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Sélavi, That is Life
The true story of Selavi (“that is life”), a small boy who finds himself homeless on the streets of Haiti. He finds other street children who share their food and a place to sleep. Together they proclaim a message of hope through murals and radio programs. Now in paper, this beautifully illustrated story is supplemented with photographs of Haitian children working and playing together, plus an essay by Edwidge Danticat. Included in the 2005 ALA Notable Children’s Book List and the Texas Bluebonnet Award Master List.
Youme Landowne is an artist and activist who has worked with communities in Kenya, Japan, Haiti, and Cuba to make art that honors personal and cultural wisdom. She makes her home in Brooklyn, New York, and rides her bike everywhere.
Youme Landowne is an artist and activist who has worked with communities in Kenya, Japan, Haiti, and Cuba to make art that honors personal and cultural wisdom. She makes her home in Brooklyn, New York, and rides her bike everywhere.
40 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
May 4, 2015
Personal reaction:
I loved reading this biography! It has a great moral of friendship and working together. I also love learning about other cultures, it is really interesting to read about what life might be like for a child in another country.
Purpose:
Read Aloud:
This is a good book to read to the class when teaching about biographies. It's good for children to know that while biographies are factual, they can still flow like a story.
This is also a great book to teach diversity, other cultures, and friendship. I might use this book to share how children in other cultures might grow up. I could even just read this book aloud for enjoyment because it teaches friendship and how working together can make situations better. I am going to buy this book for my classroom library. Sélavi has the same story as many other Haitian children and it is important for children to become aware of other cultures and ways of life.
Independent Reading:
This is a good book for kids in 2nd-4th grade.The book has strong language and complex sentence structure for this age group, but it is still a picture book. I would recommend this book to anyone in the appropriate age group, because I think it's something that all children can identify and empathize with.
Nonfiction Conventions:
The actual story portion of this book reads like a story book, so there aren't any nonfiction conventions. However, the end of the book talks more about the Author and Haiti. It shows pictures and it shows a map, which help the reader better understand the story.
I loved reading this biography! It has a great moral of friendship and working together. I also love learning about other cultures, it is really interesting to read about what life might be like for a child in another country.
Purpose:
Read Aloud:
This is a good book to read to the class when teaching about biographies. It's good for children to know that while biographies are factual, they can still flow like a story.
This is also a great book to teach diversity, other cultures, and friendship. I might use this book to share how children in other cultures might grow up. I could even just read this book aloud for enjoyment because it teaches friendship and how working together can make situations better. I am going to buy this book for my classroom library. Sélavi has the same story as many other Haitian children and it is important for children to become aware of other cultures and ways of life.
Independent Reading:
This is a good book for kids in 2nd-4th grade.The book has strong language and complex sentence structure for this age group, but it is still a picture book. I would recommend this book to anyone in the appropriate age group, because I think it's something that all children can identify and empathize with.
Nonfiction Conventions:
The actual story portion of this book reads like a story book, so there aren't any nonfiction conventions. However, the end of the book talks more about the Author and Haiti. It shows pictures and it shows a map, which help the reader better understand the story.
April 12, 2016
This creative non-fiction book tells the story of young orphan children living in Haiti. Left parent-less due to fighting, violence, and poverty, these children band together and become a family of their own. This beautiful tale of love, compassion and goodwill narrates the real-life story of an orphan boy, Sélavi, and other children like him who created their own orphanage, extending a hand to all those other children in need. Eventually these same orphaned children began a radio show called Radyo Timoun, where they, to this day, advocate for children’s rights.
At the back of the book is an essay written by Edwidge Danticat, one of the most prominent and prolific contemporary Haitian writers, sharing some personal experiences and historical context to frame Youme’s story. As many of you know, we frequently feature Danticat’s books on our blog. In this particular essay, she notes that “My birthplace, Haiti, is a land of incredible beauty, but for many, it is also a place of great sadness.” Youme’s tale does a lovely job of embodying these two dualities—the laments of many of Haiti’s children, as well as their inspiring courage, hope and beauty.
Danticat also shares some historical facts: “In 1804, the slaves (of Haiti) revolted and won their independence, making Haiti the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere. Along with the American Revolution, Haiti’s was the only successful rebellion in North America.” Danticat’s essay continues with additional information on both Haiti’s history and contemporary Haiti, contributing a valuable component to this story and especially to the use of this story in the classroom. Finally, Danticat’s essay concludes with one final wish: “Being a child of Haiti myself, I can only hope that Sélavi’s story will be repeated in the lives of many other children, among them future writers, radio and television journalists, who will continue to tell—and show—their stories in such moving and powerful ways that the rest of the world will no longer be able to neglect them.” Youme’s story is one attempt at elevating and drawing attention to these children’s powerful stories.
The story starts with a little orphan boy roaming the streets of Haiti. He has no family and no name. The narration describes a climate of violence and discord, pointing to moments of political unrest in Haiti’s history: “Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.” One of the first illustrations also shows an imaginative map of Haiti using only green and white paint, and pointing out general markers such as “Nord” (North), “l’Ouest” (west) and “Sud” (South). Port-au-Prince is also marked as “Pòtoprens” (its Haitian name). Underneath “Pòtoprens,” there is an image of the little boy sitting all alone on a bench in Haiti’s capital. This illustration symbolizes the young protagonist’s immense feeling of loneliness. However, this image also symbolically places the plight of Haiti’s orphan children “on the map,” raising awareness of and educating readers about this situation. In other words, the young protagonist, although feeling very alone, is one of many, many other orphan children living in Haiti, a humanitarian crisis deserving of attention.
This particular illustration also complicates the often over-simplified conception of Haiti by outsiders: the rest of the map is made up of blurry, washed-out and highly generic images of the cardinal directions, stick figures, amorphous homes and squiggles. The protagonist is illustrated clearly and discernibly using brown and red paint, grabbing the reader’s attention. Not only does this draw focus to the subject of the book, but it also interrupts a generalized and simplified representation of Haiti with realities that, like Danticat states, “the world will no longer be able to neglect.”
As the story progresses, the protagonist meets another young boy, an orphan just like himself. The boy introduces himself as TiFrè. However, when he asks the protagonist for his name, the protagonist must respond that he doesn’t have one: “‘You can name yourself,” TiFrè said. ‘Like my name means Little Brother. We could call you Hungry, Sleepy, or Little Traveler…’ ‘I am all those things,’ the child said. ‘And that’s life.’ From then on they called him Sélavi.” Ultimately the protagonist’s new name, and the title of the book, will embody the hardships of the past as well as the hope and potential for the future: That is life.
Sélavi’s new friend introduces him to a group of other orphan children. Although they have each experienced devastating pasts, just like Sélavi, they are tremendously compassionate and generous, offering Sélavi some of their water, mangoes and avocados. As Sélavi begins to integrate himself into this new community, readers will learn of some of the other children’s stories, the continuing obstacles that they face, and the goals and projects that they are now undertaking, all the while being exposed to some of Haiti’s landscapes and sociological conditions. Throughout the story these children show great perseverance and ingenuity as they successfully create a shelter in Haiti’s capital for other homeless orphans, as well as a kids’ radio show in order to continue educating and raising awareness.
In the back of the book readers will also find a note from Youme where she explains how she came up with the story, while extrapolating upon some historical details about the real-life Sélavi, TiFrè and their inspirational group of activists. Youme explains how Sélavi, TiFrè and many other people all worked together to make a home for Haiti’s orphaned children. They called the home Lanfanmi Sélavi, which can mean either “Family is life” or “Sélavi’s Family.” The original shelter no longer exists, but a newer model has been built and children still live there today. These children also created a radio station called Radyo Timoun, meaning “children’s radio,” where they continue to go on air advocating for the rights of children. The emissions are now international, and people all over the world can access them. Youme also includes photographs of the children playing and working together: “The family of Sélavi is an extended family with a strong sense of community. Just as with any family, there are many chores, including washing clothes, preparing food and cleaning up after meals. The work is always more enjoyable when the tasks are shared.”
In addition, “Working together also means playing and talking together. Like children everywhere, the kids in Sélavi’s family have learned about life and community by working and playing and talking together.” This is an important point of Youme’s story and educators could take this opportunity to ask their students about ways in which they’ve “learned about life and community by working and playing and talking together.” The example set by Sélavi and the other orphans reinforces values of community and comradery. In addition, the point that this is “like children everywhere” helps foster tolerance by finding common ground amongst people from different cultures. As mentioned in my earlier post, some of these books could be useful for lessons on compare and contrast. For one, humanistic values of community, learning, life and compassion are some beautiful commonalities to be emphasized across cultures.
For access to the full review and additional resources, check out our Vamos a Leer blog at teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.com
At the back of the book is an essay written by Edwidge Danticat, one of the most prominent and prolific contemporary Haitian writers, sharing some personal experiences and historical context to frame Youme’s story. As many of you know, we frequently feature Danticat’s books on our blog. In this particular essay, she notes that “My birthplace, Haiti, is a land of incredible beauty, but for many, it is also a place of great sadness.” Youme’s tale does a lovely job of embodying these two dualities—the laments of many of Haiti’s children, as well as their inspiring courage, hope and beauty.
Danticat also shares some historical facts: “In 1804, the slaves (of Haiti) revolted and won their independence, making Haiti the first black republic in the Western Hemisphere. Along with the American Revolution, Haiti’s was the only successful rebellion in North America.” Danticat’s essay continues with additional information on both Haiti’s history and contemporary Haiti, contributing a valuable component to this story and especially to the use of this story in the classroom. Finally, Danticat’s essay concludes with one final wish: “Being a child of Haiti myself, I can only hope that Sélavi’s story will be repeated in the lives of many other children, among them future writers, radio and television journalists, who will continue to tell—and show—their stories in such moving and powerful ways that the rest of the world will no longer be able to neglect them.” Youme’s story is one attempt at elevating and drawing attention to these children’s powerful stories.
The story starts with a little orphan boy roaming the streets of Haiti. He has no family and no name. The narration describes a climate of violence and discord, pointing to moments of political unrest in Haiti’s history: “Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.” One of the first illustrations also shows an imaginative map of Haiti using only green and white paint, and pointing out general markers such as “Nord” (North), “l’Ouest” (west) and “Sud” (South). Port-au-Prince is also marked as “Pòtoprens” (its Haitian name). Underneath “Pòtoprens,” there is an image of the little boy sitting all alone on a bench in Haiti’s capital. This illustration symbolizes the young protagonist’s immense feeling of loneliness. However, this image also symbolically places the plight of Haiti’s orphan children “on the map,” raising awareness of and educating readers about this situation. In other words, the young protagonist, although feeling very alone, is one of many, many other orphan children living in Haiti, a humanitarian crisis deserving of attention.
This particular illustration also complicates the often over-simplified conception of Haiti by outsiders: the rest of the map is made up of blurry, washed-out and highly generic images of the cardinal directions, stick figures, amorphous homes and squiggles. The protagonist is illustrated clearly and discernibly using brown and red paint, grabbing the reader’s attention. Not only does this draw focus to the subject of the book, but it also interrupts a generalized and simplified representation of Haiti with realities that, like Danticat states, “the world will no longer be able to neglect.”
As the story progresses, the protagonist meets another young boy, an orphan just like himself. The boy introduces himself as TiFrè. However, when he asks the protagonist for his name, the protagonist must respond that he doesn’t have one: “‘You can name yourself,” TiFrè said. ‘Like my name means Little Brother. We could call you Hungry, Sleepy, or Little Traveler…’ ‘I am all those things,’ the child said. ‘And that’s life.’ From then on they called him Sélavi.” Ultimately the protagonist’s new name, and the title of the book, will embody the hardships of the past as well as the hope and potential for the future: That is life.
Sélavi’s new friend introduces him to a group of other orphan children. Although they have each experienced devastating pasts, just like Sélavi, they are tremendously compassionate and generous, offering Sélavi some of their water, mangoes and avocados. As Sélavi begins to integrate himself into this new community, readers will learn of some of the other children’s stories, the continuing obstacles that they face, and the goals and projects that they are now undertaking, all the while being exposed to some of Haiti’s landscapes and sociological conditions. Throughout the story these children show great perseverance and ingenuity as they successfully create a shelter in Haiti’s capital for other homeless orphans, as well as a kids’ radio show in order to continue educating and raising awareness.
In the back of the book readers will also find a note from Youme where she explains how she came up with the story, while extrapolating upon some historical details about the real-life Sélavi, TiFrè and their inspirational group of activists. Youme explains how Sélavi, TiFrè and many other people all worked together to make a home for Haiti’s orphaned children. They called the home Lanfanmi Sélavi, which can mean either “Family is life” or “Sélavi’s Family.” The original shelter no longer exists, but a newer model has been built and children still live there today. These children also created a radio station called Radyo Timoun, meaning “children’s radio,” where they continue to go on air advocating for the rights of children. The emissions are now international, and people all over the world can access them. Youme also includes photographs of the children playing and working together: “The family of Sélavi is an extended family with a strong sense of community. Just as with any family, there are many chores, including washing clothes, preparing food and cleaning up after meals. The work is always more enjoyable when the tasks are shared.”
In addition, “Working together also means playing and talking together. Like children everywhere, the kids in Sélavi’s family have learned about life and community by working and playing and talking together.” This is an important point of Youme’s story and educators could take this opportunity to ask their students about ways in which they’ve “learned about life and community by working and playing and talking together.” The example set by Sélavi and the other orphans reinforces values of community and comradery. In addition, the point that this is “like children everywhere” helps foster tolerance by finding common ground amongst people from different cultures. As mentioned in my earlier post, some of these books could be useful for lessons on compare and contrast. For one, humanistic values of community, learning, life and compassion are some beautiful commonalities to be emphasized across cultures.
For access to the full review and additional resources, check out our Vamos a Leer blog at teachinglatinamericathroughliterature.com
February 8, 2025
Multicultural book by author and illustrator Youme, which is a picture book that a parent or caregiver should read and discuss with the child for its mention of violence. "Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world" (Introduction). On the first page a child is very small, and over his head are scary watercolor images of people grabbing at him. The setting itself is an important part of the story as it has a huge impact on Selavi's and the other children's lives.
This book would be helpful for any child who lives or has lived in the midst of violence, because the book shows hope when people, especially children, come together. Each orphan's story is briefly told with an accompanying illustration, all very sad, and they form a little family, find scraps of food, and seek shelter under a banyan tree. In this case, Selavi ("That is life") and the orphans help one another and get help with building a home, a mural, and a radio station. They face many obstacles-rising action-someone burns down their home, and someone else paints over their mural. "If children are sleeping in the streets, what are we doing for them?
The children are motivated, "w=We will write our messages in the air where they cannot be painted out." Climax-they create and open a radio station. Conclusion-
Even today they are being heard! They continue to struggle but they know they are part of a mighty rive. And now so are you...and that is life!"
The last page contrasts sharply with the first-the boy has his 'family' members all around him, happy images, "Respect for all People" and "Food for all People" looming overhead. "All children need a neighbor or a friend who will keep an eye on them: Ronald Joseph, a former resident at Lafanmi Selavi. Fictional account of a real story.
This book would be helpful for any child who lives or has lived in the midst of violence, because the book shows hope when people, especially children, come together. Each orphan's story is briefly told with an accompanying illustration, all very sad, and they form a little family, find scraps of food, and seek shelter under a banyan tree. In this case, Selavi ("That is life") and the orphans help one another and get help with building a home, a mural, and a radio station. They face many obstacles-rising action-someone burns down their home, and someone else paints over their mural. "If children are sleeping in the streets, what are we doing for them?
The children are motivated, "w=We will write our messages in the air where they cannot be painted out." Climax-they create and open a radio station. Conclusion-
Even today they are being heard! They continue to struggle but they know they are part of a mighty rive. And now so are you...and that is life!"
The last page contrasts sharply with the first-the boy has his 'family' members all around him, happy images, "Respect for all People" and "Food for all People" looming overhead. "All children need a neighbor or a friend who will keep an eye on them: Ronald Joseph, a former resident at Lafanmi Selavi. Fictional account of a real story.
February 5, 2022
What I liked: I appreciate the heartfelt love you feel for Haitian children when reading the story and the resources shared after the literary piece. I also liked learning the history of Haiti and want to educate myself more on their history, including the real actions of Christopher Columbus.
What I’m Questioning: The first page talks about men with guns coming and kids living alone. But the illustrations make me feel like the target audience would be younger elementary kids. The content lends itself to upper elementary and middle school children, though. Homelessness, family loss, policing, and loss like this feels like it would create tons of anxiety for young children.
So I’m conflicted. The story is encouraging but the reality of the experiences of young Haitian children is very saddening, so reading this would take a supportive environment with a trusted caregiver and time for open questioning and digestion of the topic(s).
What I’m Questioning: The first page talks about men with guns coming and kids living alone. But the illustrations make me feel like the target audience would be younger elementary kids. The content lends itself to upper elementary and middle school children, though. Homelessness, family loss, policing, and loss like this feels like it would create tons of anxiety for young children.
So I’m conflicted. The story is encouraging but the reality of the experiences of young Haitian children is very saddening, so reading this would take a supportive environment with a trusted caregiver and time for open questioning and digestion of the topic(s).
March 3, 2023
Excellent story and art, lots of enlightening back matter. Highly recommended to parents and other educators. Though not OwnVoices, the essay by Danticat gives the stamp of approval.
Almost worth five stars. Almost worth recommending to everyone. Just, I dunno, not quite universal... I can't imagine recommending it to my adult book club friends for example. And not worth rereading as the message is completely clear once through. But still. You, my GR friends, should look for it.
Almost worth five stars. Almost worth recommending to everyone. Just, I dunno, not quite universal... I can't imagine recommending it to my adult book club friends for example. And not worth rereading as the message is completely clear once through. But still. You, my GR friends, should look for it.
October 24, 2022
This book is based on the true story of homeless orphans in Haiti, who came together to build a home (and hope) for themselves despite the many difficulties facing poor kids in Haiti.
This is a great book for elementary students and older students to learn about the situation in Haiti.
The back-matter gives a lot of additional information.
This is a great book for elementary students and older students to learn about the situation in Haiti.
The back-matter gives a lot of additional information.
December 9, 2018
This book opened up a world in Haiti, that was better than I thought possible. I realize, the story is glazed, but there are places of hope for homeless children. I will look for the children's radio station.
August 2, 2019
“We will write our messages in the air where they cannot be painted out”.
Touching, moving story!
Touching, moving story!
August 8, 2022
Wonderful children's book of another culture and the power of children to change their world.
September 9, 2023
Great story, interesting illustrations
September 21, 2024
Sad and heartbreaking. Definitely read the author’s notes for context.
Location note: Haiti
Location note: Haiti
Read
December 13, 2016 Not so long ago, in Haiti, there was a child who was left homeless after his family’s house was burnt down and his family was taken away. He did not have a name and could not find a place to stay. Finally, he met a friend named TiFre who gave the child the name, Selavi. TiFre took Selavi to a special tree where many homeless children stayed and shared stories and love. Some shared their lonely stories about how they became homeless. They all went out each morning to look for work, and were harassed on the street when they asked for money or food. One day, three angry men came up to Selavi and said that they have chased away his friends and they will arrest if they see Selavi anymore. He ended up in a church where he told the people about the arresting and his friends and they wanted to do something about it. The church built a home for all of Selavi’s “family”. Eventually the house was burnt down and the children were left homeless again. They decided to rebuild the home and start a radio station to get the word out that this house was available for any needy children. They are still being heard through the radio in Haiti.
I really liked the theme of this book because it shows that it is important to stick together and care for one another. This book shows how Selavi is kind enough to include all of his “family” in the house to make them safe and well cared for. It is even more powerful that it is a true story because it shows that it is possible to change people’s lives.
I can use this in my classroom for a Geography lesson and teach about Haiti and all of the things that it and its people have been through. I can pair it with other texts that talk about the earthquake that hit Haiti as well as possibly some tall tales from Haiti that have been told through generations. This would better help my students understand that there are less fortunate people in this world and hopefully have them become more well-rounded individuals.
This is part of my text set about homelessness.
I really liked the theme of this book because it shows that it is important to stick together and care for one another. This book shows how Selavi is kind enough to include all of his “family” in the house to make them safe and well cared for. It is even more powerful that it is a true story because it shows that it is possible to change people’s lives.
I can use this in my classroom for a Geography lesson and teach about Haiti and all of the things that it and its people have been through. I can pair it with other texts that talk about the earthquake that hit Haiti as well as possibly some tall tales from Haiti that have been told through generations. This would better help my students understand that there are less fortunate people in this world and hopefully have them become more well-rounded individuals.
This is part of my text set about homelessness.
February 21, 2010
What do your students know about Haiti? Do they realize how poor the country is- and was- even before the recent earthquake? The children in this book are homeless. Their tragic stories have landed them on the streets of Port-Au-Prince, where they work together to try to keep one another safe. "Selavi" means "the family is life;" it can also be translated as "Salavi's family" since the main character in this story is named Selavi and the other children become his family.
When the children are chased away by uniformed men wearing dark glasses that reflect the tragedies that have befallen each child (are those men partly responsible for the troubles the children suffer?), Selavi runs to a church and asks for help for himself and his friends. The local people join forces to create a "mighty river" of support. They build a home and school, and provide teachers, food, and safety for the street children, but their troubles do not end. With courage and determination, and the help of "Selavi's family," the children keep faith and go on to build a radio station to "write their messages in the air" where nobody can paint them out. They ask for "Food for all people" and "Respect for all people" and the gift of neighbors and friends to keep them safe.
The book is based on a true story of the Fafanmi Selavi. Written by Youme, an artist and activisst from Miami, Fla., she wrote it to honor the "generosity of friends" and the "struggles and courage of the children of Haiti, and the adults who care about them." The book has several pages of non-fictional text, including an essay by author, Edwidge Danticat ("Breath, Eyes, Memory" and "Krik? Krak!") who grew up in Haiti. With Haiti's current prominence on the world stage because of the devastation of the recent earthquake, it may be a good time to kindle student interest in seeing hope in action. This was an ALA notable book in 2005.
When the children are chased away by uniformed men wearing dark glasses that reflect the tragedies that have befallen each child (are those men partly responsible for the troubles the children suffer?), Selavi runs to a church and asks for help for himself and his friends. The local people join forces to create a "mighty river" of support. They build a home and school, and provide teachers, food, and safety for the street children, but their troubles do not end. With courage and determination, and the help of "Selavi's family," the children keep faith and go on to build a radio station to "write their messages in the air" where nobody can paint them out. They ask for "Food for all people" and "Respect for all people" and the gift of neighbors and friends to keep them safe.
The book is based on a true story of the Fafanmi Selavi. Written by Youme, an artist and activisst from Miami, Fla., she wrote it to honor the "generosity of friends" and the "struggles and courage of the children of Haiti, and the adults who care about them." The book has several pages of non-fictional text, including an essay by author, Edwidge Danticat ("Breath, Eyes, Memory" and "Krik? Krak!") who grew up in Haiti. With Haiti's current prominence on the world stage because of the devastation of the recent earthquake, it may be a good time to kindle student interest in seeing hope in action. This was an ALA notable book in 2005.
March 1, 2011
Published: 2005, Cinci Puntos Press
Age: 9-12
The story begins with a young boy standing alone: “Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.” The boy has no name and wanders around Port-au-Prince, Haiti, trying to find food and shelter among angry, insensitive people. Then he meets a boy his age and he gives him the name Selavi, or “that’s life.” They live with other homeless children in a banyan tree. One day the “angry faces” chase him and he runs into a church. The people in the church set up an orphanage but then the “angry people” burn it down. They persist and work together to set up a radio station sending their message out.
This story covers some deep and alarming issues for younger children but the text is simple and the watercolor pictures soften it some. The pictures and text are often told in sequence on a page to include a lot of information. The author focuses in on several children’s stories that shed light on the sad and realistic conditions in Haiti: The large homeless population, unsympathetic authorities, poverty, and sickness. But the book also gives hope. The homeless children band together and take care of each other and compassionate people contribute to building the orphanage. The author gives an end note explaining more details of this situation in Haiti and how the children’s radio station was developed. There are also photos of the children in Haiti and an autobiography of the author.
Age: 9-12
The story begins with a young boy standing alone: “Not so long ago and not so far away, people with guns could take a family, burn a house and disappear, leaving a small child alone in the world.” The boy has no name and wanders around Port-au-Prince, Haiti, trying to find food and shelter among angry, insensitive people. Then he meets a boy his age and he gives him the name Selavi, or “that’s life.” They live with other homeless children in a banyan tree. One day the “angry faces” chase him and he runs into a church. The people in the church set up an orphanage but then the “angry people” burn it down. They persist and work together to set up a radio station sending their message out.
This story covers some deep and alarming issues for younger children but the text is simple and the watercolor pictures soften it some. The pictures and text are often told in sequence on a page to include a lot of information. The author focuses in on several children’s stories that shed light on the sad and realistic conditions in Haiti: The large homeless population, unsympathetic authorities, poverty, and sickness. But the book also gives hope. The homeless children band together and take care of each other and compassionate people contribute to building the orphanage. The author gives an end note explaining more details of this situation in Haiti and how the children’s radio station was developed. There are also photos of the children in Haiti and an autobiography of the author.
October 15, 2011
Young Sélavi, a homeless boy in Haiti, has only his other orphan friends for company. When they get chased away from their home in the banyan tree by some angry men in uniform who think that all street children are thieves, Sélavi turns to a church for help. The people there build an orphanage and help the children found a radio station, teaching everyone that “alone we may be a single drop of water, but together we can be a mighty river.” Colorful borders decorate the simple watercolor illustrations in this book about life in Haiti, where children face poverty, the deaths of family, and corrupt authorities, but ultimately also find reason to hope. The back includes information about the story behind the story, as well as an essay by the author describing Haiti's history and culture. Especially recommended for families who are sponsoring children through Compassion International or other relief organizations.
December 10, 2012
Based on a true story, Selavi captures the experience of the many homeless children in Haiti. This powerful story exposes some of the harsh conditions for children in Haiti, and tells an inspirational story of how an orphanage called Lafanmi Selavi came into existence through the power of community teamwork. The tale begins when a young boy loses his family and is left homeless like many other children in Haiti, he calls himself Selavi, which means “that is life”. Together the young children share a common story of how men with guns came to their homes and destroyed their families, these children ban together and wander the streets of Haiti finding food and living life. I enjoy the emotions of sadness and fear that are captured in this book, and I think this can be good exposure for elementary children who are not use to reading about other countries. This book also teaches a good lesson about teamwork and community togetherness which can be included in lesson plans.
January 27, 2011
Selavi is a colorful story based on the harsh real-life reality of homeless children in Haiti. It descriptively tells the tale of homeless children being left behind after misfortune. When the children are left to survive on their own, they band together and become their own family. The children, along with other villagers, build a house sending a strong message of determination, perseverance and tenacity. Even after the house was burned down, the children did not let this ruin their spirit. They built another house and also began a radio broadcast, if that isn't determination, I don't know what is! I enjoyed the story of how Tifre explained to Selavi what his name meant and then in turn Selavi named himself. He felt his life was a constant struggle and he chose "and that is lfe" to describe it. Overall, the story was inspiring.
May 14, 2012
It will be hard to believe how I came across this book, and the best part was coming across the wonderful publishing company of Cinco Puntos Press! (Wish I could post their picture here!) Driving along streets in El Paso, Texas, all of a sudden--there it was. (Had previously met at NCTE in Chicago, but had no recollection that I might find it on a week-end visit to a friend's wedding!) More will be shared later about this fabulous publisher...
Touching tale of a young Haitian boy, living on the streets, who joins with other homeless children to create a safe haven and a means to spread their word. If we read more books like these to our students, compassion can't help but increase. True story--another hard one to imagine. Great additional information in the notes.
Of course, I want to learn more! Will be exploring further!
Touching tale of a young Haitian boy, living on the streets, who joins with other homeless children to create a safe haven and a means to spread their word. If we read more books like these to our students, compassion can't help but increase. True story--another hard one to imagine. Great additional information in the notes.
Of course, I want to learn more! Will be exploring further!
July 14, 2012
This is a heartbreaking story about the young children of Haiti who were left homeless due to war, famine and poverty. These children seek refuge and find ways to survive. They find another group of children who want to work and want to make a good life for themselves. The townspeople think they are stealing and they are not. They go for days without eating, but they do not give up. A local church helps to build them a home where they can go to school, live and their own "community" of sorts. This book is based off of true accounts and interviews with the children of Haiti. The children were able to create their own radio broadcast and now have feel they have a voice, so that people will understand that they are not "bad" children that they have been left to fend to themselves. "That's life" which is Selavi.
May 5, 2010
This book is about Haitian homeless children trying to survive in a street colony. When a church builds a place for them to stay, they think their life has changed, but the building is burned down. They rebuild and start a radio station run and narrated by children which is heard internationally. The back of the book includes an author's note about the real children, pictures of children that live in the home, information about Radyo Timoun (Children Radio), and a brief history and cultural context by a writer who was born in Haiti, Edwidge Danticat.
The illustrations are watercolors that show enough detail to get the reader to feel for the children without exemplifying the extreme poverty in which they live.
The illustrations are watercolors that show enough detail to get the reader to feel for the children without exemplifying the extreme poverty in which they live.
October 29, 2015
Youme Landowne’s children’s book, Selavi, That is Life: A Hatian Story of Hope, takes place in Haiti, it is a true story about a young boy, Selavi, who lost his family, putting him on the streets with many other children who have become his new family. They do not have a lot, and they find hope in what they do have. These children paint murals and talk on a radio about hope. This book is very colorful and gives kids an understanding of what life is like in Haiti without being too vivid on the illustrations; it shows kids that life is hard for kids in Haiti. I would highly recommend this book to teach children that not all kids have it easy like most do.
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June 29, 2015Selavi is a young Haitian boy who is homeless. His story is told through pictures and text as he lives with other children living on the streets. These children create murals and a radio station together and speak about hope. In doing so, they keep their dreams of a better life alive. Children will be moved through the photography presented in this story, as well as the account of Selavi that is shared. Exposure to what life is like in Haiti is given in a way that young children can understand and reflect upon.
October 11, 2013
This book is very touching. It talks about a boy who lost his parents and had to fend for himself. He finds a group of other children who are in the same place he is and they become good friends and all live together. All the kids go on to build a place where they all may live until anger hits the home.
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October 14, 2013I feel this book is a good book for the Jane Addams award. It is a sad book with how all of these children are chased away from their home or their homes and families were destroyed by military or higher authority, but in the end the children always are looking out for each other and do what they can to be able to help each other. I think it is a well written and inspiring childrens book.
April 20, 2011
another perfect read form the summer reading program that tells a very sweet, but sad story about the street children of haiti. might be too sad if you have really inquisitive kids who might wonder how these homeless children are faring post-earthquake.
May 2, 2013
This book will be a great picture book to have in your class library. It's a wonderful way to introduce children to the natural disaster that took place in Haiti. Overall a great all around book with beautiful illustrations to compliment the.storyline.
January 18, 2017
Tells the story of how homeless children in Haiti helped start a home for homeless children and a children's radio station in Port-au-Prince.
Includes an afterward about Haiti's history and the connections between Haiti and the US by Edwidge Danticat.
Includes an afterward about Haiti's history and the connections between Haiti and the US by Edwidge Danticat.
June 6, 2008
Neverending unbounded love and joy sprout up spring always with you! Writing from the heart, living from the source; the maverick in our midst.
November 6, 2009
Selavi touch my heart and I learned about the reality of the issues that are going in Haiti.
February 28, 2010
A homeless boy on the streets of Haiti joins other street children, and together they build a home and a radio station where they can care for themselves and for other homeless children.
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