Rent Taste of Salt: A Story of Modern Haiti

Synopsis

Djo has a story: Once he was one of 'Titid's boys,' a vital member of Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide's election team, fighting to overthrow military dictatorship in Haiti. Now he is barely alive, the victim of a political firebombing.

Jeremie has a story: Convent educated Jeremie can climb out of the slums of Port-au-Prince. But she is torn between her mother's hopes and her own wishes for herself . . . and for Haiti.

Father Jean-Bertrand Aristide has a story: A dream of a new Haiti, one in which every person would have a decent life . . . a house with a roof . . . clean water to drink . . . a good, plate of rice and beans every day a field to work in.

At Aristide's request, Djo tells his story to Jeremie--for Titid believes in the power of all of their stories to make change. As Jeremie listens to Djo, and to her own heart, she knows that they will begin a new story, one that is all their own, together.

Two young people—one a poor victim of political violence and the other a protected child of the middle class—tell of life in modern Haiti. 'Gripping… the combination of dramatic action, romantic interest, and vivid storytelling will grip even the most apolitical teens.' —BL.'Factual material is integrated extremely well; no background knowledge is needed to become caught up in the drama of the many in this embattled land.' —SLJ.

1993 Jane Addams Children's Book Award
1993 Editor's Choice Award (BL)
1993 Horn Book Fanfare List

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