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hayleybeale's review against another edition
4.0
Set in Cote d’Ivoire, this riveting novel brings to immediate life the horrors of cacao farming with child slaves. The author does not spare us any of the brutality (though it is implied or happens off stage) but does leave the characters with hope. Ideal for teens interested in social justice. Reviewed from an ARC. See my full review here.
michelle_dase's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
enokorantema's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
alabooks's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful book exploring the child labor problems in the chocolate industry. It has opened up my students to understanding that consumerism has dark sides and has led to some great conversations on manipulation of power and the dark side of different industries around the world, including ones in the United States. It's fast paced, keeps students engaged, and tells the story of the unfortunate circumstances of children around the world.
teresa_a's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
marym2215's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
vll295's review against another edition
3.0
This is the story of Amalou and his brother Seydou. They work every day at the plantation under pressure to provide for the bosses. Meanwhile, they dream about the days when their debt will be paid and they will be able to go home. One day they meet Khahija, who changes their life. She reminds them what it is like to be on the other side and free. They make a plan to escape. I don’t want to spoil what happens, but it is certainly quite the story.
The book was an interesting read, with characters that stick with you. The plot is one that keeps you wanting to read more and know what will happen. I would recommend this book for people who are interested in adventure.
The book was an interesting read, with characters that stick with you. The plot is one that keeps you wanting to read more and know what will happen. I would recommend this book for people who are interested in adventure.
tasha_'s review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
storywarden's review against another edition
5.0
It's not that I was unaware that chocolate was farmed by people in terrible conditions. It's not that I didn't care. I just bought chocolate at the store like I didn't know or care. But here's the power of fiction - now, after reading this book, I really think about where my chocolate comes from and if I can make a purchase that doesn't support child slave labor. A well written narrative with compelling characters has that effect on me.
sidneyellwood's review against another edition
5.0
This book was a lot of things.
First of all, it was eye-opening. I have to admit that I wasn't sure on the meaning of fair trade; I wasn't aware of the conditions that people in third-world countries work in for us to have chocolate and coffee and many, many other goods. This put a story to what's going in in Africa. It helps you realize how incredibly fortunate you are. I will definitely be looking into fair trade chocolate from now on.
Secondly: it was very well-written. In fact, I read it in one sitting at the kitchen table, which is profoundly uncomfortable, and I didn't even notice. The pacing is very solid. Personally, I found it a bit predictable, but that's because I read a lot and am somewhat genre savvy.
The characters were also very good. Seydou, Amadou and Khadija were all very memorable characters and it's hard to believe that they were all just kids because of what they all have gone through. Tara Sullivan doesn't shy away from the harsher realities of what a cacao farm using child labour is like. She's clearly done her research, and it made my heart clench.
First of all, it was eye-opening. I have to admit that I wasn't sure on the meaning of fair trade; I wasn't aware of the conditions that people in third-world countries work in for us to have chocolate and coffee and many, many other goods. This put a story to what's going in in Africa. It helps you realize how incredibly fortunate you are. I will definitely be looking into fair trade chocolate from now on.
Secondly: it was very well-written. In fact, I read it in one sitting at the kitchen table, which is profoundly uncomfortable, and I didn't even notice. The pacing is very solid. Personally, I found it a bit predictable, but that's because I read a lot and am somewhat genre savvy.
The characters were also very good. Seydou, Amadou and Khadija were all very memorable characters and it's hard to believe that they were all just kids because of what they all have gone through. Tara Sullivan doesn't shy away from the harsher realities of what a cacao farm using child labour is like. She's clearly done her research, and it made my heart clench.