Paul’s Story

In a strange land of rabid animals, unusual customs and decidedly non-Western people, 10 year-old Paul Hitchput is growing into an adult. The second in a series of cross-cultural stories for children ages nine to twelve, “Paul’s Story” continues with the adventures of the American Hitchput family, this time residing in the Sidama province of the African country of Ethiopia. As Paul’s parents spend their time researching the anthropological history of the people of the region, Paul finds himself in some new and unusual situations. Certain everyday privileges that Westerners take for granted—for example, the abundance of clean, running water—are presented in stark contrast to Paul’s daily chores in Ethiopia. Everything here is different from what Paul is used to, from the food to the sleeping arrangements—even the funereal traditions. The result is that Paul, through his positive and negative reactions to these experiences, grows both intellectually and socially. His exposure to a culture different from his own instills in him the understanding that however different the world’s cultures may be, we are all united by a common humanity. “Paul’s Story” is sure to instill in its young readers the importance of celebrating both our similarities and our differences with other cultures.