Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story

Beverley Naidoo

Feb 2020 · Sold by HarperCollins

About this ebook

“Has no equal. Evocative and haunting.” (School Library Journal starred review)

The bestselling classic set in South Africa during the apartheid era, in which two siblings must face the dangers of their divided country.

Mma lives and works in Johannesburg, far from the village thirteen-year-old Naledi and her younger brother, Tiro, call home. When their baby sister suddenly becomes very sick, Naledi and Tiro know that they need to bring their mother back in order to save their sister’s life. Bravely, secretly, they set off on the long journey to the big city to find Mma.

It isn’t until they finally reach Jo’burg that they see up close what life is like for black citizens across South Africa—and begin to really question the unfair and dangerous laws of apartheid.

A classic look at prejudice and racism in apartheid South Africa, this short and compelling novel is perfect for independent reading projects and classroom sharing.

Ratings and reviews

Journey to Jo’Burg by Beverley Naidoo explores apartheid in South Africa through the eyes of two young children. Siblings Naledi and Tiro set out to reach their mother to let her know that their younger sibling, Dineo, is ill. During their journey to reach their mother in Johannesburg, they discover a world that they never knew about; from physical landmarks and buildings, to the realities of apartheid. Along the way they find the kindness of people willing to help them. The story educates the reader about apartheid in a gentle way. A topic as complex as apartheid is a difficult subject to introduce to children, but Naidoo does it in such a way that it helps open their eyes to the realities without being overwhelming. The reader hopes and wishes Naledi and Tiro find their “Mma” and help their sister. We see their strength and courage and we feel their heartbreak. They “knew the fear in the other’s heart” as they pressed on. Journey to Jo’Burg is a story of strength, courage, and the sad realities of apartheid told in a way that readers, young and old, can catch a glimpse of the struggles people are up against when they are not treated with respect and dignity. I highly recommend Journey to Jo’Burg and rate it a 5 out of 5 stars. Journey to Jo’Burg was gifted to me and opinions expressed are my own.

About the author

Beverley Naidoo joined the resistance to apartheid as a student in South Africa, leading to detention without trial and exile in England. She is the author of the widely popular Journey to Jo’burg, the Carnegie Medal winner The Other Side of Truth, its sequel, Web of Lies, and the award-winning books Out of Bounds, No Turning Back, and Burn My Heart. Visit her online at www.beverleynaidoo.com.

Eric Velasquez has illustrated numerous children’s books, including Strong Voices: Fifteen American Speeches Worth Knowing and Schomburg: The Man Who Built a Library by Carole Boston Weatherford. He won the Pura Belpré Award for his illustrations in Grandma’s Gift. He won the John Steptoe New Talent Award for his illustrations in The Piano Man, written by Debbi Chocolate. Visit his website at www.ericvelasquez.com.