A forest, a flood and an unlikely star by J.A. Myhre

A Forest, a Flood, and an Unlikely Star: Rwendigo Tales(New Growth Press, September 2017)

Follow along with thirteen-year-old Kusiima in the third book of J.A. Myhre’s The Rwendigo Tales.

Just thirteen years old, Kusiima has no time for school, sports, or hanging out with the other boys in his African village. With no father or mother to take care of him, he works long hours to support his grandmother and sickly baby sister. Then one day, Kusiima’s life suddenly changes when he travels into a nearby protected forest. In the forest, Kusiima is presented with many choices, all with uncertain outcomes. Should he go along with illegal logging? Help to save an endangered baby gorilla? Follow a donkey to who knows where?

With each choice, Kusiima has to make yet another decision about what is right in front of him. As he does, he meets a mysterious doctor who holds the key to his past and his future. In the end, Kusiima is faced with the hardest choice of all. Can he forgive a great wrong and heal a broken relationship?

Readers of all ages won’t want to put down this exciting book that addresses current realities like AIDS, malnutrition, and environmental destruction, all set in a richly detailed African adventure story. Following along as Kusiima makes his decisions, readers will find themselves considering their own choices and growing in empathy for others. This action-packed tale of a boy, his sister, and an orphaned gorilla is also a clear call to give up bitterness and forgive deep hurts, restoring broken lives and relationships.

My opinion: This book is such a delightful and deeply moving novel, sure to enchant young and older readers alike. Totally unlike anything I have ever read this book brings the light issues such as AIDS, Malnutrition and other hard hitting topics that are not as commonly read about and yet it does it so in a sensitive, informative way that makes you stop and think. This book is action packed, well written and deeply moving and I cannot recommend it enough.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.