The book is based on the childhood experience of high fashion model Georgie Badiel, who grew up in Burkina Faso, a country in the interior of West Africa. Her indomitable spirit persists and her princess dreams remain, including the dream of bringing the water closer. Still she has not quenched her thirst, for the water must be boiled and filtered before they can drink. She dances, light of foot as they go, but carrying the muddy water home, the dance slows to careful steps, shoulders ache, and feet cramp. The story follows Gie Gie one warm, dry day when she is awakened before daylight to walk with her mother and the other women and girls from her village to fetch water. The illustrations place us beautifully in an arid African environment. I can make the wind play hide-and-seek.” She has to admit that she cannot bring the water closer. I can make the tall grass sway when I dance. She says, “I can tame the wild dogs with my song. She has a great imagination and sense of power in her world. Gie Gie is a girl whose parents call her Princess. Putnam’s Sons’ Books for Young Readers, 2016. By Susan Verde and Georgie Badiel, illustrated by Peter H.
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