Under The Same Sun 
Written by Sharon Robinson and illustrated by AG Ford 
Reviewed by Lucie Wharton-Moeur 
Early Elementary Picturebook

The book Under The Same Sun is a beautiful story about an extended family living on separate continents. According to the author’s note, the story is based on the author’s lived family experience. The story begins with the American extended family reuniting with family in Tanzania. The book beautifully describes important family traditions such as exchanging gifts, telling stories, braiding hair, and eating special meals. Soon, we find out that there is going to be a special surprise for Bibi’s birthday. The family surprises Bibi with a safari in the Serengeti National Park. The family sees many unique animals on their safari. As they encounter the animals, the reader learns the Swahili word for that animal! On the fourth day of the trip, the family arrives at ruins that preserved a piece of Tanzania’s past. The children and the entire family reflect on the building which once was a slave-trading post. The father explains how many slaves were taken to America. “Men, women, and children were stolen from their families and their country” and shipped far from their homes. The story ends beautifully as the family reflects on their ability to travel between America and Africa and look forward to the next time they will all be together again. 

The back matter of this book is very humanizing and can teach students the reality of complex family households and dynamics. The author’s note provides details about her life and how her family navigated the distance and time away from one another. There is also a map that demonstrates the distance between the family members and a translation and pronunciation of the Swahili words used throughout the book. Finally, there is a page that shows real photos of Tanzanian foods, the kitchen items used, and the process of preparing a Tanzanian meal. All this wonderful back matter is crucial to share with students. It can help them look through a window at the lives of people who are different from them. 

This book opens up the door for many classroom discussions. It tackles cultural differences and traditions, family structures, African slave-trade history, and even teaches Swahili! The illustrations are beautiful and it is unique to see the comparison of the real photos in the back matter.  This heartwarming story is sure to remind students and families about the importance of family and embracing the love and time they get to spend together.