Member Reviews

This book shares the moving true story of a boy who has survived more in his short life than most could imagine. I appreciated the photographs and descriptions included at the end of the book.

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I Came from the Water is the story of Moses, who was swept away, along with his family, in a horrible food in Haiti. Moses was only a baby at the time, and this is based on the real life Moses. As with all the books from this series, the illustrations are stunning, and the writing is engaging for children. There's even a short interview with Moses in the back of the book.

Thank you to Vanita Oelschlager and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

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This was way to preachy for me. The illustrations were not my style at all. I'm glad that the boy survived but this book is a disappointment.

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*thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*

4 stars.
Such beautiful illustrations, they are absolutely stunning! Vanita Oelschlager and illustrator, Mike Blanc have done it again with this heart felt true survival stroy of an 8 yr old orphan boy named Moses. From birth he has survived through a flood, an earthquake and then a terrible storm which brought Cholera to the village. The end of this book shows real photos that this story was based on, which is such a nice touch. A beautiful book that id recommend.

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I have read several books by Vanita Oelschlager now, and her books are immediately noticeable by their beautiful and vibrant illustrations. 'I Came From the Water' is based on the real-life experiences of an 8-year old boy, Moses, who as an infant was pulled from the waters of a nearby river, hence the title of the book. This covers several very significant issues, such as life in an orphanage, Haitian earthquake, and also Cholera. This is great, but perhaps too much to be covered in one children's book! On the whole it's a lovely book, but it feels like there is too much information squeezed in and may lose the attention of young minds. It's nice to see however that the net profits from this book will go to support St. Helene's and Father Rick's efforts in rebuilding Haiti and offering education.

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I Came From The Water, One Haitian Boy’s Incredible Tale of Survival by Vanita Oelschlager. Artwork by Mike Blanc. VanitaBooks, LLC. Children's Nonfiction. 5 Stars. Lively, colorful illustrations help share the amazing story of an orphaned boy called Moses from Haiti who was found as a baby in a basket in the water. This is a simply told true story that touches upon tragedy that is offset by Catholic clergy in its attempts to provide care and education to orphaned child survivors. Some actual photos in the back of this small book. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley and VanitaBooks for providing this ebook for review.

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I find this topic so interesting! I can only imagine what this little boy went through and what decisions his family had to make to send him in a basket during the storms.

I was so disappointed in this book, though. The writing is very choppy, as if it was written for little kids without the author knowing how to write for little kids. Choppy sentences make understanding the story even more difficult. Also, too many random topics (cholera, tap-tap busses, earthquakes, etc) are introduced without a lot explanation which made the story feel unfocused. I really wish this story was told in a better way.

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This is a gentle telling of the experiences of a little boy in Haiti who was found after a flood in a basket and sent to St. Helene's orphanage and then named Moses. This story is about the resilience of this little guy but also the need to help the faith community and orphanages like this one. It is well written and would be a great book to use in home, class, or Sunday school. Even though the format leans towards a picture book, I think this book would be a delight to children from preschool to third grade.

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This book is a brightly illustrated story about a young boy living in Haiti. He shares with us a few of the things that he has survived and what his hopes are for his beloved Haiti. It was a very sweet story, lending to the joy of what is happening in Haiti and the developments that are occurring as a nation and as people.

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This book was both adorable and endearing. I loved the story behind the name, and how, despite the circumstances and misfortunes he's lived through, Moses only wants to help others and stays optimistic. The origin of his name is wonderful, and it makes a great story.

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Vanita continues to impress and move me with her magnificent and important work.

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This book had fun and interesting illustrations and the story being told seemed important. Unfortunately, the story lacked depth and clear purpose and didn't grab my attention as something my children needed to read. There were many places the book had opportunity to dive deep but didn't.

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I Came From the Water: One Haitian Boy's Incredible Tale of Survival by Vanita Oelschlager and illustrations by Mike Blanc is a true story. What a story this is! Plucked from the water after a flood that kills many, later a terrible earthquake and he survives, and then disease that kills his friends. But there is hope and joy here too. Wonderful story! Learn some about Haiti also. Quick but interesting read kids will like! Thanks NetGalley for this fascinating read!

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