The Banana-Leaf Ball

January 15, 2017
In this heartwarming tale, readers take a trip to the refugee camps of Tanzania to see how play can transform fear, conflict, and distrust into empathy, tolerance, and teamwork. Expressions in Kirundi, the national language of Burundi, are sprinkled throughout the book, as readers are introduced to young Deo Rukundo and his family, fleeing the illustrated shadows of men with torches who have come to burn down their home. Deo reaches the Lukole refugee camp in northwest Tanzania, where, without his parents, he must begin to rebuild his life. The banana-leaf balls his father taught him to make provide some solace until a young rival, Remy, steals the twine he needs. Deo isolates himself until he hears the commotion of a soccer game beginning. Serendipitously, the coach places Deo and Remy on the same side. The miraculous game-winning assist goes from Deo to Remy, and a new friendship begins. Years later, when the camp closes, readers learn that Deo has returned home to become a coach solving conflict through play; they meet his inspiration, Benjamin Nzobonakira, in the backmatter, which contains further information about play-based conflict-resolution initiatives around the world. Adults looking for context to help readers understand how Burundi was thrown into chaos and its current, continued instability will have to look elsewhere. This outside-looking-in depiction of the power of play to bridge new relationships in Burundi serves as a universal lesson that all readers can draw on. (Picture book. 7-11)

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March 1, 2017

Gr 1-4-This title follows Deo Rukundo and his family as they flee their home in Burundi. Separated from his family, Deo travels alone until he makes his way to Lukole, a refugee camp in Tanzania. Supplies are scarce, and many children Deo's age join gangs to bully others and steal what they want and need. One of these bullies, Remy, becomes an opponent not only in Deo's daily life but also on their pickup soccer team. Deo's favorite toy from home, a soccer ball made from banana leaves, comes in handy in both practicing soccer and in forging relationships with other boys in the camp and driving home the lesson that they're all ultimately on the same team. Award-worthy mixed-media illustrations breathe life into the perhaps overlong story. With a simplistic plot that holds few stakes, the narrative does more to inform at a base level than to pique interest in the refugee crisis. Back matter with information about the real Lukole refugee camp and those who might live there, Internet resources, and suggestions of what can be done to aid those in crisis might be useful for those doing school projects or children genuinely interested in helping others. VERDICT This title will fill the gaps of any collection looking for more materials on the refugee crisis, and Burundi refugees in particular, and how the power of organized play can positively impact a dark time in any community.-Brittany Drehobl, Eisenhower Public Library District, IL

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2017
Grades 2-4 Deo Rukundo lives in Burundi, a country in East Africa, but he must flee his home because of war and live in a refugee camp in Tanzania. He is forced to leave behind his favorite possession: a ball made out of tightly wound banana leaves. Deo spends most days afraid and friendless in the camp, until a stranger comes to organize a soccer game using a real leather ball. Through play, Deo finds friendship where there was none. More text-heavy (and in a smaller font) than readers might expect, this inspirational story effectively presents one refugee experience to young readers. Evans' earthen palette and dark line drawings vary in depth and intensity to match Milway's emotional narrative. The book concludes with an author's note about the inspiration for the story, Benjamin Nzobonankira, which nicely clarifies the events. A list of resources follows this moving story about how a single item can change a life and how playing can fill that life with joy.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2017
Young Deo flees his village in Burundi and ends up at a refugee camp, malnourished, without his family, and up against bullies and gangs. Through the power of play and banana-leaf soccer balls, Deo finds friendship and a sense of community. Striking mixed-media illustrations enhance this powerful story (inspired by real events) of survival and resurgence. An author's note is included. Websites.

(Copyright 2017 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)