In a village in Cameroon, a teacher tells his class a story about his home country. Across the great salt river in America, there is something called the Great Depression. There are not enough jobs. People are homeless, starving and begging on the street.
Young Kedi is moved by the plight of the Americans. Though her village has little money, and must work hard for the food and shelter they have, they've got love to spare. She wants to share what she has with the people she has heard about in school, even though they are strangers. And she inspires others to do the same.
MY HEART WILL NOT SIT DOWN is based on true events. From the author's note, "In 1931, the city of New York received a gift of $3.77 to feed the hungry. It came from the African country of Cameroon."
MY HEART WILL NOT SIT DOWN is the perfect book to share with children if you want to inspire them to look outside their small world and make a difference in the larger world. And, if you are anything like me, it will make you cry. It's just wonderful.
You can buy the book from your local bookstore, or from MY local bookstore, or online. Heck, buy two, and share it with others! :-)
