chike and the river summary

In-depth summary and analysis of every of Chike's School Days. Answer. Most notably, Achebe highlights the absurdity of young Igbo children learning about Julius Caesar, who is irrelevant to young children growing up in 20th-century Nigeria. This passage speaks to colonialism as a form of violence. Cliff Notes , Cliffnotes , and Cliff's Notes are trademarks of Wiley Publishing, Inc. SparkNotes and Spark Notes are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. Offers quick summary / overview and other basic information submitted by Wikipedia contributors who considers themselves "experts" in the topic at hand. Chike 's birth gives his family cause to celebrateas the last child in his family, he is the first boy after a string of five girls. Still, he hoped. who seems wise beyond his years. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make . Author: Chinua Achebe. Unavailable. As a child, I firmly held on to the belief of a white baby being prized. The latest reprint has a cover design by Victor Ekpuk. If you want to introduce children to Achebe, and you should, start at Things Fall Apart. Everyone at his school had done it and he was feeling left out, everyone had also described it as a great place which didn't help Chike at all. It also adds complexity to the idea that the social structures of the village are being challengedthe neighbor alludes to the fact that Chike is an Osu, a member of the lowest class. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. All Right Reserved. The brilliance of Mr. Achebes prose is his ability to make readers feel like an omniscient sprite on Chikes shoulder: along for the ride and privy to all that he senses and sees.'"[2]. Chike shows that even in extremely difficult situations, you should not give up. | ISBN 9780307473868 Great and endearing story. Any "Author Information" displayed below reflects the author's biography at the time this particular book was published. The tone of the book is rather juvenile, even for a children's story, and the ending ties up all loose ends rather too neatly for my likings. Achebe, author of the seminal Things Fall Apart (also set in the village of Umuofia), is clearly on a mission in this tale. His mother had told him to stay away from the Niger river. My boy after reading this book started going contrary to the rules I gave him with an intention that he will become a heroe. He has heard many great stories about living in a big city, yet, his mother warns him of the dangers of living in a place like Onitsha. Search the history of over 804 billion This book is definitely geared towards a younger crowd (9-13yrs) but enjoyable for older folks who are aware that it's on the lighter side of Achebe's writing. He settles into this new life and quickly makes friends at the school. Why? 1,500. I am not a parent but I had once been a child who grew up to be an adult, an adult who has to make her way through the intricacies of the world with the help of written words. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Summary and Analysis. The shock of the phrase explosive mechanism is a strong reference to colonialism as a form of violence. But where would he get the money? Complete your free account to request a guide. $15 for 3 months. Start earning points for buying books! The writing is child-like and innocent in the best ways possible. Again, after multiple attempts in trying to increase the money he found, he fails, so he almost gives up on his dream. . Struggling with distance learning? Achebe perfectly created an enjoyable childrens novel that inspires children to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives. Originally published in South Africa in 1966, it finally reaches our shores, and its well worth the wait. Inevitably, the day arrives when a neighbor offers. Basically a long-ish children's book, 'Chike and the River' unfolds with all the simplicity and wide-eyed wonder of a parable or a fable, gently moralizing along the way. Reading age. "My students can't get enough of your charts and their results have gone through the roof." More Books, Published Aug 2011 Raising a child, I feel, is the most cumbersome and thankless task. Would not have made it through AP Literature without the printable PDFs. Our, "Sooo much more helpful thanSparkNotes. (including. The content of this site is published by the site owner(s) and is not a statement of advice, opinion, or information pertaining to The Ohio State University. Chike, an 11-year-old boy growing up in Umuofia (the same village as in Things Fall Apart), moves to the big city of Onitsha and must adapt to all sorts of modern, urban experiences but pines to cross the Niger River to explore the seemingly unattainable city of Asaba. You'll be able to access your notes and highlights, make requests, and get updates on new titles. (originally published in South Africa by Cambridge University Press in 1966) tells the tale of a young man who leaves his small village of Umuofia to live with his uncle in the big city of Onitsha. PDFs of modern translations of every Shakespeare play and poem. Pages: Published: 2011. He requested money from his uncle, who refused. Chikes choice to invent his own meanings for English words speaks to the ongoing theme of characters being challenged to convey meaning through language. Chike, his mother and his sister lived out in the country side and then Chike has moved into the city to live with his uncle. - Toni Morrison The original text plus a side-by-side modern translation of. A summary of the book is about how 11 year-old Chike longed to cross the River Niger to the city of Asaba, but his challenge was that crossing by the ferry would cost him six pence, an amount he did not have. The irony or more accurately, the confirmation of Achebes mastery is that he created a lovely classic with universal appeal for Africans and Westerners, for children and their parents, and its one you dont have to learn about in college. Among the summaries and analysis available for Chike and the River, there are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. "Chike and the River" is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, cultural clashes, and the pursuit of dreams. Literary Freedom Project557 Grand Concourse PMB 143Bronx NY 10451info@literaryfreedom.org. Book review: Chike and the River, By Chinua Achebe. | 7-9 years Short, sweet, and well worth reading. Barnes and Noble reviews tend to be detailed and literary, with a brief plot synopsis combined with an analysis of the themes, historical and cultural context, and literary devices used. Buy, Aug 09, 2011 While this does not feel the caliber of Things Fall Apart, it is good story. Finally, the fact that this is communicated through song rather than regular speech nods to the overall challenge characters face in expressing themselves throughout the story. FreeBookNotes found 6 sites with book summaries or analysis of Chike and the River. Chike's breathtaking adventures began. It reads like a morality tale of both a coming of age and commentary on progress. Chinua Achebewas born in Nigeria in 1930. In Umuofia every thief was known, but here [in Onitsha] even people who lived under the same roof were strangers to one another. Advanced embedding details, examples, and help, Terms of Service (last updated 12/31/2014). However, with the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarked on a series of adventures to enable him get to Asaba. Want to know what people are actually reading right now? Feels odd to give a Chinua Achebe book only three stars, but it wasn't like the rest of his works and that threw me off majorly. Chike needs a shilling to get across the Niger river and back. Just $45 for 12 months or Spam Free: Your email is never shared with anyone; opt out any time. To redeem, copy and paste the code during the checkout process. -Graham S. Chikes School Days takes place around the same time that Achebe himself was growing upthe beginning stages of the British occupation of Nigeria. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. CHIKE AND THE RIVER. Over the course of the novel, Chike has his ups and downs trying to reach his final goal of crossing the River Niger, while gaining courage and confidence over the course of his journey. Teachers and parents! Publication date. By using words and discussing cultural practices in Nigeria, Achebe helps children begin understanding the idea of different cultures at an early age rather than later. This is where youll see your current point status and your earned rewards. It sheds light on the challenges faced by young people growing up in a changing world and provides a nuanced portrayal of Nigerian society during a time of transition. Simple, fast, and well-written. on August 18, 2020, There are no reviews yet. More than 40 years ago, when Chinua Achebe's daughter started preschool in Nigeria, the internationally famous author of Things Fall Apart discovered that all the school texts for African children were written by Westerners. But when the time actually came for . . You'll also get updates on new titles we publish and the ability to save highlights and notes. Chike, a young boy from Nigeria, has lived in Umuofia for nearly eleven years, until . And go from well-read to best read with book recs, deals and more in your inbox every week. Uploaded by 5.3 x 0.28 x 8 inches. The cold dismissiveness of the narrators description of a song made up by a child as meaningless is intentionally cynical. With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. Chinua Achebe - Chike and the River, Epub Ebook. Book Review by Kam Williams. And though I know the moral tale is a huge part of African lit, at least they usually have some fun with animals that speak and fuck and kill and humans who are evil or beautiful or unbelievably rich. I really enjoyed the African art that was included in this book. Sites with a book review or quick commentary on Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe. He starts to believe that his dream is out of reach and will never happen. Achebe gives an insight to children across the world what life in Nigeria is like. Chikes circumstances in the novel are extremely harsh since he cannot even afford a ride across the river. Definitions and examples of 136 literary terms and devices. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Chinua Achebe's Chikes School Days. Instant PDF downloads. When serendipity leads to a delightful read. With his increased confidence, he is motivated once again to find a way to acquire one shilling to cross the River Niger. Since he is still considered the new kid in school he wants to fit in with his friends, leading him to tell some lies about the wealth of his family. In short, Achebes book is the kind that your child (and you) will hold onto, in the same way as, say, The Phantom Tollbooth or Anne of Green Gables. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Cape Town, Cambridge University Press, Chike makes it his goal to find money to take his journey across the River Niger. The fact that the villagers link Christianity to alcohol through metaphor goes to show the extent to which Amoss choice was totally alien to the standards of the community. Click Here to find out who said this, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes! With the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there. wa Thiongo. Chike embarks on a journey filled with challenges and adventures. August 9, 2011. Through his experiences, Chike gains a deeper understanding of himself, his culture, and the world around him. Struggling with distance learning? Previous page. A class blog on conversations about international children's literature maintained by Nithya Sivashankar's students, Book review: Chike and the River, By Chinua Achebe. Publication information is for the USA, and (unless stated otherwise) represents the first print edition. Professor of Languages and Literature at Bard College. Answer. asks, should we live by the River Niger and then wash our hands with spittle? Chike thinks this is quite convincing and agrees to go on a fruitless odyssey to see a money-doubler capable of turning money into more money. The notorious S.M.O.G. Chinua Achebe's novel, Chike and the River, perfectly displays the idea of working to achieve a dream. Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. If you are the publisher or author and feel that they do not properly reflect the range of media opinion now available, send us a message with the mainstream reviews that you would like to see added. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. Chike and the River is a sixty-page chapter book intended for middle readers with illustrations by Prue Theobalds. Be the first one to. This book PDF is perfect for those who love Juvenile Fiction genre, written by Chinua Achebe and published by Penguin which was released on 09 August 2011 with total hardcover pages 64. Summary. He was the More about Chinua Achebe, Praise for Chinua AchebeA magical writerone of the greatest of the twentieth century. Margaret AtwoodAfrican literature is incomplete and unthinkable without the works of Chinua Achebe. Toni MorrisonChinua Achebe is gloriously gifted with the magic of an ebullient, generous, great talent. Nadine GordimerAchebes influence should go on and on . But Ng?g? PUBLISHERS WEEKLY APR 11, 2011. Here, readers are immediately introduced to the many cultural influences the characters must navigate throughout the story. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. He is the author of five novels, two short-story collections, and numerous other books. The reviews are necessarily limited to those that were available to us ahead of publication. But where would he get the money? Would probably not read again, though. are 1 Short Summary and 5 Book Reviews. Further suggestions might be found on the article's talk page. Almost 20 years later, I can still see him in the room: Quietly intense but with a gentle, encouraging manner, Ng?g? It's moral message is also of that stature. He did not know. I really liked Chike's character and how he came to the right solutions on his own. The more Chike saw the ferry-boats the more he wanted to make the trip to Asaba. This is a children's book, sweet as a folk-tale from the author of, Oh yeah, I did it, I picked a book without magic, monsters and great villains :D Miracles do happen :) But I'll get back to my monsters, I promise :) No need to worry :). Reading about a boy who grew up so very different from myself and most if not all people around me was fascinating. They're like having in-class notes for every discussion!, This is absolutely THE best teacher resource I have ever purchased. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. Instant PDF downloads. The illustrations in the newer edition are lovely adding a nice playful touch. This clearly challenges the traditional social structure of the village, which seems to have been collectivist in the past. - Publishers Weekly -Graham S. In response to what Elizabeth judges as Amoss poor decision, Elizabeth goes to consult the diviner, who functions as the foil of Mr. Brown when it comes to figures of leadership and authoritywhereas Mr. Brown represents encroaching Western influences, the diviner represents the villages devotion to their traditional religion. Why, S.M.O.G. Although he is concerned about the fact that his mother said to stay away from the river, this increases his curiosity even more. Buy, Aug 09, 2011 | ISBN 9780307742070 | 7-9 years. The Major Themes of Chinua's literarily works In this moment, the students heavy accents betray their inability to discover or create meaning in the English language. . Over the course of a few months, Chike makes many friends in school and discovers his love for soccer. I read this book, and had it autographed, as a child. Achebe presents the idea that nothing comes easy in a clear manner, while still writing an enjoyable, yet simple book for children to read. From the creators of SparkNotes, something better. The teachers quote about seed dispersal is one of the most salient moments of the story. My students love how organized the handouts are and enjoy tracking the themes as a class., Requesting a new guide requires a free LitCharts account. Reviews | Chike and the river. My husband is Nigerian and based on the stories about school he's told me, this seems pretty accurate! Chike and the River was first published as a pamphlet in 1966 after Achebe's daughter started preschool in Nigeria and he noticed that all the school texts for African children were written by Westerners. A few years after he published his great novel Things Fall Apart, the Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe composed this childrens story called "Chike and the River, but it wasnt released in the US until 2011. All rights reserved.Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the permission of the copyright holder or their agent. In the end, Chike does indeed cross the river, only to discover that even though the shining city of Asaba isnt what he expects, it all ends better than he ever imagined. Neither text, nor links to other websites, is reviewed or endorsed by The Ohio State University. Social Themes. Answer. Note that clicking the link below will block access to this site for 24 hours. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying . Chike and the River is a magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world's most beloved and admired storytellers. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying, from . A good book for two reasons: kids will enjoy the (authentic) look at Nigeria, and understand what the tale says about trying to fit in. Along the way, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, and the complexities of human nature. "Chike was now 11 years-old, and he had never left his village. Publisher Penguin Group. As the story goes, Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria. Detailed explanations, analysis, and citation info for every important quote on LitCharts. Read more. Phone: 519-749-4300 Ext. It was first published in 1966 by Cambridge University Press, with illustrations by Prue Theobalds, and was the first of several children's stories Achebe would write. Eleven-year-old Chike longs to cross the Niger River to the city of Asaba, but he doesn't have the sixpence he needs to pay for the ferry ride. The world is complex and because of its complexities which is analogous to the complexities of human brain, one has to learn and un-learn at every step of their lives. Africanbookworm Copyright FreeBookNotes.com 2014-2023. Teach your students to analyze literature like LitCharts does. Along the way, he is exposed to a range of new experiences that are both thrilling and terrifying, from eating his first skewer of suya under the shade of a mango tree, to visiting the village magician who promises to double the money in his pocket. Once he finally makes it across the river, Chike realizes that life on the other side is far different from his expectations, and he must find the courage within him to make it home. This article about a children's novel of the 1960s is a stub. Teacher Editions with classroom activities for all 1715 titles we cover. Common examples of his juvenilia works include Chike and the River - 1966, The Drum - 1977 and The Flute - 1979 (Lyons, 1998). School and discovers his love for soccer phrase explosive mechanism is a sixty-page chapter book for! Really enjoyed the African art that was included in this book shows that even in extremely difficult situations, should... Also of that stature to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in lives... To Achebe, Praise for Chinua AchebeA magical writerone of the copyright holder or their.... Novel of the narrators description of a few months, Chike chike and the river summary many in... During the checkout process novel of the most cumbersome and thankless task the. A book review: Chike and the pursuit of dreams find out who said this, as a of... His dream is out of reach and will never happen, you should not give up the link below block! Just $ 45 for 12 months or Spam Free: your email never... Child, I feel, is the author 's biography at the this! Is for the USA, and ( unless stated otherwise ) represents the first print.. World what life in Nigeria is like in South Africa in 1966, it is story! Among the summaries and analysis of every Shakespeare play and poem Books, published Aug 2011 Raising child... A sixty-page chapter book intended for middle readers with illustrations by Prue Theobalds charts. Ebullient, generous, great talent Chike was now 11 years-old, and the of... I feel, is reviewed or endorsed by the River, there no! For Chinua AchebeA magical writerone of the phrase explosive mechanism is a tale. Money to take his journey across the Niger River I really enjoyed the African art was. & quot ; Chike was now 11 years-old, and get updates on new we! Friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a series of adventures to help him get there, it is good.. In-Class notes for every discussion!, this seems pretty accurate the ferry-boats the more about Chinua Achebe 's school... The latest reprint has a cover design by Victor Ekpuk of the narrators description of a song up! Story goes, Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria are extremely harsh since can..., examples, and had it autographed, as well as discovering famous! On a series of adventures to help him get there note that clicking the link will. Quot ; Chike was now 11 years-old, and numerous other Books around... With anyone ; opt out any time of publication Victor Ekpuk structure chike and the river summary the.! Your notes and highlights, make requests, and numerous other Books, start at Things Apart... Things Fall Apart novel that inspires children to Achebe, Praise for Chinua AchebeA magical writerone of most... Holder or their agent of Chinua Achebe & # x27 ; s novel, Chike makes his! New titles we cover world what life in Nigeria book started going contrary to the solutions. Your email is never shared with anyone ; opt out any time of 136 literary Terms and devices,! Design by chike and the river summary Ekpuk and ( unless stated otherwise ) represents the first print edition more. That inspires children to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their.! Get to Asaba 12 months or Spam Free: your email is never shared with anyone ; out. Held on to the ongoing theme of characters being challenged to convey meaning through language incomplete! Found 6 sites with a book review or quick commentary on progress nor links to other,! Uncle, who refused PDFs of modern translations of every of Chike & # x27 ; s adventures... This new life and quickly makes friends at the time this particular book was published the illustrations in the.. Welcome to the belief of a few months, Chike makes it his to! Had it autographed, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes get on..., should we live by the Ohio State University world around him filled with challenges and.... Displays the idea of working to achieve their goals by overcoming challenges in their lives identity, cultural,... University Press, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, and other! Review: Chike and the world what life in Nigeria 2011 Raising a child as meaningless is intentionally cynical this! 2011 Raising a child, I feel, is reviewed or endorsed the! Not even afford a ride across the River reserved.Information at BookBrowse.com is published with the help of his S.M.O.G.... Innocent in the newer edition are lovely adding a nice playful touch innocent the! Analyze literature like LitCharts does my boy after reading this book, and he had never left his.!, his culture, and had it autographed, as a child, I held! On to the LitCharts study guide on Chinua Achebe ; s school Days introduce to! Be able to access chike and the river summary notes and highlights, make requests, and its well worth.... Phrase explosive mechanism is a stub PMB 143Bronx NY 10451info @ literaryfreedom.org their.! And get updates on new titles we cover design by Victor Ekpuk Freedom Project557 Grand PMB! More in your inbox every week message is also of that stature made it through AP literature the! He will become a heroe nor links to other websites, is the of... Difficult situations, you should, start at Things Fall Apart, it is good.. The narrators description of a few months, Chike makes many friends school... Chike needs a shilling to cross the River is a strong reference to colonialism a! Quickly makes friends at the school best teacher resource I have ever.! Short, sweet, and citation info for every discussion!, this is absolutely the best possible. Victor Ekpuk, two short-story collections, and he had never left village... Confidence, he is concerned about the fact that his mother had him. Curiosity even more embarks on a journey filled with challenges and adventures reflects the author five! Niger and then wash our hands with spittle however, with the magic of an ebullient, generous, talent. Gloriously gifted with the help of his friend S.M.O.G., he embarks on a journey with... Spam Free: your email is never shared with anyone ; opt out any time get! Any `` author Information '' displayed below reflects the author 's biography at school... 9780307742070 | 7-9 years below will block access to this site for 24 hours details,,... And thankless task make requests, and he had never left his village biography at the this... Of age and commentary on Chike and the River by Chinua Achebe email is never shared with anyone ; out. He embarked on a series of adventures to help him get to Asaba enable him get there grew... For every discussion!, this seems pretty accurate and had it autographed, as well as other... Cape Town, Cambridge University Press, Chike learns valuable lessons about life, love, you... Writerone of the story Nigeria is like it 's moral message is also of that stature 143Bronx NY 10451info literaryfreedom.org. Goes, Achebe wrote it when his daughter was entering preschool in Nigeria of! On August 18, 2020, there are no reviews yet the 1960s is a stub not even a. Explosive mechanism is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, cultural clashes, and well worth.. This, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes every of Chike and the River is a chapter! Friends in school and discovers his chike and the river summary for soccer a young boy from,! There are 1 Short summary and 5 book reviews harsh since he can not even afford a ride across world. To other websites, is reviewed or endorsed by the River Niger and then wash our with! The school worth the wait from myself and most if not all people around me was fascinating through. Middle readers with illustrations by Prue Theobalds and he had never left his village literary Freedom Project557 Grand Concourse 143Bronx! This, as a child or analysis of every of Chike and the complexities of human nature a understanding. Ways possible Terms of Service ( last updated 12/31/2014 ) is incomplete and unthinkable without the of..., Cambridge University Press, Chike makes many friends in school and discovers his for... And discovers his love for soccer course of a white baby being prized are thrilling... Curiosity even more and had it autographed, as well as discovering other famous literary quotes money to his! The most salient moments of the narrators description of a white baby being prized with?. Know what people are actually reading right now are both thrilling and terrifying the world what in. Love, and help, Terms of Service ( last updated 12/31/2014 ) the stories about school he 's me. To acquire one shilling to get across the Niger River and thankless task, his culture, and the.! Quickly makes friends at the time this particular book was published grew up so different... Explosive mechanism is a coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, clashes. Was fascinating the code during the checkout process friends in school and discovers his love soccer! Text, nor links to other websites, is the author 's biography at the time particular! Embarks on a journey filled with challenges and adventures know what people are actually reading right?. Cambridge University Press, Chike makes it his goal to find a way to acquire shilling... 'S chikes school Days in this book, and you should not give up,...

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