The Walking School Bus is a compelling picture book that showcases the authors’ experiences and first-hand insights into the barriers and challenges that affect children’s access to education around the world. Aaron Friedland and Ndileka Mandela have created a story told through the lens of Shaka and Nandi, a brother and sister in Uganda, that expands students’ understanding of their rights and freedoms. When the children find themselves unable to get to school safely, they are determined to “find a way,” which promotes critical thinking about how the rights and freedoms of children are impacted by the circumstances of where they live.

Both authors model our roles and responsibilities as global citizens through their work with foundations that improve access to education for children. In addition, the authors’ inspiration for this story demonstrates how local actions can have positive global consequences as they’ve worked together to build awareness and ensure more educational opportunities for children across the globe.

Other End Matter: Notes from the author Aaron Friedland, language definition guide from Ndileka Mandela, afterword by Julian Lennon of The White Feather Foundation
Images: Colour illustrations
Bibliography: No
Index: No

Evaluator: Shannon S., School Librarian, BC Books for Schools

Aaron Friedland is the founder and executive director of the Simbi Foundation, which provides support for children around the world who face difficulties in accessing education. The interviews he conducted with children in rural Africa and India inspired the story of The Walking School Bus, his first book. He lives in Vancouver, BC.

Aaron Friedland's profile page

Ndileka Mandela is an activist, author, and head of the Thembekile Mandela Foundation, which continues the legacy of her grandfather Nelson Mandela by supporting education and health in rural South Africa. She lives in South Africa.

Ndileka Mandela's profile page

Andrew Jackson Obol is an illustrator whose proudly Afrocentric art has been published widely in children’s books, academic textbooks, and comic books. Andrew was born and raised in Uganda and now lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, where he is studying in the Masters of Art program at NSCAD University.

Andrew Jackson Obol's profile page

Julian Lennon is a singer-songwriter, photographer, children’s book author, and the founder of the White Feather Foundation.

Lennon Julian's profile page

"Moving"
—The New York Times

 

"An inspiring and disquieting testament to the value of education.”
—Kirkus Reviews

“An uplifting tale about the determination of global children to get an education. Obol deftly brings this story to life through colorful and expressive cartoon-ish illustrations that speak to themes of perseverance and pride.”
—Pauletta Brown Bracy, Horn Book

“A lively, engaging story with colorful illustrations that help readers become aware of the challenges other children face around the world to get an education."
—Books to Borrow, Books to Buy