My Father

About the Book

This book was inspired by the life of my father, Archibald Garga-Richardson, who was born and raised in Liberia, West Africa. I was always captivated by my father’s life because he was the first in his family to go to a formal school; he eventually graduated from law school. He practiced law until his death in May 1970. I’ve always wanted to write a book about my father because he died young and I’ve always felt he did not finish his course. Since I was only eight when my father passed, I wanted to share what he meant to me through poetry. I’ve tried to make it universal so that children everywhere can relate to the utter joy of having a father who loves them!

About the Author

I am originally from Liberia, West Africa and emigrated to the U.S. in 1985. I am an elementary school teacher and also an adjunct instructor of Early Childhood Education at a community college in New Haven, CT. I am the proud mother of four children: Janday, Henri Jr., Jehu, and Samuel Wilson. They have brought me so much joy. There is never a dull moment in our house, ever. I enjoy baking, swimming, aerobics, writing poetry, traveling and going for walks. I have a Bsc. in Elementary Education from the University of Liberia, West Africa and a MAT from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. I have always worked with children throughout my life, beginning with my first teaching job at Foundation House in Congo town, Monrovia. Back then, I taught a class of pre-schoolers and actually wanted to have 12 children. Imagine that! I have always enjoyed working with children and inspiring them to be all they can possibly be. Children bring so much joy and energy to everything they do. It can be both exhilarating and overwhelming and I enjoy every minute of it… (Sometimes).