Sélavi, That is Life

May 24, 2004
Youme, an artist and activist, makes a powerful debut with this true story of Port-au-Prince's street children. As one of many orphaned or homeless boys and girls in war-torn Haiti, Sélavi (so named for a Kreyòl expression he uses, meaning "that's life"), ekes out an existence searching for scraps, doing odd jobs and avoiding the military police. Youme's experience as a community muralist informs every picture—her work emits a streetwise sense of lyricism and urgency. The palette darkens with acts of violence, and lightens to reflect images of hope. In one spread, the police stare out at readers while scenes of murder and destruction are reflected in their black sunglasses; a motif that incorporates tanks and broken hearts frames the image. Ultimately, Sélavi succeeds in rallying a group of adults to build an orphanage and, later, a radio station, from which the boy and his compatriots advocate for their welfare ("We will write our messages in the air where they cannot be painted out"). The book lays out the realities, however, explaining that the children are plagued by political callousness even as "they continue to struggle." But the book's animating belief that people can come together as "a mighty river" of change and caring is genuinely inspiring. Photographs from the actual orphanage and an essay by Haitian author Edwidge Danticat make for a compelling closing statement. Ages 5-up.