independent reading level: 6-9
award 2015 READING IS FUNDAMENTAL (RIF) MULTICULTURAL BOOK PICK

2014 Northern CA Association of Children's Librarians Distinguished Book

2015-2016, 2016-2017 New York Reads 365 Grade 1 Recommended Book

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NAESP Children's Book of the Year Award, Principals Award

Imani is very small, even for a child. The other children in her village are not nice to her at all. In facts they tease her every time they see her, calling her names and telling her that whatever she even thinks about doing..she won't be able to because she is so small in size. But what she lacks in physical size, she makes up in perseverance. Imani wants to be the first to touch the moon. She is laughed at, ridicule, and told to give up. Imani pressed on. She believed that she could touch the moon, jumping to sky like the young warriors in her village. Imani jumped, and jumped, and jumped, and eventually jumped so high that she reached the moon. Olapa, the moon goddess, met Imani and gave her a moon rock. When Imani went back home, she was really eager to tell her mother her story...and give her the evidence of her trip to the moon....the glowing and so beautiful moon rock. ( )

This book would be perfect for a read aloud in a k-2 classroom setting, you could also use it in your classroom library for grades up to 5 grade. Some words are difficult to pronounce and understand which is why the younger grades need a read aloud. It is perfect for a history lesson to understand the different cultures of the world and the past, the pictures are also very beautifully done.

Lovely story about a young Maasai girl's imagination and determination. ( )

The author's intent is to pass on stories just as the mama in the book passes on stories. Imani is a small child and often teased. She has the great dream of touching the moon, and her mother tells her: "A challenge is only impossible until someone accomplishes it....it is only you who must believe.' Despite many efforts, she fails, almost gives up, but somehow, in believing she achieves her dream. Alongside beautiful illustrations, the spirited protagonist make this tale soar. ( )