When he was a child, Bonyo Bonyo’s baby sister died. That sad event was the start of a hopeful dream: someday he would build a hospital in his village in western Kenya. This first-person picture book narrative tells how young Bonyo was able to fulfill that dream through education obtained with steadfast support from his family despite the sacrifices required, and countless other acts of generosity and kindness. “In my village there was a word that meant togetherness. That word was 'harambee.’ I will never forget how everyone helped me.” Bonyo attended medical school in Akron, Ohio (where he practices medicine today), and was able to return to Kenya fifteen years after leaving and turn his dream into a reality. He established a medical mission and a clinic in his home village named in honor of his mother. Illustrations rendered with heavy black lines and colorful hues provide the backdrop for this inspiring profile. A photograph of the real Bonyo and more information about his work in Kenya is included. (Ages 7–10)

Bonyo Bonyo is a true story about how a Kenyan boy's courage and determination, along with critical support from family and strangers, helped him live out his dream of becoming a physician. Pursuing his goal forces him to leave his family and ultimately his country. But years later he is able to return as a doctor with the resources to build a much-needed clinic.

Bonyo's story is full of wonderful core values: individual determination, growth through loss and pain, willingness of others to help us reach goals, the benefits of giving back. Intended for 4-8 year olds, ones who are old enough to understand how hard it would be to leave your family just so you can continue to go to school.

Vanita Oelschlager wrote this book after interviewing Dr. Bonyo Bonyo. Dr. Bonyo Bonyo practices family medicine in Akron,Ohio. He tells each patient that they are family to him.