Reviews for My Heart in Kenya

"An absorbing and approachable introduction to the struggles of refugees."
--Kirkus Reviews  (View Full Review Here)

"I felt like I had a connection with the protagonist, Nasteha, and I really felt for her, and thought what it must have been like to be in that situation. You made her relatable for everyone, so that any reader who was reading this book would feel what Nasteha was going through and really empathize with her...I really loved your book, it was enjoyable to read, very meaningful, and most importantly, written with so much power and voice.” ​
--Evan, 11-years-old
Kids Advisory Committee, Ontario Library Association

"There are likely only a handful of books that engage 3 year olds to 103 year olds, yet “ My Heart in Kenya “ shines among these. From a 3 year old who was so absorbed in the photos and began speaking with me about our diversity and anti-racism to a 103 year old in a long term care setting who shed tears as I read her the story, this compelling book brings to light issues related to refugees, separation, reunification, trauma, attachment and bonding. For any of us who work with young children in early childhood programs, who are teachers or professionals in the human service domain, the true story of Nasteha and her Family sings out about so many of the timely issues we are facing globally, all related to human caring and social justice.
​No matter our age, this book expands our hearts and minds through the power of love and compassion."
--Gyda Chud
Masters Degree in ECE and Adult Education
ECE Faculty member at Vancouver Community College

This is a simple, but moving, story of a sadly complicated situation, well-told story from a child's
perspective. It appropriately fulfils the learning outcomes specified on the back cover: to learn about the refugee experience and to increase awareness of the impact of family separation."
​--Whistler Book Awards Reviews

Reviews for Shake the Mango Tree

"Shake the Mango Tree is such a compelling story that I read it four times the day it arrived—twice silently, and twice aloud! As we travel with Rupat on his horrific yet courageous journey from his homeland of Congo, we are ever reminded of the value of Family, Freedom, Peace and Liberation. Ruth's exceptional writing skills along with the outstanding illustrations focus our hearts and heads on the realities of war and the endless importance of providing support for refugees and their families as was wonderfully and thankfully the case for Rupat, Cendrinne and their family now living here in Canada. This book is a MUST for Children, Youth and Adults and belongs in every Classroom and Library! Bravo that all proceeds of this powerful book support Refugee Newcomers in Surrey, British Columbia!"
- Gyda Chud MEd