Written by Sharon Robinson, Illustrated by A. G. Ford
Under the Same Sun tells of a trip taken by the author, Sharon Robinson (wife to Jackie Robinson) and her mother (Bebe). They journey to Tanzania to visit Sharon’s brother, David, and family. They celebrate Bebe’s 85th birthday with a safari where the reader is introduced to the Swahili names of familiar African animals. At the end of the trip, the group visits Bagamoyo, a slave-trading post. Bagamoyo is a Swahili phrase meaning “to let go of one’s heart.” The children learn of slavery and part of their family history.
The final pages of the book share that David left America to help fight poverty in Tanzania, as well as further information about Sharon’s family. Included is a map showing Tanzania and a glossary of Swahili words. Photos illustrate the steps of preparing a Tanzanian meal – the market, the coal stove and the finished meal.
This book invokes feelings of family ties and love, as well as a rich history.
Review by Kay Thomas, Eastwood Elementary Media Center
Rating: ★★★★✩ (4 stars)
Interest Level: Grades K-3
Under the Same Sun
Written by Sharon Robinson, Illustrated by A. G. Ford
Scholastic Press
40 pages
Release Date: January 7, 2014
ISBN: 9780545166720 (hardcover)
