Yasmin's Hammer

Review
By Jama Rattigan's Alphabet Soup

Yasmin’s Hammer handles the difficult subject of hardship and poverty with just the right tenor of realism and sensitivity. Though this is a picture book for older readers, the vibrantly illustrated format provides a good introduction to Bangladeshi culture for younger children as well. The shared struggle of this close family unit is moving and inspiring, and Yasmin’s earnest desire for an education will no doubt renew the reader’s appreciation for many of the basic things he/she takes for granted….Chayka’s full bleed oil paintings, rendered in earthy, burnished browns, rusts, and oranges with lush green, blue and yellow accents, perfectly complement the text….A good title for Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month, and a much needed resource for school and home libraries. Bravo! —Jama Rattigan’s Alphabet Soup