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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
This was a searingly real, eye-opening account of a fictional family escaping from political oppression in Nigeria in the 90s. It's a children's book- I was looking for stories with real messages and I was not disappointed. Naidoo writes Sade as a very self-aware, empathetic main character with an incredible ability to put things into perspective. I think there is a lot that children could learn from this story, whether it's the reality of the harsh world we live in and thus the experiences some people their own age have to get through, or just the strength and rationale that Sade upholds throughout the book.
I would definitely recommend reading this. I think it's so easy for people here in the UK to remove themselves from the stories we hear of refugees and asylum seekers, seeing them as far removed. In reality, these people deserve more of our thought, our outrage and our support, particularly where our government and country can grant them asylum and safety.
I would definitely recommend reading this. I think it's so easy for people here in the UK to remove themselves from the stories we hear of refugees and asylum seekers, seeing them as far removed. In reality, these people deserve more of our thought, our outrage and our support, particularly where our government and country can grant them asylum and safety.
A good book; the point of view is interesting and we see the subject on another side.
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Sade and her brother Femi are sent away from Nigeria to London when their mother is murdered. Smuggled through the airways, when they arrive in London, they are abandoned and cannot find their only relative, their uncle, who was supposed to be waiting for them. I was captivated by Sade's ability to look after herself and brother while under the supervision of different foster families. Her bravery is inspiring when their father finally joins them, but is threatened with repatriation to Nigeria. I usually enjoy books that open my eyes to countries or issues that I'm not very familiar with, and this was no exception.
Readers who like a bit of danger and excitement might like this. Those who value bravery and standing up for what you believe in might also enjoy this story. The issues are complex, but Sade is young, so this would probably fit an older middle school audience pretty well.
Murder. Death. Bullying.
Readers who like a bit of danger and excitement might like this. Those who value bravery and standing up for what you believe in might also enjoy this story. The issues are complex, but Sade is young, so this would probably fit an older middle school audience pretty well.
Murder. Death. Bullying.
adventurous
emotional
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Minor: Miscarriage
4.5 stars. Such an important book that highlights issues experienced by refugee children
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
dark
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated