Under the Mango Tree

Under the Mango Tree is a story inside a story: Abdu, a nine-year old Muslim boy has just moved from his village to the capital of Ghana, West Africa. In his new compound, he hears a brother and sister singing and soon becomes friends with them. Yawa and Kossi begin to tell him a story about a remarkable Child. Born into wealth and nobility in a faraway land, this Child grew up to reveal Himself as Bahá'u'lláh, the 'Promised One' of all religions, whose teachings are guiding people to build a peaceful world.

Abdu becomes worried. How can this be? Muhammad is the final Messenger of God! Yet, Abdu's parents like his new friends. Kossi and Yawa introduce Abdu to Tony, a teenager who continues to tell the story and invites them to his Bahá'i children's class. Here, Abdu feels welcomed and inspired.

So, why are they suddenly attacked by rock-throwers?

Kossi's eye is injured. Will he lose his sight? During Kossi's weeks of suffering, Tony continues the story of Baháu'lláh and how He was persecuted for teaching a new religion. Through the story, Abdu comes to recognize the conflicts in his own neighborhood: ignorance vs. knowledge; fear vs trust; jealousy vs. love. Can love and friendship ever unite his new neighborhood?

This book is especially for Bahá'I children and youth as well as those desirous of interfaith cooperation and understanding. A section at the end provides questions for group discussions and activities following each chapter.