Africa Is My Home: A Child of the Amistad [Paperback]

“A remarkable story of resilience, faith, and hope.” — School Library Journal (starred review)

Inspired by a true account, here is the compelling story of a child who arrives in America on the slave ship Amistad—and eventually makes her way home to Africa. Narrated in a remarkable first-person voice, this fictionalized book of memories of a real-life figure retells history through the eyes of a child. Lush, full-color illustrations by Robert Byrd, plus archival photographs and documents, bring an extraordinary journey to life.Edinger tells the story of Margru's long journey home, supporting her fictionalized narrative with primary sources like news clippings and engravings. The best of Byrd's exquisite ink-and-watercolor pictures show Margru sleeping under New England quilts while dream images of Africa wreath her head.
—The New York Times Book Review

[A] remarkable story of resilience, faith, and hope... With more than 40 stunning illustrations, this unique narrative should find an appreciative audience.
—School Library Journal (starred review)

[T]his book makes an important part of history accessible to child readers...
—Kirkus Reviews

This well-known story is personalized as seen through the eyes of Magulu, and is created by the author using letters, newspaper articles, maps, journals, and engravings. Several of the maps and engravings are used to supplement the beautiful artistry of the award-winning illustrator
—Library Media Connection

Edinger avoids sensationalism without underselling the more disturbing parts of the story... An author’s note describes Edinger’s motivation in seeking out Margru’s story and traces some of her research methods, but it is her skill in imagining Margru’s life from those original sources that opens up this episode in history to young readers.
—The Horn Book

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