Described as a "poetic riddle" emphasizing the importance that language holds in our lives today, and the fragile position that it increasingly occupies, What Makes Us Human is a book filled with gentle surprises. Beginning with a time when the idea of a language was still new, to the breathtakingly beautiful spread that shows how … Continue reading #WORLDKIDLITWEDNESDAY: What Makes Us Human
1808. The Napoleonic wars. In Ghent, a draft for the Emperor’s army is looming and the respectable Hoste family is in financial trouble. From the very first sentence, Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady is the engaging story of the two oldest Hoste siblings, 18-year-old Constance ("Stance") and her entitled 14-year-old brother Pieter (Piers), whom … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Ironhead, or, Once a Young Lady
Rosie is a sleek greyhound who loves to run. And at the start of her story, Rosie Runs–a beautiful, oversized picture book for ages 3-7–that’s exactly what she does, day in and day out: The white mechanical hare scurries in front, and Rosie can just see it from the corner of her eye. Soon she … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: Rosie Runs
We continue this week on a thread of short story collections, namely from new debut authors. Today I will introduce you to David Chasumba and his award-winning collection, which is published by the Carnelian Heart imprint.. The title story is reminiscent of a short story by a Nigerian writer, Osahon Ize-Iyamu's The Mad Man of … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: The Mad Man on First Street and Other Short Stories (2022)
Looking to dip your toe into the ocean of new graphic novels (in translation) for children and young adults? Reading the Eisners is the perfect approach. The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards are the comic kingdom’s equivalent of the Oscars, with the winners announced annually at San Diego Comic Con. Children’s graphic novels in translation appear in the obvious … Continue reading #WorldKidLit Wednesday: The 2023 Eisner Nominees
Speculative fiction has become the umbrella term for encompassing Afrofuturism, science fiction, fantasy, horror, dystopian and utopian fiction. This is a highly popular and growing genre. Christopher Mlalazi is one of those Zimbabwean writers stretching their imagination beyond the current reality. In Langabi: Seasons of the Beasts, Christopher exports us into the world of epic … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Langabi: Seasons of Beasts (2023)
While Zimbabwean City of Kings trilogy interrogates Bulawayo's history, author CM Elliot and her Detective Sibanda detective series present Bulawayo and its surrounds in its present state. Using the crime fiction genre, CM Elliot takes us into the heart of Matabeleland terrain. She uses her dashing protagonist, Detective Sibanda, who returns in this fourth installment … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Sibanda and the Night Adder (2023)
In keeping with our theme of contemporary fiction, I would like to introduce you to Tafadzwa Taruvinga and his upcoming novel, "Gone with the Blue Zodiac." This book is to be released in November 2023 and the author's synopsis succinctly describes the story as a moving and humorous story that strongly resonates with traditional and … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Gone with the Blue Zodiac (2023)
Of all the countries in Africa, the liberation struggle for independence in Zimbabwe was the longest and bloodiest. Historical fiction has become a popular genre in interrogating our convoluted history. Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, with her lyrical prowess, has done a marvelous job of narrating pre- and post-colonial Zimbabwean history in her City of Kings trilogy. … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: The Quality of Mercy (2022)
I grew up reading the "Dick and Jane" series. For most children of my generation, we did not have access to reading material that represented us or our own environment. So I was delighted to come across "Tai the Rhino: A Bee in the Nose" which is a children's book that not only serves to … Continue reading #ZimbabweLitMonth: Tai the Rhino: A Bee in the Nose (2022)
Global Literature in Libraries Initiative 