Anna Hibiscus

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Anna Hibiscus lives in Africa. Amazing Africa. So begins each of the four vignettes in this, the first book in the Anna Hibiscus series by Atinuke, a Nigerian-born author who tells stories in a gentle and authentic voice. The audiobook is adeptly narrated by Mutiyat Ade-Salu, and I felt that I was with Anna throughout the book. Anna Hibiscus lives with her mother and father, grandparents, twin brothers Double and Trouble, and lots and lots of cousins and aunties and uncles. Anna lives in a city, so the listener/reader can learn about middle-class life in Africa (the actual country Anna lives in is not named). Each vignette is its own complete story, introducing more little by little about Anna’s life. And we learn that more than anything, Anna wants to see snow!

This lovely early chapter book is recommended for 1st-4th graders to read independently, but it would also be a nice book for a family read-aloud. It’s also recommended for any adult or teen who wants a fast, gentle, comforting read.