Bonyo Bonyo: The True Story of a Brave Boy from Kenya

Reader reviewed by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, The Original H.I.R. (Historical Investigative Reporter)

Author Vanita Oelschlager has done it again! In her new book, Bonyo Bonyo: The True Story of a Brave Boy from Kenya, Oelschlager tells the moving story of a poor but determined boy on a quest to become a physician.

In his own words, Bonyo Bonya tells what it was like to grow up in Western Kenya. He lived a simple life and did not mind being poor until he turned eight years old. That was when his baby sister grew sick because Bonyo's village did not always have clean water for its residents to drink. His beautiful sister died at the age of 6 months because there was no doctor or nurse to care for her.

Bonyo vowed to become a doctor someday, and Oelschlager's book tells the touching story of how a kind school principal became Bonyo's sponsor when his parents couldn't afford to send him to school.

The principal's school was far away, and Bonyo had to walk to get there. At one point he even had to cross a dangerous river, but even that didn't stop him. He focused on his goal and made it to his new school, and eventually to an American school in Texas, where he finally studied to be a doctor.

This is a wonderful story of courage, love and dedication that should not be overlooked. Bonyo worked tirelessly for things that many students in America take for granted.

At his journey's end, Bonyo earned his medical degree and established a health center in his village. To this day, he visits the medical center twice each year, taking young, eager doctors with him to care for the generous people from his village.

For a wonderful lesson in culture, dedication, goal-setting and human services, don't miss the story of Bonyo Bonyo.