Book description
This is the story of love, commitment and the flowering of the human
spirit against the background of South Africa's apartheid.
Frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, thirteen-year-old
Naledi and her younger brother Tiro run away from their grandmother to
Johannesburg to find their mother, who works there as a maid. Their
journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid - the
pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.
The opulence of the white “Madam's” house contrasts starkly with the
reality that Naledi and Tiro face - that their baby sister is suffering
from starvation, not an incurable disease.
This edition of Beverley Naidoo's classic story includes a special “Why
You'll Love This Book” introduction by Michael Rosen, the Children's
Laureate. “ This story is compelling”
TES
“inspirational tale…”
Network
“Growing awareness of the sufferings of South Africa's black children
brings renewed point to Beverley Naidoo's Journey to Joburg, a story for
young readers, the more searing for its gentleness, that makes them ask
questions we must learn to answer.”
Guardian 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.
