I would give this story a 3/5. This story is a picture book, and multicultural text meant for students from grades K-2. The reason I gave it a 3 was because I loved the illustrations and the setting, however I did not enjoy this story as much as the others I have read due to the writing and language the author uses. In some parts it was very unclear what they were talking about since it was such a different culture. I had to go back and read it over a couple times to make sure I read the passage correctly. On the other hand, I really enjoyed the illustrations and colored pencil drawings that enhanced the tale of the volcanic eruption, while still keeping with the peaceful, family feel of the book. This book explains in many different ways how the culture in Cameroon is much different than the culture here in the USA. For example, after the volcano the men and women were separated in different tents, and have much different and very important roles to keep the village alive. Your life in the community is based on gender and age. ( )

Fascinating folk tale from Cameroon. I think the author does a good job of respecting and showing appreciation for the culture without being a part of it. I would have liked to see an author's note explaining the background of the tale and historic/cultural significance of it. I took off half a star because of this. I think it's important to provide a little more context for stories like these, although she does provide a short paragraph at the beginning of the book.
** I am very drawn to this story, however, and kept wavering on whether I wanted to put it on my top 100 list. It is not there but it is pretty close. ( )

The illustrations in this tory are beautiful, vibrant and purposeful. They help create the dark and eerie mood of the folktale that the grandmother tells. Hearing of this story from the perspective of a young girl will make the story easier for children to understand.

The reality of this story is quite gloomy and heartbreaking but the author does such a marvelous job of writing so eloquently of a story that was told to her from a survivor who recounted such tragic events. ( )

This is about the village of Tos where the houses are gender specific. Women live in round houses and men live in square houses. The illustrations in this book are beautiful and very warm and bring across the African American culture very well. This would be a great book to use to teach a lesson on traditions and then the students could write down or illustrate one of their traditions they have in their family. ( )