Title
The Bananaleaf Ball: How Play Can Change The World (Citizenkid)
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Separated from his family when they were forced to flee their home, a young East African boy named Deo lives alone in the Lukole refugee camp in Tanzania. With scarce resources at the camp, bullies have formed gangs to steal what they can, and a leader named Remy has begun targeting Deo. Then one day a coach gathers all the children to play soccer. Though Deo loves soccer and has even made his own ball out of banana leaves, he's unsure at first about joining in when he sees Remy on the field. But as Deo and the other boys get drawn into the game, everything begins to change. Their shared joy in playing provides the children including Remy with a sense of belonging. Ball by ball, practice by practice, children who were once afraid of each other laugh together, the book explains, and no one feels so alone anymore.Based on a true story, Katie Smith Milway's inspiring tale shows how a desperate situation can be improved by finding common ground through play. It provides a perfect starting point for discussing the social justice issues surrounding the growing number of refugees worldwide. Awardwinning Shane W. Evans's artwork powerfully and poignantly personalizes for children the experience of refugees. Furthermore, the book examines the value of using sports to build prosocial behavior, particularly as it relates to bullying. By depicting characters who change and evolve over the course of the story, kids of all backgrounds and experiences will find something positive to relate to. The back matter contains information about the real Deo, instructions for games that build trust and inclusion through play, and suggestions for how to support playbased nonprofit organizations.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The book has thirty-two pages. This length makes it suitable for young readers and keeps the story engaging.
- Q: What are the dimensions of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The book measures nine point thirty-eight inches in length, zero point thirty-nine inches in width, and twelve point thirty-eight inches in height. These dimensions make it easy for children to handle.
- Q: What type of binding does The Banana-Leaf Ball have? A: The book is bound in hardcover. This ensures durability, making it suitable for repeated readings by children.
- Q: Who is the author of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The author is Katie Smith Milway. She is known for writing inspirational stories for children.
- Q: What is the genre of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The book falls under the children's literature genre. It explores themes of resilience, friendship, and social justice.
- Q: What age group is The Banana-Leaf Ball suitable for? A: The book is ideal for children aged five to eight years. Its themes and illustrations appeal to early readers.
- Q: How can children engage with the story of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: Children can engage by reading and discussing the themes of play and belonging. It’s also a great book for group reading sessions.
- Q: What activities are included in The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The back matter contains instructions for games that build trust and inclusion. These activities promote social skills through play.
- Q: Is The Banana-Leaf Ball based on a true story? A: Yes, it is based on the true story of a young boy named Deo. His experiences in a refugee camp highlight important social issues.
- Q: What issues does The Banana-Leaf Ball address? A: The book addresses social justice issues surrounding refugees. It encourages discussions about empathy and community.
- Q: How should The Banana-Leaf Ball be stored? A: Store the book in a cool, dry place. Keeping it upright on a shelf will help maintain its shape and condition.
- Q: Can The Banana-Leaf Ball be used as an educational tool? A: Yes, it can be used to discuss social issues and the importance of play. It's a valuable resource for educators.
- Q: How do I care for The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: To care for the book, avoid exposing it to moisture. Wipe down the cover with a dry cloth if it gets dirty.
- Q: What makes The Banana-Leaf Ball special for children? A: Its combination of engaging storytelling and beautiful illustrations makes it special. Children can learn valuable life lessons through its narrative.
- Q: What is the main theme of The Banana-Leaf Ball? A: The main theme is about finding joy and belonging through play. It emphasizes the power of sports to connect people.