The Banana-Leaf Ball: How Play Can Change the World (CitizenKid)

Aside from all the other good things this book teaches, like the main character's mission to enable children to learn the sport of soccer in hard times when he grows up...I like the banana leaf ball construction. Kids in the US have very little they need to imagine or create, they have access to ready made craft projects, used toys if they can't afford new ones, advertising showing them everything they could ever wish to make or play with... it's stifling and leaves little room for creativity out of necessity. I believe, living close to Mexico, myself, that children from poorer countries have more drive to create and skillfully problem solve to satisfy their own play needs, that they need less of the commercial aesthetic to enjoy play. I bought this book knowing a ball had been fashioned by a boy out of leaves, that there was no youtube instructional he had watched, no how to book available to him.I wanted to show my sons that if you don't have something, you can usually find a way to make it, and probably for free if you think hard enough and have your mind open to possibilities and materials around you. When you have these skills, you can save money, remain indifferent to marketing and have personal pride and respect knowing what you want is just a little effort away.The rest of the story is very sweet and fairly similar to other sharing and anti bullying stories. The reason I appreciate this book, is because a boy works hard, problem solves, creates something and his skills, effort and creativity are the basis for the rest of the positive and transformative events.Another book that promotes this creativity out of necessity is "the most magnificent thing".

All of Katie Smith Milway's books have such powerful life lessons that make it so easy and enjoyable for parents and teachers to incorporate positive teaching moments while reading with their children. The Banana-Leaf Ball book is one more fantastic book of Katie's that focuses on empathy and how the act of play can bring children together (in this case children in a refugee camp) and create social change within their communities. I often look for books with great illustrations to show my kids different ways to create art and Shane Evans, the illustrator has used a fantastic mix of collage, drawing, and painting to portray this meaningful story. Other books with great life lessons we have enjoyed by the author are One Hen and The Good Garden.

This is such a great story for both girls and boys. I have gifted it several times. I would recommend for ages 4 to 10 years.

Thanks!

This was a really good book to help children understand the bigger world out there.It had some really nice illustrations and a story that was easy to follow and will encourage friendships.

This book will be a great addition to any library, public or in your home. I'm an empty-nester parent who has been collecting children's books my whole life, and the illustrations in this book are among the most beautiful I've seen. They incorporate a collage-look to perfectly complement the inspiring story. The story is set a world away from most people who will purchase this book, yet it will feel very familiar. The parts that seem different - being rushed from your home by torches and machetes, and ending up in a refugee camp - are good opportunities to learn, and practice empathy. And at the end of the book there are a number of ways to put that empathy into action. They list several organizations that you can look into, and maybe support with fundraising, as well as several great games that you can try out yourself to see just how powerful play can be to transform individuals and groups. Congratulations to Katie Smith Milway and Shane Evans!

Katie Smith Milway has done it again! Her new book gives young readers a glimpse into the lives of children in refugee camps and how they might feel. The young protagonist, Deo, has some of the same problems as the rest of us -- how to fit in, how to handle bullies, how to make friends. Deo finds his way through soccer, and as a member of a soccer team, he no longer feels alone in the world. This is all based on a true story of a child from Burundi who spent 15 years in a refugee camp (after fleeing an attack), and grew up to be a soccer coach, and then a trainer of other coaches in Burundi. I highly recommend this beautiful book.

I think this is Katie Smith Milway's best book yet! Most children can relate to Deo's love for soccer. Katie handles the difficult issues of being forced violently from home and being separated from family in a sensitive and age-appropriate way. This is a beautiful story of the power of sport to break down barriers and unify us as we work together as a team. The illustrations are also wonderful. My own children are grown but I can't wait to give this book to my youngest nephew!

A great story for friendship.

My 12 year old grandson and I read it together. The story held our attention. We talked about bullies and how best to deal with them. Now we have a first- hand understanding of the value of play and of the good work that organizations like 'Right to Play' do in the world.