The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can book cover
Pre K - 3

The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can

By Tererai Trent

Illustrator: Jan Spivey Gilchrist

An inspirational picture book autobiography from Oprah Winfrey’s “All-Time Favorite Guest” 

This is the story of a little girl with big dreams.

All the girl ever wanted was an education. But in Rhodesia, education for girls was nearly impossible.

So she taught herself to read and write with her brother’s schoolbooks and to count while watching cattle graze.

When the girl became a young wife and mother, she wrote her goals on a scrap of paper and buried them in a can—an ancient ritual that reminded her that she couldn’t give up on her dreams.

She dreamed of going to America and earning one degree; then a second, even higher; and a third, the highest. And she hoped to bring education to all the girls and boys of her village.

Would her dreams ever come true?

Illustrated with Jan Spivey Gilchrist’s graceful watercolors, Dr. Tererai Trent’s true story of perseverance is sure to inspire readers of all ages.

State Awards

Recommended reading lists from your state's teacher or librarian associations!
  • Alabama
    • Camellia Children's Choice Book Award, 2016-2017

Subscribe to our newsletter

Enter your email and date of birth

Month
Day
Year

By clicking Subscribe, I agree to receive news and updates from Penguin Random House about Michelle Obama. I acknowledge that I have read and agree to Penguin Random House's Privacy Policy and Terms of Use and understand that Penguin Random House collects certain categories of personal information for the purposes listed in that policy, discloses, sells, or shares certain personal information and retains personal information in accordance with the policy. You can opt-out of the sale or sharing of personal information anytime.

Sorry, but we are unable to process your request at this time.

Thanks for subscribing!