Msitu
by Serena Echols, Nia McKenzie, Imani Blue
Step into the enchanting world of Msitu, a magnificent old-growth forest where Native, Non-Native, and Invasive Species dwell together.
Join the adventure as we discover the harmonious lives of the forest's native plant species, living in perfect balance. But when unexpected outsiders disrupt this delicate equilibrium, the forest faces a challenging time. Fear not, young readers, for hope shines brightly to restore balance and harmony to Msitu-a word that dances on the breeze and carries the essence of Swahili magic, where it means nothing less than "forest". Through teamwork, understanding, and the power of nature, you learn valuable lessons about unity and the importance of nurturing our environment. Get ready for a magical journey that will ignite your imagination and inspire you to protect the natural world.
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Author Biography
Serena Echols, a Chicago native with Mississippi roots, is a passionate advocate for the environment and environmental justice. As a Spelman College Alumna, she educates all ages about environmental issues while restoring native spaces. Serena's work fosters a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between humans and nature. Nia McKenzie was raised in south Atlanta and grew a deep connection with the environmental issues her community faced at a young age. Majoring in environmental science at Spelman College, Nia uses her passion for service, environmental justice, research, and education to create the world she wants to see. Imani Blue, a South Carolina native and senior Environmental Studies Major, is a passionate advocate for environmental justice and policy. As a first-generation student, she has made remarkable achievements, including being one of the first three Spelman students invited to the prestigious Argonne National Laboratory. In 2020, she was recognized as the Atlanta Journal Constitution Best All Around Senior. Imani's motivation for writing this book is to empower youth by educating them about their local areas, fostering species identification, and encouraging a deeper appreciation for nature.
Review
"I love children's books and Msitu is a delightful read that inspires environmental stewardship. Young readers are introduced to an urban old growth forest that they can actually visit and educated about the species that they will encounter. Learning about the young authors and illustrator is a special bonus." - Felicia Davis, Founder, HBCU Green Fund
"Beautifully illustrated, Msitu: The Old Growth Forest is non-fiction for young readers. More than simply a good story, Msitu describes native and invasive species in a way that is easy to understand establishing a foundation for deeper discussion and exploration. Parents and teachers should place this little book top of the list of must reads from the third or fourth grade on." - Dr. Myron Williams, Ph.D., Clark Atlanta University
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