"A dystopian allegory with powerful themes of oppression, inequality and injustice"
The first novel in a decade from the Carnegie medal winning author, certainly does not disappoint.
With strong parallels to her modern classic apartheid story, Journey to Jo’burg, this thought-provoking story is set in an imaginary society where the Permitted ruling classes oppress the Nons. Adam and his sister Leila are Nons and the story alternates between their viewpoints. Although their life in the Stone City, thanks to their father’s job, is relatively privileged and comfortable, they must carefully follow the rules, have all paperwork on hand, and never, ever do anything to anger a Permitted.
But that all changes with their father’s sudden death and the threat of deportation hangs over them. So, when Adam’s friend Zak plays a bold prank on a group of Permitted boys, and Adam is implicated in Zak’s “crime,” the full scale of their danger and of the corrupt judicial system becomes all too clear.
The scenes of their imprisonment and mental and physical torture pull no punches. But there are Permitteds who are rebelling against injustice and who are determined to help them and for Adam hope is kept alive through music and poetry. There is no easy happy solution and a false plea of guilty may be the only thing that can save Zak’s life.
This is an imaginary world which shines a clear light upon the current and historical prejudices and failings of our own and will inspire and challenge readers to fight for a better world, just like the author did in South Africa.
A highly recommended, timely and relevant read.
A thrilling, resonant and inspiring novel about justice, privilege and the power of the young to strive for change.
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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.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Children of the Stone City and determined it is suitable for children aged 11-14 years old
Children of the Stone City features in the following genres: Adventure Stories, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 13+ readers, Recommendations, Gritty Reads, Featured Books for 11+ readers
Paperback, Hardback. £7.20, down from the £8.00 cover price. In Stock.
Children of the Stone City was written by Beverley Naidoo and published by HarperCollins an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers
Children of the Stone City has 261 pages
£7.20, reduced from £8.00. In Stock.
