Journey deep into South Africa, where heroine Nolitye navigates life in a township of "squeezed-in shacks, dusty streets, shebeens and other small corner stores, and stray dogs." Nolitye, her friends Four Eyes, Bheki, and school bully Rotten Nellie are about 11-12 years old. The novel mixes elements of real life (school bullying, friendship, absent parents, disappearing children, rock collection) with magical realism (talking dogs and wildlife, evil witches, journey to a fantasy world, magical powers).
The themes here are potent: family; community; youth power and heroics; ancient cultural wisdom; good vs. evil; persistence. Magical elements resonate throughout scenery, culture, and myths of South Africa. Fans of the HARRY POTTER series, or Tomi Adeyemi's CHILDREN OF BLOOD AND BONE will likely savor this adventure. A solid choice for middle-grades or even HS classroom discussion.
Prizewinning author K. Sello Duiker (who came of age in Soweto) is a masterful storyteller; the world is richer that this fairy-tale-like novel was edited (by Annari van der Merwe, one of the author's close friends) and published following the author's tragic death, too young, too soon.
