Free to Be Me
The Eskimo Way
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
Khobi and Hero face the bullies. "I'm an Eskimo," Khobi states with honor. "My outside may be different but my inside is the same as yours. Here." He hands them the IN Clothes from Hero's mouth. "You can have my new clothes. I'll wear these." Khobi rubs his Eskimo clothing. "This is a part of me. My heart is not happy being someone else." Everyone watches and listens. Khobi continues, "My Elders say, " 'See with your heart, not your eyes. Eyes see only the outside. The heart sees all sides.' " "Can you like me as I am?" Khobi asks. "I can like you just the way you are."
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About the Book
Have you ever felt bullied by someone who makes you feel bad about who you are? That's exactly what happens to Khobi when he's a visitor at his new friends' school.
Khobi, an Eskimo boy from the Arctic, is teased for respecting his culture and most of all himself. With his best friend, Hero, a Samoyed dog, Khobi faces cruelty with strength and honor.
The bullies feel in charge, as they always have, until they are confronted with Khobi's question and strong heart.
Khobi's lessons are a lifetime gift to these children, and he wants to share this gift with you too.
Enjoy his story of love and friendship, respect and kindness, even when the chips are down.
About the Author
AUTHOR'S CORNER
Been Thinking...
I believe childhood is the most pivotal and underestimated stage of life.
A planted seed can only grow in nourished ground that is cultivated by someone who truly cares. Children are of far greater importance than a seed in the earth, but yet the two have the same needs.
I am the daughter of a humble man of the soil. Like many farm children my sister and I had elusive riches, not monetary. Mom and Dad, you knew what was important. Thank you.
Susan resides in Hastings, MN with her husband of 31 years. Three grown children, on their journeys, remember living with their beloved Samoyed, Khobi.
ILLUSTRATOR'S CORNER
The tragedy of September 11, 2001, reminded Americans that our freedom is a fragile and precious gift. Free To Be Me shares the message that the best kind of freedom...is freedom of the heart. My wish is that each reader of this story will find that kind of freedom," states illustrator, Brenda Joy Geiken.
I give heart-felt thanks to the following special people; Susan Amundson, for her enthusiasm and encouragement. My husband, Pat, for his loving support. My family, for being there and believing in me.
This charming story has been rendered in watercolor pencil, marker and ink. Brenda Joy Geiken obtained her art degree in 1992, from Northwestern College in St. Paul, Minnesota. She and her husband currently reside in Buffalo, Minnesota.