Feast for Joseph

Joseph misses having meals with lots of people, so when his neighbors finally come over, it's a feast! A companion book to Joseph's Big Ride, described as "a joyful, upbeat tale." When Joseph and Mama lived in a refugee camp, everyone cooked and ate together, and Joseph could always hear someone playing the awal. In his new home, it's too quiet and lonely, and he invites his relatives in the city to come for dinner, but everyone is too busy. Joseph picks the last greens from the garden and prepares a feast with Whoosh and her mami the next night.

Format: Hardback
Length: 32 pages
Publication date: 23 September 2021
Publisher: Groundwood Books Ltd ,Canada

Joseph yearns for the days when he would gather around a large table with his fellow refugees in the camp, sharing meals and laughter. So, when his neighbors finally come over for a visit, it's a joyous occasion for him. A companion book to Joseph's Big Ride, described by Kirkus as "a joyful, upbeat tale," this story delves into the experiences of a young boy adjusting to a new home after fleeing a refugee camp in East Africa.

In the refugee camp, everyone cooked and ate together, creating a sense of community and camaraderie. Joseph could always hear someone playing the awal, a traditional African instrument, adding to the lively atmosphere. However, his new home in the city feels much too quiet and lonely. Though his upstairs neighbor, Whoosh, is friendly, Joseph misses having more people around, especially his grandmother, who still lives across the ocean.

Determined to make the most of his situation, Joseph invites his relatives in the city to come for dinner. He also invites his teacher, hoping to make new friends and build connections. But unfortunately, everyone is too busy with their own lives to attend.

Feeling discouraged, Joseph picks the last greens from the garden, knowing that at least he and his mother will be ready to cook if someone comes. The next night, to his surprise, Whoosh and her mother appear at the door with a big cake. Excited, Joseph and Whoosh cook up a feast, using the fresh greens from the garden and the cake as a centerpiece.

As they sit around the table, sharing stories and laughter, Joseph realizes that even in the midst of change and uncertainty, there is still joy to be found in the simplest of pleasures. Cooking and sharing food with friends brings people together, and it's a reminder of the importance of community and connection.

This touching story about adjusting to a new home and the pleasure of cooking and sharing food with friends is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. It encourages readers to embrace new experiences, find joy in the little things, and never lose hope, even in the face of adversity.

Key Text Features:
Glossary: A glossary provides definitions of unfamiliar words, enhancing comprehension and vocabulary.
Translations: Translations are included to assist readers who may be unfamiliar with certain languages or cultural references.
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.K.4: Ask and answer questions about unknown words in a text.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.3: Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story, using key details.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.7: Use illustrations and details in a story to describe its characters, setting, or events.

Weight: 408g
Dimension: 237 x 235 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781773064383