Desmond and the Very Mean Word

When a group of white boys hurl racial epithets at young Desmond, he turns to his mentor, Father Trevor. But the priest's advice--forgiveness instead of retribution--isn't what Desmond wants to hear. "Let me tell you a secret, Desmond," Father Trevor advises him. "When you forgive someone, you free yourself from what they have said or done. It's like magic." This morality tale from Archbishop Tutu and Abrams, who previously collaborated on God's Dream, does indeed end with forgiveness and a quiet reconciliation between Desmond and one of his tormentors. However, no historical context is provided within the framework of the story (a brief intro alludes to apartheid); without more clues as to what life was like in a society that institutionalized racism, readers may be puzzled why Father Trevor doesn't assert his moral authority on behalf of Desmond. Yes, forgiveness is important, but what about justice? Ford's oil illustrations do a fine job of capturing the dusty days of township life, as well as Desmond's dark nights of the soul. Ages 6-10. Agent: Lynn Franklin, Lynn Franklin Associates. Illustrator's agent: Steven Malk, Writers House. (Jan.)

Copyright 2012 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

K-Gr 3--Archbishop Tutu describes the power of words and the secret of forgiveness in a story from his South African childhood during apartheid. One day Desmond rides his bike past a gang of boys, one of whom calls him "a very mean word." The pain of the word stays with him for days, following him around "like a shadow in the hot sun." A few days later, Desmond retaliates with a mean word of his own, but it leaves a "bitter taste in his mouth." Father Trevor recommends forgiveness, but the child is not ready to forgive someone who has not apologized. A week later, he sees his tormentor being harassed and is surprised to feel sorry for him. That moment sets the stage for Desmond's act of forgiveness, and he finally experiences the "magic" about which Father Trevor spoke. Ford's richly colored paintings capture life in the South African township. Light is a strong element, from the blazing sun to deep shades of night and sadness. The story avoids a preachy tone by staying true to Desmond's emotions and his struggle to reach a moral high ground. The book is both a lesson and a slice of life, giving insight into the person Archbishop Tutu became as an adult. The preface explains apartheid in child-friendly language, and the afterword tells more about the real Father Trevor. Some children might feel frustrated that the "very mean words" are never specified, but the real point of the story is the personal power one derives from letting go of revenge.--Suzanne Myers Harold, Multnomah County Library System, Portland, OR

Copyright 2013 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

[A] heart-rending story...
—The New York Times Book Review

Ford's oil illustrations do a fine job of capturing the dusty days of township life, as well as Desmond's dark nights of the soul.
—Publishers Weekly

A thought-provoking lesson for young readers on the destructiveness of bullying and racism.
—Kirkus Reviews

Writing again with Abrams (God's Dream, 2008), Tutu offers a clear telling that feels much like a children's homily, the earnest tone and clean language (the offending word is never mentioned) reflecting his own wholesome spirit. Ford's dynamic paintings, with well-defined outlines and dramatic light, match the clarity of the narrative. The images fill the large-trim spreads, capturing the immediacy of the conflict and the tranquility of the resolution.
—Booklist

Archbishop Tutu describes the power of words and the secret of forgiveness in a story from his South African childhood during apartheid...The story avoids a preachy tone by staying true to Desmond's emotions and his struggle to reach a moral high ground. The book is both a lesson and a slice of life, giving insight into the person Archbishop Tutu became as an adult.
—School Library Journal