by Katie Quirk
I wanted to pre-read this before First Daughter studies Africa in geography next year. It's written by an American who lived in Tanzania for two years, so she's not a native Tanzanian, but has learned much about life there.
In this novel, Shida (whose name means Problem), struggles to support the relationships among her small community when they all move to a larger village. It's mainly a story of personal growth, but is set amidst great upheaval in her village reflecting the changes of the time throughout Tanzania.
There are references to witchcraft. Many of the accusations of witchcraft are presented as scapegoating of the elderly or powerless. While some references seem to indicate witchcraft is not effective, the book really leaves the possibility of it open. I don't think that is inappropriate for the setting or for the sense of respecting another culture, but it may be confusing to a reader inclined to believe in witchcraft.
This book is comparatively easy to read for First Daughter, who will be in ninth grade next year and is an excellent reader. I think some fifth graders could read it (as Mater Amabilis geography for Level 2 Year 2 is that of Africa), though I would be inclined to wait a year or two longer based on the subject matter. I am going to put it on First Daughter's list for additional reading (because the assignments are never enough for her). This would be a good option for high school students studying Africa who need some easier reading options.
I have received nothing in exchange for this post. Links to Bookshop are affiliate links. I checked this book out from my local library.
