds other children like him. His new friends help the boy pick a name for himself--Sélavi, Kreyol for that is life. All these children had faced tragedy like Sélavi and had no one to care for them. But they share the little food they each manage to scavenge, and they watch out for one another.

Together they find the voice to express the needs of Timoun Lari, the children who live in the streets. With a caring community they are able to build a shelter, and from there they create Radyo Timoun, Children's Radio. A station run by and for children--their stories, questions, and suggestions were broadcast for all to hear. Though more obstacles come their way, they've learned that when people band together and form a community, everyone is lifted. "We may be a single drop of water, but together we can be a mighty river."

About the author

Youme Nguyen LyAuthor

Youme grew up loving stories. She has lived and worked as a community artist in New York, New Haven, Miami, Woods Hole, San Francisco, Kenya, Japan, Lao P.D.R., Vietnam, St. John, U.S.V.I., Haiti, and Cuba. Youme's books include Selavi (That Is Life): A Haitian Story of Hope, Mali Under the Night Sky: A Lao Story of Home, and Pitch Black with Anthony Horton. She is drawn to stories of survival and champions for social justice. Youme lives in an ever-changing location with her partner and their two children.

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What reviewers said

"Beautiful illustrations using watercolor, photographs, collage, and techniques like batik make vivid Sélavi's life... A strong message of caring for the children and for each other rings through the kinds of sorrows too many children face in the world."

Kirkus Reviews

"Youme, an artist and activist, makes a powerful debut with this true story of Port-au-Prince's street children.... Youme's experience as a community muralist informs every picture--her work emits a streetwise sense of lyricism and urgency. The palette darkens with acts of violence, and lightens to reflect images of hope."

Publishers Weekly

"Selavi offers a realistic view of children whose lives are sometimes disconcerting and sometimes hopeful. It will be useful in communities that serve Haitian-Americans, and libraries in which children are exploring issues of social justice."

School Library Journal

"In a moving afterword accompanied by her own documentary photos, Youme, as she's identified on the jacket, tells more of the story, which is based on the experience of homeless kids in Port-au-Prince. For older readers, adult writer Edwidge Danticat contributes a powerful essay about her own Haitian childhood, her country's proud history, and its desperate upheaval."

Booklist

ALSC Notable Children's Books - American Library Association (ALA)
Jane Addams Children's Book Award Winner - Jane Addams Peace Association
Texas Bluebonnet Award Shortlist - Texas Library Association (TLA)