Does the Tooth Fairy always leave
money in exchange for a tooth? In Penda Diakité’s book, “I Lost My Tooth in Africa,”
we follow Amina, a young girl from Portland, Oregon to Bamako, Mali where she
is visiting her extended family. When her tooth becomes loose and she learns
that the African Tooth Fairy will leave a real chicken, Amina becomes very
eager to wiggle that tooth out!
Throughout her stay, Amina shares in the daily life, chores and customs of her African family. Paired with captivating illustrations, this story offers a beautiful glimpse into another culture and the bonds of family that transcend their differences. Since losing teeth is a universal experience – Amina’s excitement is shared by the reader all while subtlety expanding their worldview.
The author, Penda Diakité, was a young teen when this story, based on real-life events, was published. The book closes with notes from her and the illustrator (her father Baba Wagué Duakité), a glossary of Bambara language, a family song, and a traditional African recipe. A gem of a book!
Additional books you may like to check out with this one:
"Throw Your Tooth on the Roof: Tooth
Traditions from Around the World" by Selby B. Beeler
"Doctor De Soto Goes To Africa"
by William Steig
Happy reading!
--Julie D., I.T.
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