MY GIRL GIGI
By Thomas Davison
Not every child grows up in a “traditional” nuclear family like I, a Baby Boomer, read about in the Further Adventures of Dick and Jane children’s books of the 1950s. In the 21st century, we have blended families, extended families, modern families, single mothers, single fathers, etc. That being said, I present to you Thomas Davison’s children’s book My Girl Gigi.
12-year-old Gigi had experienced a nomadic life since the death of her parents; her father during active duty in the military and her mother from postnatal complications following the birth of her little brother “Picklehead.” Passed around from one relative to another, she and Picklehead finally have a forever home with Granny.
Gigi excels at Double-Dutch jump roping. It is her passion, and her team is a semi-finalist for the upcoming state championship. As it happens, Granny has some plans of her own—to take Gigi and Picklehead to Disney World, something she has saved for and planned for a long time. The downside? The trip takes place at the same time of the Double-Dutch competition.
What is Gigi to do? How will this work out?
Davison’s story is heartwarming, with the powerful theme of “Family First.” I remember growing up as a child here in south Minneapolis, seeing the girls on my elementary school playground playing Double-Dutch jump roping. Davison doesn’t diminish the losses Gigi has had in her life, but her present and future are not defined by them. Her ultimate decisions show where her true priorities are, and they are made out of love. The ending was a pleasant revelation, underscoring the power of faith that everything would work out as it was meant to.
As African Americans, there can never be enough children’s books by us and for us to encourage our children not only to read, but to enjoy it. Davison’s story gives us yet another lesson to last a lifetime, and Neil McKnight’s illustrations make it vivid and fun. As one who is taking care of my 93-year-old mother, “Family First” resonates powerfully with me, and I thank him for that.
My Girl Gigi is available through Ultimate Joy Publications.
Thank you, Thomas, for a story that will touch hearts everywhere. May your gifts continue to make room for you. At the end of the day, it’s all about the love.
W.D. Foster-Graham
W.D. Foster-Graham is a native son of Minneapolis, Minnesota. He received a B.A. in psychology from Luther College, and he was an original member of the multi-Grammy-Award-winning ensemble, Sounds of Blackness. He has also been recognized by the International Society of Poets as one of its “Best New Poets of 2003,” is a guest writer for journalist/author/entertainer Wyatt O’Brian Evans.
