Reviews/Letters - The Leopard Tree

“This is a great book. In the hands of lesser writers, it would not work – it has too much potential for melodrama with HIV-positive/maimed/emotionally traumatized African children sneaking into the U.S. to tell Americans to help African orphans – but it totally does.

-Writer’s Digest Judge from Competition

“Thank you so much for The Leopard Tree . . . what a creative approach to raising awareness of HIV/AIDS! I commend your efforts on this critical issue, and I wish you much success in your work.” -President William Jefferson Clinton

"The Leopard Tree grabbed every emotion I had and brought it to the surface. I couldn’t put it down! This book allows one to question the fairness of this world and ask how one small person can help. It is an excellent piece of literature that students and teachers can discuss."

- Jill Wodiuk (teacher)

". . . the story drew me in and transported me to another place. The plot moved me in a way I was not expecting. Daudi, Ramla, and Masozi could be names of any of any of the hundreds of children one might hear about in the news." -Evvy Awards Judge - CIPA

“This is a fantastic story. It drew me in immediately and painted a vivid picture of the plight of so many children in Africa. I found it tragic and inspiring at the same time. In short I loved reading it and think it's a story well worth telling.” -Sheila Caputo (artist)

“The Leopard Tree brings to life the paradox of Africa—where so many struggle with so little, and yet, so many live daily with tumaini (Swahili, translates to “hope”). Merriman and Brochu capture the inherent hope and innocence of childhood while also issuing a call for action that makes us all want to join these three children in their quest.” --Julie Cutler (taught in Africa)