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3.63 AVERAGE
3.63 AVERAGE
Wonderfully written, compelling and thought-provoking novel.
A sad yet inspiring and hopeful story about Sade and her young brother Femi feeling from the dangers of Lagos to being smuggled into the cold streets of 90's London. Alone and fearful, having to defend for themselves whilst mourning the death of their mother, these kids had to do what they could to survive. Waiting for their father to join and hopefully survive after the threats against him for his writing as an outspoken journalist, it's them against the world in trying to keep themselves and their father out of dangers eye.
Complex and interesting characters, some inspiring words of wisdom and a story that's important and heartbreaking. The strength of this twelve year old girl and her family is tremendous. Although fictional, this is most likely based on the bravery of children and families still suffering and sticking together for a better life through perilous times.
An eye-opening story about refugees, cultures and family that is full of such hope, you can't not enjoy this book. Naidoo has such a fantastic way of writing and it really gripped me.
A sad yet inspiring and hopeful story about Sade and her young brother Femi feeling from the dangers of Lagos to being smuggled into the cold streets of 90's London. Alone and fearful, having to defend for themselves whilst mourning the death of their mother, these kids had to do what they could to survive. Waiting for their father to join and hopefully survive after the threats against him for his writing as an outspoken journalist, it's them against the world in trying to keep themselves and their father out of dangers eye.
Complex and interesting characters, some inspiring words of wisdom and a story that's important and heartbreaking. The strength of this twelve year old girl and her family is tremendous. Although fictional, this is most likely based on the bravery of children and families still suffering and sticking together for a better life through perilous times.
An eye-opening story about refugees, cultures and family that is full of such hope, you can't not enjoy this book. Naidoo has such a fantastic way of writing and it really gripped me.
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
Refugee stories seem topical at the moment, don't they? I imagine that if Sade and Femi arrived in England now, in 2015, their experience would be very different (better, worse, I don't know—but different) than in 1995, when this book takes place.
I feel a bit 'meh' about the plot. Despite complications, Sade and Femi seem to have really good luck in foster care, but much of the book is devoted to that struggle to fit in and so on, and...well, I kind of think Femi has it right: he takes a back seat to Sade, but perhaps because of that he's given a chance to grieve in a way that Sade isn't. I rather wish the mean-girls-at-school plot had been excised in favour of a deeper look at Sade's grief or the harder aspects of the asylum system. (I also wonder...was Mariam included to show young readers 'oh, look, here's a refugee story that sounds more familiar to you'? Because I can't think why else she would be.)
Straightforward and serviceable, I suppose.
I feel a bit 'meh' about the plot. Despite complications, Sade and Femi seem to have really good luck in foster care, but much of the book is devoted to that struggle to fit in and so on, and...well, I kind of think Femi has it right: he takes a back seat to Sade, but perhaps because of that he's given a chance to grieve in a way that Sade isn't. I rather wish the mean-girls-at-school plot had been excised in favour of a deeper look at Sade's grief or the harder aspects of the asylum system. (I also wonder...was Mariam included to show young readers 'oh, look, here's a refugee story that sounds more familiar to you'? Because I can't think why else she would be.)
Straightforward and serviceable, I suppose.
This was a great book about two kids who had to flee from Nigeria after the the government comes after their journalist father. The author herself was forced into exile from South Africa because she was involved in resistance to apartheid. There were some great lessons about courage and truth!
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-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
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Any book that features Jon Snow (albeit as an unnamed character) is good enough for me.
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Racism