Galimoto

When I taught elementary school, I used this book constantly. I'm always reminded of Tom Sawyer as the young boy becomes very resourceful in trying to obtain the wire he needs to put together his push-toy. In the classroom, the book lends itself easily to critical thinking opportunities as kids are exposed to a unique and different world and way of life. It leaves many feeling grateful for what they have. And though the book's young hero leads a life so different from their own, children readily identify with the boy's up hill struggle to get what he wants. That, they all understand. It's a great read for home or school. Chris Bowen Author of, "Our Kids: Building Relationship in the Classroom" (just a click away...check it out)

This is a book I ordered to send to my grandson for his birthday. It was sent directly, so I haven't really read it. It got good reviews and he likes the story. It was shipped well ahead of his birthday. All was well. Thanks

This is a wonderful, well illustrated book about a young boy who has an idea and finds what he needs to create it. What he needs is just a small amount of wire. It is not clear until the end what a "galimoto" is but by then we are all cheering for him to make one. I read this book to students who are studying to be elementary teachers. I think it would be an excellent book to use in the elementary classroom...it is set in Africa and has many lessons for young readers. I would love to see a whol classroom of "galimotos"!

As I prepared to visit Zambia to learn how communities are coping with the HIV/AIDS pandemic, I tried to help the children of our church understand what life is like in Africa. "You mean they are so poor nobody buys them toys?" Galimoto not only gives a realistic picture of life in a small African village, it celebrates the resourceful spirit of African children. Our young people were filled with wonder when I brought home a galimoto that I bought on a roadside in Zambia. They were eager to try their hand at creating their own galimotos.

I just attended a talk by a Peace Corps volunteer who spoke about how children in Ghana were resourceful about creating toys to play with. This book illlustrates that point. I hope that my students from Africa will enjoy this book.