Josias’s friends call to him on their way to school, asking when he will “hold the book”—join them at school. Josias has no use for reading and writing; he must tend the beans so his family has enough food. However, his garden is not faring well despite his best efforts. At this point, Josias realizes that books might hold the key to his gardening problems and he convinces his family to allow him to attend school. Author’s notes provide helpful in formation about rural Haiti and the difficulty of acquiring an education for children living in the countryside. 2007 America’s Award from the Center for Latin American & Caribbean Studies. nlh

This Américas Book Award for Children's and Young Adult Literature winner about a Haitian boy determined to make his garden grow is brought to life through luminous watercolor illustrations. Every morning Josias is hard at work in the family's garden under the hot Haitian sun. His riend Chrislove asks, "When will you join us and hold the book?" asks Chrislove. With his garden is failing, Josias has no time to learn how to read and write. There may not be enough foodfor his family. Soon, Josias realizes a book might hold the solution to his problem.