Children of the Stone City

Description

A thrilling, resonant and inspiring novel about justice, privilege and the power of the young to strive for change. Set in a world where Adam and Leila and their friend Zak live as Nons under the Permitted ruling class. Then, when Adam and Leila's father dies unexpectedly, their mother faces losing her permit to live in the Stone City with deportation to where she was born. Before music-loving Adam can implement his plan to save Mama, Zak is arrested for a bold prank that goes wrong, with far-reaching repercussions for them all . . . The eagerly awaited new children's book comes from award-winning author Beverley Naidoo, winner of the Carnegie Medal for The Other Side of Truth. Beverley's first novel, Journey to Jo'burg, has never been out of print in the UK and US since its publication in 1985. It now appears in the HarperCollins Modern Classics list and is frequently read in schools worldwide.

Beverley Naidoo was born in South Africa and grew up under apartheid. After arrest and detention without trial, she came to England. She married another exile and was only able to return freely twenty-six years later, after Nelson Mandela's release from jail. Their two children were brought up in England where she still lives. She goes back to South Africa to stay in touch, especially with young people. A teacher for many years, she has a doctorate in education and a number of honorary degrees. Journey to Jo'burg was her first children's book. It was an eye-opener for readers worldwide, winning awards, but it was banned in South Africa until 1991.

'Timely and realistic . . . I will be purchasing copies for our school library!' Goodreads reviewer 'I give Children of the Stone City five out of five stars!' Goodreads reviewer 'Thought provoking . . . An excellent book, highly recommended!' NetGalley reviewer 'A testament to that belief and to the communal power of friendship, family and music' Big Issue (Online)