What were you doing when you were 13? Having a first kiss? Going to a football rally?
For her entire high school years, from 1967 till 1971, Sarah Pressler’s family lived in Nairobi, East Africa. (Her dad was employed by USAID—the United States Agency for International Development.)
It was 41 years later, after teaching 1st and 3rd grades for 30 years, that Sarah discovered a shoebox filled with Nairobi memorabilia in her family’s Wisconsin home. Memories flooded back and she started writing!
More than a story of charging rhinos and Kamba drums, within her little green book, Jambo, Mama, we observe a teenage girl and her little brother adapting, accepting, and blending into a wild and unfamiliar world, with the courage and grace of seasoned anthropologists!
Want a real African experience this summer—from the comfort of your lawn chair? You can pick up Jambo, Mama on Amazon as a paperback or Kindle. You can also get a copy from Sarah at any Gold Country Writers’ meeting. Harambe, Sarah!
Looking forward to reading your book!
Many thanks to the several new rafikis I’ve made, because of my little green book.
I hope you will join me when I release my new novel about life before Africa … yes, there IS such a thing!
I’m 3/4 of the way through your book and simply wonderstruck at your life in Nairobi. Well-written, thoughtful, exciting, this is a terrific read. It also gives me a deeper look into who you are, Sarah. Thank you for your brave and open honesty in describing what you went through in those years. It’s amazing.
Sarah, I had no idea. Now I know where you find your wide eyed wonder for life. Thanks
Loved the book. It was a great window into living in Africa as a teenager.
What a life experience!! Just wow!
FUN special childhood memories
What great memories she has from Africa!! Lucky Lady! Her book looks like a fun readingb ❤️🙏🥰
African Memories!