Her Right Foot
Author: Dave Eggers
Illustrator: Shawn Harris
Original language: English
Published: October 2017
Publishers: Chronicle Books
ISBN13: 9781452162812
Price: € 20.00 (HC)
Age: 9 years and up
In the month of November we love to put four English-language books in the spotlight. In both the United Kingdom and the United States of America the most important and beautiful children's books are published. But there are published so many, for our tiny country! And It seems too many, because not all of them are translated into Dutch. This month we chose four books that have stolen our hearts, they are all very different but also very special. Only one of the four has been translated into Dutch, but we don't think that is a problem. Today we start with:
Her Right Foot by Dave Eggers. This is a childrens book by one of our favorite authors and also a favorite book, but this book is not for the little ones. In the book, Dave Eggers explains where the American Statue of Liberty came from, how it came into being and what it means. In particular what it means to many Americans as well as for refugees and other immigrants. This is a non-fiction book.
Shawn Harris' cartoon like illustrations in different techniques match the story very well. A very topical story about refugees (including lots and lots of children) who are looking for a safe place in the world. He shows the upheaval and sadness really well, without it becoming too heavy for children. We are glad it ends happily, at least in the book.
A beautiful book that addresses a very important subject with children and that we believe should be translated globally. Children are exactly the right audience for this book, because they have no prejudices from themselves. Hopefully in the future they will be able to deal with these problems better than the world has so far. As far as we are concerned, a pity this book has not been translated.
3 hopeful shining stars for Her Right Foot, from the young readers and the oud-loud readers!