Great News! My Name is Sangoel, my latest book,co-authored with Khadra Mohammed is just out his monthand has been chosen as Junior Library Guild Book and is featured in their September 2009 catalogue http://juniorlibraryguild.com
JLG review(excerpt): How can a refugee, someone who has had to leave and entire life behind, maintain self identity? My Name is Sangoel asks this important question in the context of characters who have been forced to flee Sudan. Although this book could have been quite dark, the authors instead chose an approach focusing on the difficult yet necessary task of assimilation….
The vivd illustrations add to the story’s appeal. Catherine Stock draws people in a style that is loose without being cartoonish and sweet without being sentimental. Her visual characterizations help give the book its deep humanity.
Ultimately, Sangoel finds a solution to his identity problem that is as creative and empowering as it it simple. It is the right ending to a story that combines complex themes with the most intimate details.
Watch this blog for details about our book signing event on October 3, 2009. In the meantime find Sangoel at the Junior Library Guild, at your favorite on-line book site, your favorite bookstore or library or from the publisher Eerdmans for Children.