PICTURE BOOK REVIEW: 9 Kilometers by Claudio Aguilera & Gabriela Lyon, translated by Lawrence Schimel
REVIEW
Stories like this one remind me just how important it is for children to receive an education. Based on the experience of the author walking to and from school daily. It was especially impressive that he worked to earn an attendance award, going to school even when it was storming or he had a cold. The story follows a young boy as he walk 9 kilometers (5.62 miles) to school, one way. As he walks down paths, through fields, crosses streams, and crawls under barbed wire, he ponders the question of just how far 9 kilometers is, how many feet, how many steps, how many football (soccer) fields, etc. The combination of math (distance) and story makes for an intriguing read. The boy's efforts to distract himself from all the walking is perfectly understandable. His dedication to going to school under such conditions is truly admirable, although sad that it's necessary. The inclusion of natural wildlife along with some bird's eye views of the terrain add to the beauty of the book and emphasize the distance traveled. I especially appreciated the beautifully painted map begun on the front end papers and completed on the rear end papers showing just how far this boy walks to get to school. It was especially fascinating to read accounts from around the world in the back matter that highlighted the distances that some students travel to get to school. I also liked the fact that the birds included were identified in the back matter as well. A glimpse into the lives of the author and illustrator concludes the book. For me, the book worked so well as a window into experiences very different than my own. A beautiful book that will provide young readers a glimpse into life in other places.
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