Sunday, March 9, 2014

Children's Book #Review: I Came From The Water


Book Title: I Came From The Water
Author: Vanita Oelschlager  |Website
Publisher: Vanita Books
Genre: Children's Non Fiction
Series/Standalone: Standalone
Format: ebook, hardcover, paperback
Cost: $ 15.95, $8.95
Pages: 40
How I got it: NetGalley
Purchase: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Publisher
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Synopsis:
The story is based on the actual experiences of Moses, an eight year-old boy and resident of St. Helene’s orphanage outside Port-au-Prince. As an infant, he was lit- erally plucked from the waters of a nearby river, having been placed in a basket by whom we believe was his grandmother. The rest of his family perished in floods that wiped out their upland village in 2004. He was given his name by the nuns at St. Helene’s. The title is Moses’ reply to the author when she asked where he is from. After the earthquake of 2010 destroyed Port-au-Prince and much of the surround- ing area, the orphanage was flooded with a new wave of parentless boys and girls. Moses helped these children adapt to their new lives and in so doing displays a fearless hope and determination that may lead to Haiti’s renewal as a self-support- ing nation. St. Helene’s orphanage is run by Father Rick Frechette known globally for his dedication to improving the lives of poor children across Latin America. Net profits from I Came From the Water will go to support St. Helene’s and Father Rick’s efforts to help rebuild Haiti by offering a safe place to live and a free education for children like Moses.


This is a beautifully drawn and wonderfully illustrated story.  The story itself is both heartbreaking and a good story of faith and survival.  As it is based on the young man Moses' life, you can''t help but feel deeply for a child who is so strong in his faith despite all that is going on in his world, all of it beyond his control.

This is the story of a child who is living in the devastation that is Haiti after it has been battered by several natural disasters.  This child brings a human face to the devastation, especially since there are callus people who are saying the island deserves what happened to it because they dared to fight for their freedom and embrace their ancestral heritage and religion.  Reading this story would be a great way to explain to children what is happening over there and how children their age are coping with the aftermath.

I plan to purchase several copies for family and friends as this benefits the children's orphanage mentioned in the book.
 ★★★★
I highly recommend this book.  Enjoy and make sure to check out the author's website.

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