A Girl Named October

by Zakieh A. Mohammed, Andrea Tripke (Illustrator)

Overview

Can empathy be taught? The importance of empathy and its impact are explored in A Girl Named October. The title character, October, is ever present as the narrator navigates a life without realizing how even the smallest memories, interactions, and expressions can impact a very large, and often imposing, world. Touching the world is no longer an abstract idea, but a concrete action that reveals how everything we do affects everyone around us. Lighthearted in its approach, but powerful in its message, this book tells a story that will spur conversations with children and adults alike.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780999024959
Publisher:	Chicago Review Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	04/02/2019
Edition description:	None
Pages:	36
Product dimensions:	8.60(w) x 11.00(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

Zakieh A. Mohammed is an award-winning teacher who has always felt fortunate to be surrounded by inspirational stories found along the boulevards of Chicago, the hills of Pennsylvania, and the villages of the Middle East. She lives in Chicago. Andrea Tripke is a German-born illustrator. In 2003, she moved to the United States to pursue her dream in the arts. She lives in Melbourne, Florida.

Editorial Reviews

"Mohammed and Tripke’s engaging debut book invites a conscious and compassionate interaction with people and the environment around us while celebrating the poetry of everyday life." —Kirkus Reviews


"Lighthearted in its approach, but powerful in its message, A Girl Named October deftly tells an engaging and entertaining story that will spur conversations with children ages 5-7 and is very highly recommended, especially for family, elementary school, and community library picture book collections for young readers." —James Cox, Midwest Book Review


STARRED REVIEW - "As October touches the world in her own unique way, children will learn to recognize the value and connectivity of everything around them." —Pallas Gates McCorquodale, Foreword Reviews

From the Publisher

06/14/2019

Gr 1–3-In her flowered dress and pigtails, young October appears to be gazing at nothing. When the narrator sees October, she asks her what she is doing. October answers in an abstract manner and then asks the narrator an equally abstract question. For instance, when the narrator sees October painting, she asks why. October answers, "So I can have longer arms. Do you know how far you can reach?" Feeling particularly weary on a windy day, the older girl encounters October again. The child smiles for her when she is too weary to do so for herself. The narrator finally understands that October embodies a way of being that evokes peace and joy. Illustrated as a lanky girl with bright purple hair, the narrator is of indeterminate age. Each scene occurs in a city or park brought to life with acrylic, oil, pencil, and digitally finished. A sense of movement is constant on each page through flowing objects, like leaves, birds, and so forth. This flow, coupled with the creative use of perspective and color, lends each illustration a vibrancy that will draw readers in. The lovely color palette of blue-grays, yellows, and purples evokes a feeling of melancholy. The concept of empathy may not easily translate from the pages of this book to the minds of young readers. However, October does convey a sense of connectivity and mindfulness that could lead to further discussion. VERDICT A thoughtful and appealing book for one-on-one sharing.-Mindy Hiatt, Salt Lake County Library Services

School Library Journal

2019-01-15

The book shares a way of life, full of awareness and compassion, that has helped the narrator see things differently.

October is quiet and does not volunteer her philosophy about life, but she freely shares how she sees and experiences the world when asked. The narrator, perhaps October's friend or older sister, introduces readers to young October's way of being. Amid rushed daily routines, random moods, bad weather, and unpleasant happenings, October remains calm, pleasant, and full of purpose. She reads books because they help her "see farther." She writes to "speak loudly." She keeps the memory of a shell she liked but leaves the shell itself where it belongs on the shore. She takes the time to play with dandelions and enjoy simple things around her. And with full presence in the moment, she rejoices in "touching the world." Digitally finished painted illustrations emphasize the pleasant character of the world October sees, perhaps with a touch of magic, against gloomier surroundings. Eventually, exploring the secrets behind the happiness of the young girl helps the narrator feel happier about her bad day. Both girls have light skin; October sports brown pigtails and the narrator, tight, purple curls.

Mohammed and Tripke's engaging debut book invites a conscious and compassionate interaction with people and the environment around us while celebrating the poetry of everyday life. (Picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews