Afternoons with Grandpa

Book excerpt: In a collection of tales, each with an inspiring message, Thami J. Khalil shares insight into the life of a boy as his grandfather retells stories that detail his tribe, the lives of the members of the tribe, and the history of the tribal community. As the boy learns what it means to enthusiastically listen and absorb knowledge on tribal leadership, he discovers the value of seeking not just an academic education, but also a cultural one in order to close a widening gap and keep his ancestorial history alive. When life comes full circle and changes everything, the boy must come to grips with the loss of his mentor, his role model, and the one who made him proud to be a peasant and grandson of a tribal leader. Afternoons with Grandpa shares the story of a boy’s cherished relationship with his grandfather as he hears tales about his tribal culture, his grandpa’s leadership and the experiences of the generations before him.