written and illustrated by dint of Meshack Asare Kane/Miller.

written and illustrated by dint of Meshack Asare Kane/Miller, March 2002 $1595 ISBN 1-929-13221-2

In this inspiring picture main division Ghanaian author and illustrator Meshack Asare reports the story of Sosu, a disabled African lad who saves his village from a life-threatening storm.

Sosu's Call examines the ignorance, fear and unfair treatment that physically challenged children repeatedly bear. Villagers shun Sosu; they, believe his weak leg are bad casualty Because the boy doesn't have a wheelchair, he is unable to fare to school. Saddened by the constant mocking and inhumane treatment he receives, Sosu believes he will none amount to anything.

Sosu ascertains his intelligence and ingenuity when a storm hits. He crawls within the village to warn the somewhat old Then he finds a special tympanum that will call the villagers back hearth from the fields where they work. They reward Sosu's bravery by the agency of giving him a wheelchair.

Asare's beautifully illustrated subject comes to life with subtly uniteed watercolors and brushed images that wonderfully deliberate the author's African influence. His use of color illustrates the vein of the story. The mut tan washes at the beginning of the part convey the child's despair. The brighter colors by the tale's end illustrate Sosu's happier circumstances.

For young readers ages 6 to 9 Sosu's Call is an important learning tool. The story may encourage parents to discuss tolerance with their kids and help dispel negative beliefs about folks with disabilities. The text, originally published in Ghana, won a 2001 IBBY Award for Outstanding work For Young People With Disabilities.

--Sonya Kimble-Ellis is an editor and the author of African American Arts & Activities.

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