Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story by Beverley Naidoo (Acceptable, 1986, Pbk, 80 pages, Harper Trophy)

Used in acceptable condition: cover has wear as shown; writing on inside front page; pages are lightly age-toned; otherwise very clean copy. ISBN 0064402371

The bestselling classic set in South Africa during the apartheid era, in which two siblings must face the dangers of their divided country. This middle grade novel is an excellent choice for tween readers in grades 7 to 8, especially during homeschooling. It’s a good way to keep your child entertained and engaged while not in the classroom.

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.