Book Descriptions
for Mama Miti by Donna Jo Napoli and Kadir Nelson
From Cooperative Children's Book Center (CCBC)
From The United States Board on Books for Young People (USBBY)
Mama Miti opens with two abbreviated traditional tales that establish the origins of Kenya’s Nobel Peace Prize winner’s life’s work: “Wangari listened to stories the elders told. She learned to love and respect trees and became wise in the tradition of her people.” Napoli’s text differs from previous picture-book biographies of Wangari Maathai because it is situated wholly in Kenya, after Maathai is a mature adult, and focuses entirely on two concepts: plant a tree and “ Thayu nyumba —Peace, my people.” Kadir Nelson’s oil por traits are luminescent. He diversifies his work by creating collage illustrations in an attempt “to capture the spirit and culture of Kenya.” Extensive back matter enriches the reading experience. lmp