The Leopard Tree - Softcover

Merriman, Tim; Brochu, Lisa

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0979393345 ISBN 13: 9780979393341

Publisher: Heartfelt Publications, 2007

Synopsis

Three orphans from Kenya embark on a desperate quest to meet the Secretary General of the United Nations in New York City and deliver a message they hope will help millions of homeless and hurting children in Africa. The Wonderful Wizard of Oz becomes their guidebook as they journey alone across the United States. The trio of brave travelers are orphans — one from Kenya with HIV, one blind amputee from Sudan, and one from Rwanda who hasn’t spoken for years after watching her family slaughtered—find themselves embroiled in a situation beyond their imaginations as they get close to meeting their goal. Rosa Carson, a courageous woman and photojournalist working all over the world, becomes their friend and helps them pursue their dreams of meeting the Secretary General of the United Nations. Their journey introduces them to a world they did not know existed and introduces Americans to the plight of 18 million orphans in East Africa living in poverty. This book was written with the hope of raising awareness of the millions of people in Africa who suffer the effects of malnutrition,malaria, HIV/AIDS, and the unspeakable atrocities associated with armed conflicts. You can help by doing whatever you’re able to do:send a donation, learn what’s going on, offer a home, visit the continent. For more information about ways to help and real stories of the land and people, visit www.TheLeopardTree.com and be the change you want to see in the world. Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman have spent the last four decades helping people connect with our global natural and cultural heritage. Through their books and speaking engagements, they hope to help others to know more and do more about the daily challenges in meeting basic needs that face tens of millions of people in developing nations. When they are not traveling the globe, Tim and Lisa live in Kealkekua, Hawaii, on a small farm where they raise much of their own food. They can be contacted by email at lisa@heartfeltassociates.com and tim@heartfeltassociates.com. They have a blog at http://heartfeltassociates.wordpress.com.

About this title

About the Author

Lisa Brochu and Tim Merriman have spent the last four decades helping people connect with our global natural and cultural heritage. Through their books and speaking engagements, they hope to help others to know more and do more about the daily challenges in meeting basic needs that face tens of millions of people in developing nations. When they are not traveling the globe, Tim and Lisa live in Fort Collins, Colorado, on a small farm where they raise much of their own food.

Review

The Leopard Tree brings to life, through Daudi, Masozi, and Ramla, the paradox of Africa. It is a continent where so many struggle with so little, and yet, so many live daily with tumaini (Swahili, translates to hope ). Merriman and Brochu capture the inherent hope and innocence of childhood while also issuing a call for action that makes us all want to join these three children in their quest. --Julie Cutler (consultant) email

Tim and Lisa congratulations on your book! I felt that you captured the heart of the African children who have aids and disabilities that limit their chance of a healthy survival. I say survival having worked with blind and disabled orphans in central Tanzania in a village called Wasa. After working with blind orphans on my second trip and witnessing such dire straits, I decided to return to Africa and construct a wing on an existing orphanage. Reading your book brought back many of the emotions that I felt when I was there. Bravo to you for raising awareness of the plight of the African youth while trying to instill a hope for humanity. Joe Wodiuk (contractor) The Leopard Tree grabbed every emotion I had and brought it to the surface. I couldn t put it down! This book allows one to question the fairness of this world and ask how one small person can help. Being a teacher and also visiting Africa myself, I am excited to present this book to my peers and classroom; for I know The Leopard Tree will be an excellent piece of literature that students and teachers can discuss. This book will be a springboard into broadening minds and opening hearts. Congratulations on a superb piece of work! Jill Wodiuk (teacher) --Joe and Jill Wodiuk email

This is a fantastic story. It drew me in immediately and painted a vivid picture of the plight of so many children in Africa. I found it tragic and inspiring at the same time. It was emotional, but also provided much food for thought. In short I loved reading it and think it's a story well worth telling. --Sheila Caputo (artist) letter

Edition details

• Publisher: Heartfelt Publications
• Publication date: 2007
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0979393345
• ISBN 13: 9780979393341
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 210