If only Mma was here, Naledi wished over and over. . .
— 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, deep down, that only one person can save her. Bravely, alone, they s... more »et off on a journey to find Mma and bring her back. It isn't until they reach the city that they come to understand the dangers of their country, and the painful struggle for freedom and dignity that is taking place all around them.« less
A great book that looks at what apartheid in South Africa looked like to young children living through it. It is the journey of siblings off to find their mother (who works in the city) so that she can help take care of their baby sister who is very sick. In the process they see subjugation and segregation that they were unaware of beforehand. Their worldview changes as they go through this journey together.
Bert D. reviewed Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story on
The story in this book moves extremely fast. Not superbly entertaining, but I think it is important for everyone to know the struggles that go on in other countries so that we can see how much God has blessed us with and try to help other people in need.