What You Need to Know:
• The reader will confront poverty, illness and racism in this story about South Africa.
• Death seems to surround the characters whether it be children in their village or their father.
• The meaning of freedom is addressed and will make for a good discussion topic.
• Despite the short length of the story and the inclusion of illustrations, this book covers a serious and valuable subject.
• The children's determination to save their sister is rare and moving and will stay with readers long after they finish the book.
Book Summary:
A short but powerful book, Journey to Jo'burg follows 13 year old, Naledi and her younger brother Tiro as they travel alone from their home in a small village to the city of Johannesburg. Their younger sister is ill but the hospital is far away and they have no money to pay for it. Their mother works in Johannesburg, coming home only occasionally, so Naledi decides to take Trio and sneak off to get her help. As they travel, they learn more about the racial divide in their country - separate buses, separate rules - and what it means to them. Despite the animosity of some, the children encounter good people who help them along the way. Naledi and Tiro's journey will give young readers a valuable insight into another world and an important perspective on their own lives.
Reading of the Story by Beverley Naidoo: http://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/try/britlit/journey-joburg
