A Picture Book a Day for a Year: Day 63

Dynamic Duo: Book 2

Picture Book: My Heart Will Not Sit Down

Author: Mara Rockliff

Illustrator: Ann Tanksley

Summary: In 1931 Camaroon, Kedi, who loves her American teacher, is particularly moved by his descriptions of the suffering of his fellow "villagers" in New York City because of the Great Depression. Kedi knows how it feels to be hungry so she speaks of these suffering people to her mother and the elders in her tribe. Initially they tell her they have no coins to share, but eventually they do give because “our hearts would not sit down until we helped.” Based on a true story, more details are found in the Author’s Note.

Hanna’s Comments: I am especially struck by the way in which compassion is expressed in this story and its Dynamic Duo partner from yesterday. In 14 Cows for America, the African storyteller states in his Afterward, “My warrior heart could not sit still in me.” The title of this book is “My heart will not sit down” and the narrator says Kedi’s “heart stood up for them in sympathy.” Perhaps Africans who refer to compassion in this way can teach others a new way of speaking about heartfelt concerns. These two stories offer a young, convicted generation inspiration for their future hard work and generosity for the betterment of others in the world, particularly those who are suffering.

Publisher & Date Published: Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2012

Age and Grade Appropriateness:  5 and up, K and up

# of Pages: 40

Available in Spanish? Not at present 

Formats other than Book: Tablet

PBT Category: Non-fiction, Post 2K

PBT Topics this Book Connects with: action, Africa, aliens/immigrants/refugees/strangers, America, anxiety/worry, body of Christ, bonds/connections/connectedness, brokenness, choices/decisions, depression/despair/sadness/sorrow, difficulties, generosity/giving/offering/stewardship, golden rule/great commandment, helping, kindness, money, outreach, poverty, power, response to god, righteousness, sacrifice, sharing

Scripture Connections: giving freely & generosity (Proverbs 11:24-25), the Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4)

Idea(s) for Application: Read this book as a part of a youth program on teenage role models that make a positive difference in the world.