The Walking School Bus, written by Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela. Illustrated by Andrew Jackson Obol. Greystone Kids, 2023. $24.95 ages 5 and up

 

"Shaka knew that amasela (thieves) hid
under the bridge, waiting to steal from 
children walking by. 

Ubaba placed his large, rough hands on 
Shaka's shoulders.

"You will just have to miss school for a 
while, my son. I need you to help Mama 
while I'm away."

"It's okay, Baba," he said softly. But his 
heart felt like a heavy rock in his chest." 

A child's education in many world communities is difficult to come by. In this story about Shaka and his sister Nandi, their walk to school is only possible because their father can walk with them. His presence ensures that thieves who prey on children as they pass by will leave his children alone. Their mother works and cannot help. When Baba gets a job in a faraway mine, he is sad to tell Shaka that he will have to quit school to help his mother. 

Shaka longs to go to school, and works tirelessly to find a way to ensure safety for the children from his village. Mama promises that, with the help of friends, they will find what they need to return to school. While playing with a toy bus, Mama explains it is a school bus used in big cities to transport children to school. Shaka stays awake at night thinking about how they might buy a bus. They will go to market with their mama and sell some of their belongings and use that money to help earn the money needed. No buyers! 

Determined to find a different way, Shaka's next idea is to build a bus! He and Nandi plan in earnest before learning their plan cannot work. Nandi is the one who figures out what they CAN do to make going to school a reality. What if all the children walk together? They will find safety in numbers ... and they do. The idea spreads and the walking school bus becomes a success in other villages, allowing more and more children to attend school without worry. 

Young readers will find much to admire about the detailed and colorful illustrations that allow a close-up look at the story's events. Notes from both authors preface the story, and an afterword is written by Julian Lennon, founder of The White Feather Foundation which illuminates the plight of those whose voices are not often heard.  Children should not have to fight for their right to an education.