Rachel and Jonathan, their two other children, were born in the United States after they returned home. Their second son, Christopher, was born in 1981 in Africa while she was there with the Peace Corps. On June 18, 1978, she married Steven Williams, a physician.They had their first child, Peter, in 1979. God gave people dominion over the earth.Karen Lynn Williams was born on March 22, 1952, in New Haven, Connecticut to Russell Drake (an optometrist) and Lenora Mary (a homemaker).She earned a BSfrom the University of Connecticut in 1974 and continued her education at the Southern Connecticut State University where she earned a Master of Arts in Deaf Education in 1977.Why does Facile have such a hard time thinking of a gift for his baby sister?.How does a rock fence protect a seedling?.How can a cactus fence protect a seedling?.Is a tree a good gift for a new baby? Explain your answer.Theology: Stewardship (caring for creation), Family, Hope, Perseverance The resulting tree was viewed as a guardian of the child Traditionally, at the birth of a baby, Haitians have planted the seed of a fruit tree with the baby’s umbilical cord. Perspective on gender/race/culture/economic/ability: The culture of Haiti is in the forefront of this story. In recent years, attempts have been made to reforest the mountains. The bare land suffered from soil erosion as a result. However, many trees were cut down for lumber and for charcoal. The author notes that Haiti once was known as the “Jewel of the Antilles” and was known for its lush green countryside. Literary Elements at work in the story: Haiti is the setting of the story. By the time Mama, Papa, and Lucia return home, the tree is a sturdy sapling and others are planting trees in “circles of hope” on the hillside. Finally he builds a stone wall around the tree.

Facile continues nurturing a tree for his sister. Baby Lucia becomes sick, and Mama has to take her far away to the hospital. The first seedling is eaten by a goat the next is washed away in a storm and a third is burned in a brush fire. As he sits in the mango tree that his father planted in his honor, he decides to plant a tree to honor Lucia.

Publisher: Eerdmans Books for Young Readers

Circles of Hope by Karen Lynn Williams