This was a really good book to help children understand the bigger world out there.
It had some really nice illustrations and a story that was easy to follow and will encourage friendships.

Cute story of how Deo, a refugee in a Tanzanian camp bonds with the camp's bully over a game of soccer. Afterwards, he takes his prized possession out, a ball made out of banana leaf and twine, and the boys continue playing until it is safe to return home.

The story is based on Benjamin Nzobonankira who credits an organization called Right to Play with saving his life and inspiring him to coach as an adult.

An excellent and inspiring true story about the love of sports and perseverance.

This is a powerful story that will introduce upper middle grade students to the refugee crisis through a lens they can understand. Best for grades 5-8.

The Banana-Leaf Ball by Katie Smith Milway is book is based on a real refuge camp in East Africa and a boy whose life got better when the sport of soccer was introduced to the children. The coaches from the organization Right to Play taught kids how to get along by playing together.

The main character, Deo Rukundo, an East African boy is forced to flee his home because of a war in his country. He ends up separated from his family and keeps running deep into the forest for safety. After many weeks where he lives on dew drops, wild fruits and leaves he finds his way to a refugee camp in Northwest Tanzania. Frightened, homesick and alone, he prays for the well-being of the rest of his family.

With little resources in the refugee camp bullies emerge and vandalize those living there. They steal and intimidate everyone and they especially target Deo. Remy the gang leader is menacing and poses threats to all those he encounters.

One day a coach arrives and gathers up the children to play a game of soccer. He hesitates about joining in the game but his excitement overcomes him and he touts his excellent soccer skills in front of the coach. Very impressed, the coach makes Deo captain of the "shirts" team. As the game progresses brand new feelings of comradery and acceptance emerge from the players as they work together as a team to score that winning goal. The kids start to laugh, forget their worries and relax. They area transformed into" kids" once again.

In the following days the kids gather at Deo's house and he teaches them his soccer moves and how to make a ball out of dried banana leaves. Most importantly they open up to each other about their feelings and share their experiences both before refugee camp and the life they are living now.

This book is based upon a true story. It is heartwarming and inspiring. It points out that truly frightening, seemingly hopeless situations can indeed be turned around into something positive and bearable for those caught in such tragic circumstances.

The book is a perfect catalyst to get kids talking about others less fortunate and the social justice issues that surround refugees all over the world. It allows them to discuss the handling of bullies and the value of sports, teamwork, sharing with each other and acceptance.
I received this ARC book from Kids Can press via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is important on so many levels. The story of refugees, importance of play, the growth and development of those pre-teen years and the power of individuals. I can't wait to share this story with my upper elementary students and see how they are inspired to act moving forward. Thank you for sharing such a powerful read!

What a great story! I especially enjoyed the activities mentioned at the end of the book.

The illustrations in the book are simply brilliant! The story is of a boy named Deo whose family is forced to flee from their homes during a war. He survived by himself in the forest by drinking dewdrops and scavenging fruits until he finds himself at a refuge camp. Life is different at the camp and he is lonely, he makes a banana-leaf ball from scratch and hides it. The camp has coaches who teach the children to play football, Deo, finally feelings secure enough, takes out his own, homemade ball and begins to play with his peers. It is a fabulous story about displacement, struggle, hope and confidence.

What I love is that author included information in the back of the book about a real life boy from 1993 that the story was based on and included real photos of banana-leaf balls along with a map for reference of where the story takes place. .