"She makes it so special. My stomach hurts from all the food, but also from laughing so hard."
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Edwin's Family Christmas Story by Eric S. Franklin Trafford Publishing
book review by John E. Roper
Despite increasing moves toward globalization, the world remains sharply divided by factors such as culture, language, politics, and religion. However, there are some things all people seem to have in common, chiefly the love of family and the carrying on of family traditions. Desiring to solidify the connection to long-held traditions within the Black-American community, the author has chosen to redefine the character of the "Black Santa" in a heartwarming children's story.
In the book, young Edwin is eagerly anticipating the arrival of Christmas along with the rest of his third-grade classmates at Sojourner Truth Elementary School. Every year his extended family gathers at his grandmother's house for good food, family stories, laughter, and his grandma's famous hot chocolate. The observance of Kwanzaa is also part of his family's tradition as is the tale of Father Christmas. Edwin's world is suddenly rocked, though, when he learns that the family will not be heading to Grandma's this year after all. Age is beginning to take its toll on her, and hosting such a big gathering has become simply too much for her. Edwin is crushed at the thought of missing seeing his grandmother and a visit from Father Christmas, but what he doesn't know is that his teacher and family have a very special surprise in store for him.
Franklin's story successfully captures the emotions of childhood while seamlessly weaving in the background to the tradition of Father Christmas. His smooth narrative combined with Ramir Quintana's warm and captivating illustrations make for a charming Christmas tale.