Seven-year-old Junior tells his moving story of being trapped for eight days after the 2010 earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. Asked how he survived, Junior replies, “in my mind, I played.” Imagination helped Junior to remain focused and hopeful even when his companion Oscar did not survive the fifth day. In a tragic situation difficult to portray positively, the author and illustrator manage to convey hope, love and the indomitable human spirit in a manner that children can understand.

Recommended by Beth Yankey, Librarian, Virginia