My Name is Blessing
Eric Walters, Author
Eugenie Fernandes, Illustrator
Tundra Books, Fiction, 2013
Suitable for ages: 6-9
Themes: Kenya, Poverty, Disability, Orphan Crisis, Hope
Opening: “Muthini watched his grandmother stirring the big pot. He knew there would be not much to eat. But whatever there was would be shared equally among her nine grandchildren. They lined up, oldest to youngest. Muthini was last…Using the two fingers of his right hand he scooped up some porridge.”
Synopsis: Muthini and his grandmother, Nyanya, live in rural Kenya near the mountains. Nyanya barely makes enough money to support nine orphaned grandchildren. Muthini, whose name means “suffering” is the youngest and was born with no fingers on his left hand and only two on his right. He is teased by others. When he asks his grandmother why he as fewer fingers she tells him “we are each given more of some things and less of others.” ” It is so sad that other children only have ten fingers when you have a larger heart, a bigger brain, and greater spirit.” One day his grandmother realizes that she is too old to help Muthini. She takes him to a special residential home/school for children without families, where he meets the director. Gabriel, looks at Muthini’s hands and only sees his potential. But Gabriel will only accept Muthini if he changes his name to Baraka, which means blessing.
Why I like this book: Eric Walters’ story is about a real boy named Baraka and his grandmother, Grace. His text is very lyrical and heartwarming. His extraordinary story begins by showing Muthini’s disability as a misfortune. But Gabriel focuses on Baraka and his great heart and spirit. Baraka is a blessing and not one who suffers. Eugenie Fernandes’ acrylic illustrations are done in soft browns and yellows hues and capture both the emotion and spirit of the story. He gives great detail to facial expressions.
Resources: There are five pages of back matter about Baraka and his grandmother. Walters shares information about the Mbooni Region of Kenya — the poverty, famine and disease which leaves 500 children orphaned. He chronicles his 2007 visit with photographs of Grace and her family, their meager living conditions and the region. Walters response to what he sees by founding The Creation of Hope, a residential care center for children. You can read about Eric Walter’s work in the book and on his website. Make sure you check out the page devoted to the Creation of Hope.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
Children's Books Heal 
Love this…. going to put this book on my reading list!
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It is an inspiring story about a boy finding his abilities under incredible circumstances. Glad you like it.
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Sounds like an endearing book. My mom used to babysit a boy who was born with missing fingers on both hands. I like the grandmother’s wisdom: “we are each given more of some things and less of others.” Thanks for sharing!
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Yes, I really like how wise the grandmother was so wise in showing the boy he had gifts.
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Nice choice. The cover art is lovely. Last year I met a writer whose fingers were missing at birth. She is collecting titles with characters like Muthini. I can’t wait to share this one with her! Thank-you!
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That is so interesting. I hope she’s writing a book. Thanks for sharing.
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Love the message of this book. Will add it to my list.
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It has a wonderful message! Glad you like the book.
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What a great and wise grandmother! Sounds like I need to read it!
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Yes, I thought the same thing too — a very wise grandmother. It’s a keeper for me.
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What a lovely story! And such a wise and caring grandmother. I’ll have to look for this one. Thanks Ms Tilton!
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I’m glad you enjoyed my review. I loved the grandmother’s wisdom and that is was based on a true story.
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LOVE the title! Any time there’s a grandparent woven in, it has my heart!
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This one was such a heartwarming story. The grandmother may have not been able to keep her youngest grandson, but she had much wisdom to share and got him to the right place.
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Beautiful story, Pat. Loved your review and I so want to find this. I checked out Eric’s website and was amazed at how he came about writing in the beginning. Inspiring! Thanks!
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I hope you find a copy of the book. I think that happens, once you observe something so horrific you know what you have to do. I’m sure you would respond that same way because of your deep compassion and the work you already do.
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Heartrending! I love the beauty of this. Those schools in Kenya can be so wonderful. If it weren’t for those who fund places like this and the wonderful, vocational people who run them, children like Baraka would live a life begging on the rubbish dumps of Nairobi.
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Thank you Niamh! I love true stories like this and the wonderful school that helped Baraka. You’re right, he could have ended up in the rubbish dumps of Nairobi. The author has created such a positive and supportive program.
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This looks lovely – fabulous! Definitely seeing if I can get my hands on it! Thanks!
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Joanne, I hope you have the opportunity of reading this story. It is a powerful story about the wisdom of a grandmother and the support of a school to help Baraka.
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Eric Walters is a wonderful author. His books have meaning and this one is especially meaningful. It is great that he is using his talents to help these children so they can have a better life.
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I’ll have to check out his other books. I really liked how he just jumped in and created a foundation to help the orphans. Very selfless act.
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Wow! I’ve gotta get this one!
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You’d enjoy the story Nancy. It’s very inspiring!
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This sounds wonderful! 😀
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You’d like this true story and the work the author does to help orphans in Kenya.
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