Child of Dandelions

by Shenaaz Nanji

A breathtaking account of one girl's determination to triumph over a devastating historical event. In Uganda in 1972, President Idi Amin, also known as the Last King of Scotland, announces that foreign Indians must be "weeded" out of Uganda in ninety days. Fifteen-year-old Sabine's life is changed forever. The president's message, broadcast on the radio every day, becomes Sabine's "countdown monster," and it follows her through days of terror. Sabine's father is convinced that, as Ugandan citizens, their family will be unaffected, but her mother insists it's too dangerous to stay. When her beloved uncle disappears and her best friend abandons her, Sabine begins to understand her mother's fears. She becomes desperate to leave, but Bapa, her grandfather, refuses to accompany her. How can she leave him, and where will her family go to begin a new life?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Africa, Fiction, Uganda, Historical, Cultural

213 pages, Hardcover

First published March 1, 2008

About the author

Shenaaz Nanji was born on the ancient island of Mombasa, one of the oldest settlements on the East African coast, and grew up amid a fusion of cultures: Bantu-Swahili, Arabic, colonial British, and East Indian. Every year she visited her grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins in Uganda until Idi Amin turned them into refugees. She moved to the United States and lived in upstate New York before moving to Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where she now lives with her husband and children. She holds an MFA in writing for children and young adults from Vermont College and has written several books for children.

Reviews

[Jenny (Reading Envy) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really quick read, and it makes more sense now that I realize it was intended for a YA audience. Other than the main character being in her teens, it isn't immediately apparent. I had read several books set in Uganda but focusing on white non-Ugandan characters, and this book was an attempt to remedy that.

"We have to clear our land. The weeds must be uprooted. ... You are the child of dandelions."

Sabine is Ugandan because she was born there, and her parents and grandparents have lived there running a successful coffee plantation. But it is 1972 and Idi Amin has ordered all Indians out of the country in 90 days. The family spends much of that 90 days assuming it does not apply to them, but it becomes clear that no matter their ties to the place, or the fact that Sabine has never known another country as home, they will be forced out.

Very true to historical experiences although I'm not sure a teenager would have been able to get away with the defiance that Sabine shows (this is probably the most YA element of the novel.)

[Krista the Krazy Kataloguer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really had no idea. I don't remember learning about the political situation in Uganda when I was in high school, although I do remember mention of Idi Amin and his cruelty. I didn't know that, amongst all his other acts, he expelled the Indians from the country.

This story focuses on a Muslim Indian girl and her African friend, and the politics that ultimately come between them. The author of this novel created such a buildup of tension that I almost didn't finish the story, afraid that it would end tragically. I kept asking myself, why can't people learn to get along and accept each other's differences? A sad story pointing out the heartbreaking plight of refugees, and the only children's book that I know of dealing with Uganda during this time period. Highly recommended!

[Traci Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This eloquent historical novel coupled two of my major interests: Indian culture, and African history. This was a part of Africa's history that I wasn't knowledgable about -- while I knew of Idi Amin and the horrible acts he committed during his reign, I hadn't realized that so much of it was aimed at Indians. The character of Sabina in this book was perfect for narrator, and the reader of the audiobook was absolutely amazing! I also appreciate that the author ended the book on a note of hope... it must've been hard to do when writing about such a sad subject. I highly recommend this novel!

[Erin Reilly-Sanders · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book had a good perspective on conditions in Uganda in 1972 particularly for the Indians of the main character's heritage but also other ethnic groups in the area that are divided by Idi Amin's strife-filled regime. These characters are represented by servants, friends, and neighbors with the interactions between them changing as the fortunes rise or fall according to some irrational overarching design. I think that in the end the main character's family was more understanding of the feelings behind the horrible actions taking place than people there in that place and time could have been without the safety of hindsight, but their explanation to Sabine is helpful for the reader to head off bitterness which could stunt a full evaluation of the situation. The author's note at the end was helpful as well. While the story is brutal and somewhat scary, the angst is restrained by the little moments of humanity present if Sabine's family interactions, particularly with her brother who has Down Syndrome.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A unique tale of the Indian diaspora to East Africa. I felt it was rather fast paced, but I also felt it was a bit "purposeful."

Also, not the fault of this book, but I am tired of plucky teenage girls standing up to evil dictators/soldiers/whatever and getting away with it and saving their whole family.This book was just where I realized it.

Beautiful cover!!!

[Kelly Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story of an Indian girl, born and live in Uganda during Idi Amin reign. One day, Sabine found out all Indian were no longer welcome in the country, her world was turn upside down.

A good quick and easy read.

[Joseph · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Child of Dandelions' is a book by Shenaaz Nanji. It is about an indian girl named Sabine who has a very happy life in Uganda. But one day, President Dada Amin has a dream 'to expel all foreign indians from Uganda', and her life is turned upside down. At first, She and her family think they don't have to leave because they have a Ugandan Citizenship, but it soon becomes apparent that it does not matter. Her uncle goes missing, A soldier is sent to kill her father, and her parents are forced to leave their home. At first only her father goes, but then her mother must too. Unfortunately, her mother is stuck at the boarder and can't pass without the new type passport. So Sabine, her brother ,Munchkin, and her 'Aunty' Lalita, go to get the passports. When they get there, they discover that the line is huge and they must wait in the blistering heat for a long time. Lalita has a heat stroke and has to leave. When Sabine finally reaches the office building, she finds out that the person in charge of handing out the passports is the soldier who was sent to kill their father, she gets very scared. The soldier finds out who she is and approaches her sexually. She spits in his eye, takes Munchkin and runs away. When she gets home she tells her Bapa everything. Bapa says it is no longer safe and that He, Sabine, Munchkin, and Lalita will have to leave soon. He packs her things and they set off for a hotel away from the city. The next day in the hotel, the old family servent, Katana. She is overwhelmingly happy to see him. After a brief visit, he must go. After, Lalita and Sabine meet up with Bapa and Munchkin and go for High Tea. An anouncement comes on and says that the expulsion applies to all indians. She phones her parents and tells them about the expulsion and that she will apply for refuge status for all of them. Two days later, She, Bapa, and Munchkin go to the UN building in Kampala to apply. There, a friendly worker gets Sabine's, Munchkin's, and their family's documents. Sabine finds out they will be moving to Canada. When they get back to the hotel, she rips up her old passport and goes to bed. The next day, She finds out that the road to the airport is lined with army checkpoints. She is afraid that the Soldier is looking for her, so she cuts her hair. The next day, they leave for the airport. At first, their voyage to the airport is easy, They bypass the first few checkpoints with ease. But, after a while they reach a checkpoint and are forced out of their car. The soldiers take their belongings and tell them to line up. After 'inspection', they are herded back into their car. At the next checkpoint, they have to get out again. This time, they have to get out their passports. When the soldier gets Sabine's papers, He says that they are forged because he thinks Sabine is a boy. When the soldier says he is going to have to check her, Bapa tells the soldier that Sabine is his granddaughter. Bapa says that she must continue without him. After what seems like a lifetime, they reach the airport. At the airport, she sees her ex-friend, Zena. She is very excited to see her, even though she is still sort of angry at her. Sabine finds out that Zena is flying to london. Sabine asks why, and Zena says that se is going to marry the President. Sabine is shocked, but Zena says they are are still friends. Sabine accepts, but then she must leave. She flies away in the plane, and finally feels free.

The part I like about this book the most is when Sabine talks about "Paradise Palace". I think it would be super cool to have a place like that. I really like climbing trees. Also, I can relate to this book because I am Indian. The part I like least about this book would be a tie between the goat and the freezing facility. The part about the goat was very accurately described and very well writen, but it was pretty gory. I could see the poor goat in my head. It wasn't a pretty sight. The part with the dead bodies in the freezing facility was pretty creepy, too. It's horrible to think that people are capable of such evil deeds. One thing that really surprised me was when it said "all indians who do not leave will be sent to concentraion camps in the north". The President must have really wanted Indians to leave.

[Athira (Reading on a Rainy Day) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sometimes it takes a drastic event to put things in perspective.

President Idi Amin has just decreed that all foreign Indians must be "weeded" out of Uganda within 90 days. Fifteen-year old Sabine suddenly finds her world upturned. While her father reassures her and her family that they are not foreign since they were all born in Uganda, Sabine secretly shares the same worries as her mother. It doesn't help that wherever she goes, she sees animosity from other Ugandans. But for now, she tries to put the 90-day countdown to the back of her mind. All she really wants to do is get through her classes daily and practice dance with her best friend, Zena.

But as the countdown continues, her favorite uncle, Zully, goes missing, Indian-owned or -operated shops are plundered, her mother's friend is almost arrested by soldiers one day, and Zena begins to behave strangely. To add to the confusion, President Amin has insisted that even Uganda-born Indians have to leave the country. At this point, Sabine has had enough. She did not believe that they will not be tortured or arrested, and did not want to find out what could happen if they stayed behind.

Child of Dandelions is set against the backdrop of the expulsion of Indians and Pakistanis in 1972. Part of the motivation for the expulsion was that the Indians in Uganda were apparently richer and had more wealth than the African populace. Child of Dandelions portrays that prominently in the book, especially in the friendship between Sabine and Zena. Sabine's family is very well-off, living in a big house, and not having much worry for money. Zena, on the other hand, wasn't that lucky. Sabine and her father are however not willing to believe that money could be the reason for this expulsion. After all, the Ugandan economy will collapse without the Indian corporations to hold it up. But at one point, towards the end of her morale level, Sabine makes a trip to a place where the indigenous African population lived and was shocked by the poverty that stared back at her.

When I was looking for an African read, I came across Shenaaz Nanji's Child of Dandelions. Being Indian, I was bothered by the premise of this book - expulsion of Indians from Uganda. It would be harrowing enough to be expelled from any country for any reason. It's worse if that was the only home you ever knew, as it was for Sabine's family. When I found this book on Audible, I grabbed it immediately.

Child of Dandelions is a coming of age story amidst terror, tragedy, confusion, and death. Sabine's distress at being disowned by her country of birth and her conquering of her challenges is very humbling to read about. She had gone from reverence towards her President to complete disgust at him. Although she is only fifteen, she definitely has the spine of a courageous adult. Many a time, her wit has helped rescue people around her from soldiers. Child of Dandelions is really a story of one family's fight against the injustice and politics of war and power, while still keeping her head high and her pride intact. Sabine is a heroine I loved to read about.

That said, occasionally Sabine acted like a ten-year old. Maybe it was not such a big deal - after all, even adults are known to behave like whining kids in many situations. Still, it bothered me because the author had established Sabine as a very capable character, that her voice occasionally felt very immature to me. It could also just be the narrator's fault - maybe she was overdoing some of the tones and inflections. Still, despite this issue, this is a book worth reading.

[Katherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review below comparing Child of Dandelions with the story "Dhilkusha" by Judith Clarke was written for a college course in 2008.

Dr. Patricia Bloem, Professor of English at Grand Valley State University, recommended that I read the book Child of Dandelions after I expressed my love of Judith Clarke’s story “Dhilkusha.” Both texts focus on the plight of current and soon-to-be refugees from Idi Amin’s Uganda.

In 1972, President Idi Amin of Uganda announced that all Asian people who were not Ugandan citizens, including a large population of people of Indian descent, were required to leave Uganda within 90 days. While many Indians left early on their own terms, many remained behind, believing that their status as Ugandan citizens would protect them from ethnic discrimination. However, soon it became clear that the Ugandan government was hostile to all Asian people, regardless of their citizenship status, as people began disappearing without a trace and violence against them was witnessed in the streets.

“Dhilkusha” is one of a series of stories in the book Wolf on the Fold. The story follows two boys as they remember their lives in Kampala, Uganda, and realize the need to remember those who they left behind and forgive those who mistreated them. Likewise, Child of Dandelions deals with the expulsion of Indians from Uganda through the eyes of sixteen year-old Sabine. When President Idi Amin declares that all Indians must leave Uganda, Sabine begins to see that she is ignorant to the politics of injustice that have surrounded her entire life. At first she does not worry about her safety because she considers herself a Ugandan citizen, not a British Indian, but she soon realizes that it is not her nationality that will force her to flee the country, but rather the color of her skin and the privilege it provides her.

Absolutely striking and intriguing imagery abound in both works. Especially poignant in “Dhilkusha” is the symbolic use of the color red, used to connect the tragic death of baby Rekha and her two brothers’ subconscious memory of her in everyday life. The contrast of beautiful and frightening imagery in Child of Dandelions transports the reader from a state of comfort to precariousness, just as Idi Amin’s new rules forced the Indian people of Uganda from a life of unquestioned pleasure to a state of fear and worry.

Both stories show how outsiders are completely ignorant to the horror potential refugees are facing and how outsiders either never act, or only act at the last minute, when it is too late to save those already lost. Refugees are forced from their homes and sent to countries where they are unwanted and mistreated by many. In “Dhilkusha,” the young brother’s teacher considers him a troubled student and a “fibber,” but does not make any effort to understand the source of his problems. In Child of Dandelions the British impose a quota on refugees, as do many other countries, making it difficult for the Indians to leave when it is imperative that they do.

These two works make perfect companions. “Dhilkusha” is a beautifully written introduction to the difficulties of being a refugee in a new place where you are unwanted, while Child of Dandelions shows what beauty and comfort are left behind and what horrors they faced as they struggled to leave the place they called "home."

[Arzoe · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.8?
Just glad I finished, thought this moment would never arrive!
Sad historical story, but it just did not make my boat float. I just never agreed to the story and may have been against it? (please dont take it seriously)

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Great historical fiction about a relatively unknown event in history.

[Tyler-Tae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good book

[Kylee Wiyrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story follows the life of a young Indian girl, Sabine, and her family who were citizens of Uganda. Due to the fact that a majority of the population in Uganda was African American, Sabine and her family got treated like minorities. At one point in the book, citizens of Uganda were screaming “Indian go home,” although Sabine thought she would be safe since she was a Ugandan citizen herself. My heart broke when I read that President Idi Amin made an announcement that all Indians must be weeded out of Uganda within the following 90 days. This made me think of how I would feel if I was suddenly told to pack up my life as I knew it and move to a completely new area. Upon reading further, I also questioned what it would be like to have soldiers rush into my home with the intent to forcibly remove my family from underneath our own roof. Although this book was an emotional roller-coaster, I loved the room for reflection and analysis that came along with it.

[Iza Alcorn · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story is about a 15 year old girl Indian girl named Sabine who was born in Uganda. The president of East Africa Uganda named Idi Amin, sent out a message exporting and to get rid of all foreign Indians and has 90 days to do so. However, president Idi Amin promises to protect Sabine’s family because they have their citizenship. The only thing that is on her mind is when the 90 days are up and what could happen. When the countdown begins it is made clear to Sabine that all South Asians are being forced to leave. Throughout this period Sabine experiences loss, panic, questioning or relationships as well as heartbreak. In a classroom I would use this as part of a history unit, I would use this book as a way to explain what happened in this time period, and how the Indians and Pakistanis were treated. Overall, I throughly enjoyed this book and I loved how emotionally connected I felt with Sabine.

[Maddelyn Skeen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Child of Dandelions is about a 15-year-old Indian girl who was born in Uganda named Sabine. The president sent a message to the entire nation of East Africa Uganda. He wanted to get rid of foreign Indians and allowed 90 days for them to all be gone. Sabine's father ensures that Sabine’s family is protected because of their citizenship. Sabine does not forget the 90 day countdown. Sabine goes through a series of disappointments, questions of friendship, loss, heartbreaks, and terror as all of this takes place. I loved the way this book was written because you can see the wold at this time through the 15 year olds life and get her perspective on things. You also learn a lot about the way that the Indian people were treated based off of what you learn about the way Sabine's family was treated throughout the book.

[Susan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hmmm... I really wanted to like this book more than I did. But, I disliked Sabine, and the story is essentially hers which made it difficult to enjoy the story. Sabine is entitled and selfish and immature, and overall just fell flat as a character.

I found too the plot fell flat. This was a time and place with anxiety and fear and anger but I felt none of that reading the book. The writing felt 'talking at' rather than 'talking to' the reader and, as another reviewer has pointed out, more about telling than showing the unfolding of events and relationships between Sabine and the other characters.

I really did want to like this book more than I did. But, I rounded up to two stars so at least tried.

[Lauryn G · Rating 3 out of 5]

Child of Dandelions is about a 15-year-old Indian girl who was born in Uganda named Sabine. The president sent a message to the entire nation of East Africa Uganda. He wanted to get rid of foreign Indians and gave them 90 days to leave the country. Sabine's father ensures that Sabine’s family is protected because of their citizenship but Sabine is skeptical. Sabine goes through a series of disappointments, questions of friendship, loss, heartbreaks, and terror as all of this takes place. I loved to get her perspective on things especially since she was so young. You also learn a lot about the way that the Indian people were treated based off of what you learn about the way Sabine's family was treated throughout the book.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compelling and thought-provoking, not only for teen readers (it's a YA book), but for adult readers as well. The threads of racism are explored in a nuanced way from the perspective of the East Indian diaspora in Uganda and from the perspective of the Black Ugandans. The central characters come across as individuals with both positive character qualities and personal biases/prejudices rather than as stereotypes of good/evil. The plot has enough tension to keep the storyline consistently interesting, and the writing style is accessible yet evocative in terms of imagery and description. An excellent novel option for exploring racism, prejudice, friendship, and coming-of-age for grade 9 or 10 students.

[Deb Sodt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Didn't realize until I was well into the book that it was young adult fiction. That explains why I was thinking it was just too simple. But I enjoyed it anyway because it brought back many memories of when I lived in Kampala in 1984 (during Milton Obote's time in office.

[Kaethe Gallagher · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting historical ya novel on a subject I knew nothing about. The narrator, a young Indian girl is likable: brave, independent and sees the violence being inflicted upon her people for what it is. It’s a book with many lessons applicable even in our country today.

[lia · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was actually kinda good. I read this for school and I had soooo many expectations since I already read out of school 😅
Anyways, I lowkey wanted her to die just for the dramatic view of this, but I guess her Uncle’s death is enough…

[madelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in elementary school. It stuck with me for a long time. Had been thinking about it a lot recently so I listened to the audio book. Now it will stick with me forever and more fully. Read this!

[Doris Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

I LIKE THIS BOOK.

[Ananya V. · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5

[Lorna R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction. Well written making you feel as though you are walking along with Sabine through the turmoil of change.

[Maeve · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is based of a historical event I had no idea had occurred. It’s not only a well written piece, but gave me the opportunity to learn about more experiences in the world. Highly recommend!

[DJ Heim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A noble outing that portrays one of history's many ignored consequences of colonialism in a very accessible format.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Although I liked how it was a quick read, I also didn't because I wish the story could have been fleshed out more to really get into the relationships and the dynamics of the characters. Other than that, I found no issues with the book and had a hard time putting it down.

I loved the quote, "I will carry my home with me."

[Laryssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I recently had all of my students read a historical fiction book that centers around some sort of hero/heroine, and this was an option that was available to them. I decided to pick it up for myself, since I was not super familiar with the subject matter or the time period.

Positives:
I enjoyed the book because I actually was not familiar with this aspect of Uganda's history, and from the follow-up research I have done, Shenaaz Nanji masterfully wove an accurate portrayal of President Idi Amin's expulsion of Indians from the country. Nanji also does a nice job of leaving little breadcrumbs that allude to other factors that surround Amin's controversial rule. Namely, Amin's eventual mass murdering of the Acholi and Langi tribes, as well as his penchant for wives are all indirectly shone in the book, but still only seen through the eyes of this teenage protagonist, Sabine.

The part that was the most powerful for me was Sabine's recognition of the inherent racism in her culture, her own family, and even within herself while she endures the reverse prejudices that befall her during the 90 days that Indians are given to leave Uganda. These are very adult themes that were surprising to find expressed so eloquently in a children's book. Throughout the ordeal, Sabine shows a lot of resilience, strength, and resourcefulness, which undoubtedly give her credence as a "hero" that my students can identify.


Not as positives:
However, there were many moments in which Sabine was far from heroic, and even somewhat whiny. I understand that it's supposed to be from the perspective of a teenager, but I wish there had been a little more consistency. One moment she's incredibly wise and comes to grips with the real nature of social injustices, the next she is lamenting the fact that her family regards her as brave, because she's not sure she is.

Moreover, the conflict and falling out with her best friend was powerful to me, as it pulled together a lot of the thematic elements of the ugliness in racism and revenge, but I was disappointed that their brief reunion at the end of the story made everything "okay" between them again. I think Nanji was trying to inject a bit of hope and lightness at the end of a difficult story, but it sort of took away from the inherent problem, too.

There were also a few parts of the story that seemed to drag a little bit, and in the second to final chapter when Sabine and her family are getting to the airport, I couldn't believe how long it was spent hashing out the checkpoints-at that point, I wasn't sure if the author was being historically accurate with what she or her family personally experienced during this harrowing time, or if the author was trying to make us question whether or not Sabine would actually leave Uganda. Either way, the time spent on that versus the 1-2 hopeful pages at the very end seem sort of contradictory and strange. I'm not sure what impression the author really wanted to leave us with.

Overall, the book is well written and concerns a time in history that probably does not get enough perspective or attention. In that sense, I'm thankful and appreciative of the work. I won't recommend this to most of my 6th grade students in the future, as it deals with a subject matter that they're simply not familiar with, which can make it a difficult read, however it would be great for some of my older students.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

August, 1972 in Kampala, Uganda, 15 year old Sabine, daughter of a local businessman of Indian descent is excited about the upcoming dance performance she and her best friend, Zena are planning for the Independence Day celebrations in October. But, Idi Amin's order to expel all people of Indian descent from Uganda changes Sabine's life forever, destroying her home, her friendships and her childhood innocence. Beautifully written with glimpses of terror and violence but with a careful tempering of these scenes with the rich family and community life Sabine has been nurtured in, this is a gem of a book. While depicting a dark time, the message is one of perserverance and hope. As relevant today as ever, timely and timeless.