The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

book2015

86%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Oprah's favorite guest tells her own story: a Zimbabwean girl who taught herself to read, buried her dreams in a can, and made them all come true.

The Girl Who Buried Her Dreams in a Can

book

2015

86%

WISE Score

4.7

Amazon

Oprah's favorite guest tells her own story: a Zimbabwean girl who taught herself to read, buried her dreams in a can, and made them all come true.

4.7

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4.7

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the kind of biography that actually lands with kids because the central image—burying dreams in a can—is so tangible and memorable. Tererai Trent's story is genuinely remarkable without needing embellishment: denied education, self-taught, early marriage, eventual immigration to America, and three degrees earned.

The book doesn't sugarcoat hardship but presents it in age-appropriate ways that inspire rather than overwhelm. It's particularly valuable for expanding kids' worldview beyond their own experience, introducing Zimbabwe and the very real barriers many girls face globally.

The 4.7 Amazon rating and Oprah's enthusiastic endorsement aren't just hype—this resonates because it's authentic. The watercolor illustrations are lovely without being saccharine. My only caveat: the reading level is genuinely challenging for first graders, so plan to read this aloud to younger kids rather than handing it over for independent reading.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-10, particularly as a read-aloud for younger kids or independent reading for strong second/third graders. The story's themes of educational inequality and perseverance resonate most with kids old enough to grasp what it means to be denied school.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

An autobiographical story that models perseverance, determination, and hope without being preachy. Tererai Trent's journey from a girl denied education in Rhodesia to earning multiple degrees in America is genuinely uplifting. The ritual of burying dreams in a can grounds the narrative in cultural tradition while showing healthy goal-setting. The watercolor illustrations by Jan Spivey Gilchrist add grace without sentimentality.

Imaginative

The central metaphor of burying dreams in a can as an ancient ritual is memorable and concrete—kids can literally picture (and replicate) this act. The story spans continents and decades, inviting readers to imagine both rural Rhodesian life and the path to American universities. However, as a straightforward autobiography, it's more inspiring than fantastical. The watercolor art style is lovely but traditional.

Safe

Picture book autobiography with no content warnings. The challenges depicted (being denied education, early marriage) are presented in age-appropriate ways for grades 1-3. No violence, scary imagery, or mature themes that would surprise young readers. The story acknowledges hardship but focuses on overcoming obstacles rather than dwelling on trauma.

Enriching

This is educational gold: introduces kids to African geography and culture, gender inequality in education, immigration, and the power of persistence. Oprah's endorsement as her 'all-time favorite guest' speaks to Tererai's real-world impact. The book naturally opens conversations about privilege, education access, and dreaming big. Strong Amazon rating (4.7/5) suggests it resonates with families. Reading level (Lexile 770, ATOS 4.4) is appropriately challenging for the target grades 1-3.

Parent Info

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Why It Might Be Great

True story that shows kids what real perseverance looks like—not just 'try hard' platitudes but actual obstacles overcome
Introduces young readers to Zimbabwe, gender inequality, and education access in ways that feel personal rather than preachy
The dream-burying ritual is concrete and memorable—kids will want to try it themselves
Strong female protagonist who valued education above all else, perfect counter-narrative to princess culture
Graceful watercolor illustrations that match the story's tone without oversweetening it

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What to Watch For

The Lexile 770 and ATOS 4.4 reading levels are on the high end for first graders—this works better as a read-aloud for younger kids
Brief mentions of early marriage and being denied education due to gender; handled age-appropriately but worth previewing
Some kids may need context about Rhodesia/Zimbabwe and why education wasn't available to girls

Conversation Starters

"What would you write down and bury in a can if you could make any dream come true?"
"Tererai taught herself to read using her brother's books. What's something hard you've taught yourself?"
"Why do you think some places didn't let girls go to school? Do you think that still happens anywhere today?"
"If you could get three college degrees like Tererai did, what would you study?"
"What do you think was harder—learning to read on your own, or leaving your home to go to America?"

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