The Journey of Kwame

The Journey of Kwame is a heartfelt story about wisdom, pride, courage, and the importance of knowing where you come from, as you discover who you are meant to become. Through Kwame's journey, readers are invited to reflect on heritage, character, and the values that help guide us toward a meaningful future.
This book contains glimpses from Kwame's many encounters as he journeys into the world in search of himself. Along the way, he meets remarkable people, witnesses acts of strength and perseverance, and learns stories of remarkable people that deepen his understanding of identity, purpose, and belonging. In time, Kwame returns to his village not only wiser, but eager to share the lessons of his travels and the inspiring accomplishments of his beautiful African people.
This book was written with deep love for my granddaughter, Courtney J. Holder-Price, whose bright spirit and joyful presence are like a breath of fresh air in the world. Courtney has a remarkable way of greeting everyone she meets with a hug and genuine affection, offering warmth so freely that it leaves a lasting impression on all who has come in contact with here and know her.
Her imagination, curiosity, and love of stories have inspired not only this book, but countless bedtime tales created in the moment at her request, over long distances, while we were even in different countries. Many of those spur of the moment stories have long since faded from memory, but they served their purpose beautifully, carrying her gently into dreamland with wonder, comfort, and joy.
In many ways, The Journey of Kwame is a tribute to that same sense of wonder. It is a story born from love, shaped by heritage, and offered in the hope that young readers will embrace their roots, walk proudly in their identity, and carry wisdom with them wherever life may lead.
Set against the changing landscapes and communities of nineteenth-century Africa, The Journey of Kwame follows a curious young man as he grows from an eager listener beneath his village's baobab tree into a thoughtful traveler, recorder, and teacher. Through family disputes, drought, trade routes, markets, storytellers, scholars, builders, and keepers of memory, Kwame learns that wisdom requires more than collecting facts: it demands humility, careful listening, respect for those whose lives shape a story, and the courage to correct what has been misunderstood. His journey ultimately deepens his pride in African history and achievement while teaching him that knowledge carries a responsibility, to preserve truth, strengthen community, and help the next generation grow with both roots and wings.