Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman
by Sam Arnold-Boyd on Aug.05, 2012, under Battle of the Books 2012-2013, Environment, Real life, Sam's Reviews
Who would like this book? People who are interested in community-building, gardening, cultural understanding or just want a moving story with many voices.
Why? Seedfolks is a story told by 13 distinct voices, each from a different ethnic group. They all live in a Cleveland apartment building in a poor part of town. The vacant lot across from the building has been used as a dump until one day Kim, a young Vietnamese girl, distraught over the death of her father, plants some lima beans as a way to remember him. When Ana, an elderly Romanian woman watches Kim digging, she thinks that she is up to no good. When she investigates and discovers the beans, she decides to help Kim by watering them. Kim and Ana each tell their stories, and the garden has begun. Eleven more stories follow, relating the growth and significance of the garden in the lives of each of these residents. The result is an inspiring and moving story that had me laughing, crying, and wanting to grab a package of seeds. This book is a gift for all ages that calls to be shared and read aloud.
The details: 69 pp. 1997 Review by Samrarian
