When Morning Comes
A powerful novel set in Johannesburg in 1976 offers four different points of view on the same historical events. Central to the story are Zanele, a Black South African teenage girl who is active in the liberation movement, and Meena, an East Indian girl who is just becoming radicalized and wants to be part of the liberation movement. Their lives intertwine with each other’s and with those of Thebo, a Black South African teenage boy who is a gang member and not politically active, and of Jack, a privileged white boy who falls in love with Zanele. Jack would do anything he could to help her succeed, even though she doesn’t particularly want or need his help. Zanele is a charismatic character, and all three of the others are drawn to her. Each teen is interesting and credible as readers see the same events from four very different perspectives. The point of view changes frequently, and keeps the pace moving along quickly, building to a resolution that will have readers on the edge of their seats. ©2017 Cooperative Children's Book Center
CCBC Age Recommendation: Age 14 and older
Age Range:
Grades 9-12 (Age 14 and older)
Format:
Novel
Subjects:
20th Century
Activism and Resistance
East Indian People
Historical Fiction
Racism
South Africans
Violence
World History
Diversity subjects:
Asian
Black/African
Publisher:
Tradewind
Publish Year: 2017
Pages: 221
ISBN: 9781926890142
CCBC Location: Fiction, Raina