Review Detail

Junior is trapped beneath his house. After the earthquake, Junior waits for rescuers and, in the meantime, plays in his imagination. He dreams of images from his life. With the goodness of these thoughts firmly in mind, Junior finds the strength and courage to endure his entrapment and to survive.

Eight Days: A Story of Haiti by Edwidge Danticat tells the fictional tale of a young man trapped beneath rubble for eight days following the Haitian earthquake of 2010. Bold acrylic and pastel crayon illustrations reveal the rhythms and vibrancy of Haitian culture at its best. Both author and illustrator hail from Haiti and their passion for the culture leaps from the page. They have provided an ideal way to discuss this disaster with children and to help them identify with others around the world.

Although the conclusion feels abrupt and unfinished, the book is still well done. A fine testament to the human spirit.

Includes an Authors Note explaining the storys origins.