Hu-Ubuntu I Am Because We Are: Community Resilience by Patrick Makokoro (Author) and Kristen Brittain (Illustrator)
This review first appeared on Reader Views. Read the Reader Views version here.
Pana loves February because it’s Black History Month. He loves that he gets a focused chance to learn about “the amazing achievements, rich culture and history of Black people.” But this year is extra special. His teacher has asked everyone in his class to share a story they learn about a Black hero. Pana knows a lot of very famous Black heroes like Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr, but he decides he wants to learn about, celebrate, and share about someone in his family. Pana talks to his family and learns all about his ancestors and, in particular, his great uncle. He shares his great uncle’s story with his classmates. Through this, he learns about pride, community, and the importance of sharing stories, cultures, and kindness.
Now, it’s quite likely that readers are not familiar with the term “Hu-Ubuntu,” which was coined by Hu-Ubuntu I Am Because We Are: Community Resilience author Patrick Makokoro. In an informative author’s note, Makokoro shares that “Hu-Ubuntu” is a combination of the Shona word Hunhu and the Zulu word Ubuntu, and, together, they form “Hu-Ubuntu.” Makokoro explains that “the beautiful concept of Hu-Ubuntu […is] a philosophy rooted in the belief that ‘I am because we are.’” In the author’s note, Makokoro goes on to explain the importance and expanse of “Hu-Ubuntu,” as well as his plans for his overall Hu-Ubuntu children’s book series. Normally, I don’t focus this much on an author’s note, but I think Makokoro’s is especially enlightening, informative, and purposeful.
Overall, Hu-Ubuntu I Am Because We Are is a wonderful picture book, perfect for sharing with young readers. Makokoro has crafted a clear yet meaningful story that will be easily understood by quite young readers. I also believe it will help spark further conversations about Black history, family history, and the importance of sharing and learning about a variety of histories with slightly older readers.
I would be remiss not to mention illustrator Kristen Brittain’s lovely artwork. Pana, his family, and his community are lovingly depicted. Brittain also clearly conveys historical figures, as well as places and people in Zimbabwe. Like Makokoro’s words, I think Brittain’s pictures will provoke joy and conversation between adults reading aloud and the children listening.
Hu-Ubuntu I Am Because We Are: Community Resilience by Patrick Makokoro is a wonderful picture book that easily teaches about “Hu-Ubuntu,” the importance of learning about many histories, and the joy of learning one’s family history and stories. Makokoro’s text is beautifully complemented by Brittain’s illustrations. I highly recommend this book.
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