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Anna Hibiscus

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Anna Hibiscus
by Atinuke
Kane Miller, 2010. 111 pgs. Intermediate Reader

Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa with her African father and her Canadian mother. Although the reader never learns which country Anna lives in, he or she can still learn much about warmth not only of the land, but of her people. In "Anna Hibiscus on Holiday" Anna's father takes her, her mother, and their twin baby boys (Double and Trouble) to the seashore for a holiday, away from the noise and confusion of all the aunties, uncles, and cousins. But Anna and her mother don't get much rest because who will help care for Double and Trouble like the aunties did? And Anna wants someone to play with--her cousins! By turns, Anna's father goes back for the aunties, and the uncles, and the cousins until the whole big joyous African family is at the beach together. Anna's great desire to see snow, however, cannot be satisfied in Africa, but when she goes to visit her Canadian grandmother, even that dream comes true. Anna Hibiscus is a delightful young girl and her adventures open a window to Africa at the same time as they reveal the lives of children everywhere.
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