A parent might reach for this book when their child is facing a seemingly impossible goal, or to build empathy for those living with fewer resources. This poignant verse novel tells the story of Serafina, a young girl in rural Haiti who dreams of becoming a doctor. Her dream is threatened by her family's crushing poverty, her daily responsibilities, and a devastating natural disaster. The book beautifully explores themes of resilience, the power of a promise, and the deep love of family. Its unique format makes difficult topics like poverty and loss accessible for middle-grade readers, offering a powerful message of hope and determination without being overwhelming.
A devastating flood sequence is a central event, creating danger for the characters.
Cultural Content GapMild
Some context about Haitian life, culture, and economic struggles may be helpful for readers.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with extreme poverty, hunger, and the death of an infant sibling. The death is handled with deep sadness and grief but is not graphic. The approach is emotional and poetic, filtered through Serafina's perspective. The resolution is not a simple fix, but a deeply hopeful one, grounded in Serafina's internal strength and commitment to her promise. There are brief, respectful mentions of both Christian and Vodou traditions (e.g., the local healer), reflecting the cultural landscape of Haiti.
Ideal Reader
An empathetic, thoughtful reader aged 10 to 13 who appreciates lyrical language and character-driven stories. It is perfect for a child who is beginning to understand global issues and social justice, or one who needs a powerful model of perseverance in the face of overwhelming odds. It's an excellent choice for kids who enjoyed books like 'A Long Walk to Water' or 'Inside Out & Back Again'.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss poverty, natural disasters, and grief. The chapter "A Terrible Stillness," which depicts the death of Serafina's baby brother, is emotionally intense and worth previewing. Providing some basic context about Haiti's geography and economic challenges would greatly enhance a child's understanding and appreciation of the story. The verse novel format may also be new to some readers and could be introduced as a form of poetic storytelling. A parent has overheard their child say, "It's not fair," or, "This is too hard, I want to give up." The parent is looking for a story to provide perspective and model true resilience and gratitude without being preachy.
Age Experience
A younger reader (9-10) will connect strongly with Serafina's personal journey: her love for her family, her big dream, and the scary flood. An older reader (11-13) will be better able to appreciate the nuanced social commentary on systemic poverty, lack of access to education and healthcare, and the cultural richness of Haiti. They will see Serafina's promise not just as a personal goal, but as a commitment to her entire community's future.
What Makes It Special
Unlike many survival stories that focus on action, this book's power lies in its quiet, lyrical interiority, made possible by the verse novel format. It makes the immense weight of poverty and disaster feel personal and poetic. The focus is not on the disaster itself, but on the enduring strength of a girl's dream and her promise, which becomes an act of profound hope and agency.
Read plot summary
Serafina, a young girl living in a remote Haitian village, cherishes a secret dream of becoming a doctor to help her community. However, her family's deep poverty means she must spend her days working, leaving no time or money for school. She helps her Manman, cares for her baby brother Pierre, and works in the fields. Her determination is unwavering, but she faces immense obstacles. The story culminates in a catastrophic flood that devastates her village, leading to tragic loss but also strengthening her resolve. She makes a solemn promise to her mother that she will find a way to pursue her education, no matter the cost.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Serafina's Gwo Maman tells her, "A promise is a seed." What do you think she means by this? How does Serafina's promise to her mother grow throughout the story?
2
The story is written in verse, with short lines and stanzas instead of paragraphs. How did reading the story in this style make you feel? Did it change how you understood Serafina's world?
3
Serafina has a dream to become a doctor, but she also has many responsibilities to her family. How does she balance what she wants for herself with what her family needs from her?
4
After the flood, the community works together to rebuild. Why is this cooperation so important for their survival and their spirits? Can you think of examples of this in your own community?
