I really enjoyed reading this book. It was interesting to know that not only did the African Americans relies on the Baobab Tree for food, water, and shelter, but that is where they joined as a community to worship. It was cool to see the different traditions that the people use the Baobab Tree for. This is a neat book to use in the classroom to teach children about different culture and how some culture use things around them for their resources. ( )

In this story a young girl and her father take a walk through their village to reach the Baobab Tree. Moyo learns many things during this trip. Through the walk Moyo learns about the wilderness, culture, and sense of community her village has. In the end Moyo is excited as everyone comes to gather under the Baobab Tree, and have a community service. ( )

Genre:historical.
Use:critical literacy.
Media: Water colors. beautiful.

This is a wonderful book you can use for critical literacy. It deals with siblings Moyo and Japera who live in the African Savannah and they are walking and going to the baobab tree (aka the tree of life). They are trying to figure out who will be there. They pass by a weaver bird, gazelle, a termite mound, and villagers. They are seen praising the heavenly Father. When they get to the tree other people come as well and they all have a church. Children can explore life, culture, and Christianity on the African Savannah and they can compare it to how the United States persecution. Get them thinking about global persecution and how Christians in America haven't really experienced that yet. Why? Are we not evangelizing and sharing our beliefs? The United States has an amendment that gives us religious freedom. There is also another amendment about meetings but I think that is more for protests. And what defines a church? An organ? Fancy clothing? A steeple? Does a church/ a body of believers have to be in a building to be defined as so? Research that and figure it out. Also have them dive into the topic of separation of church and state. NOTE: All of this can only be done in a Christian school. ( )

As they walk to the village and past the African scenery , siblings wonder who will gather under the special baobab tree today, knowing all the activities that take place there. Today everyone gathers for church. ( )

This story has great watercolor pictures that let in a lot of light from the African savanna. I like the idea of a huge tree as a community meeting place. I also liked reading this book because I learned about a new tree! In the dry savanna, the Baobab is a center point providing food and shelter for animals and people alike. ( )