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Journey to Jo'burg: A South African Story
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 set 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.
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 set 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.
96 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1986
180 people are currently reading
2272 people want to read
About the author
Beverley Naidoo
60 books95 followersBeverley Naidoo was born in South Africa on 21 May 1943 and grew up under apartheid. As a student, she began to question the apartheid regime and was later arrested for her actions as part of the resistance movement in South Africa. In 1965 she went into exile, going to England. She married another South African exile; they have two children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 334 reviews
November 20, 2011
This story is about two children who live in a poor village in South Africa. Their mother works far away in Johannesburg and their father died from a disease caught in the mines. Their little sister is desperately ill and the two children decide to walk to the city to bring their mother home. The story tells of their awakening to the situation in their country of the appalling treatment of blacks by the rich white people. The children finally find their mother, but their troubles are not yet over. Things are not as simple as they thought they would be. They have to stay with their new friend for the night, then travel back with their mother the next day. They experience a tense few days while Dineo is in hospital. This part of the story opens the children’s eyes even more to the uncertainties and dangers of life in South Africa.
This is a book from the SFA scheme of work. It has a Reading Focus; to investigate what makes a reader want to read on after the first page. And a Writing Focus; to add a new scene to the story. I read this to a year 6 class and they really enjoyed it, interested in exploring the history and learning about the issues that faced South Africa.
This is a book from the SFA scheme of work. It has a Reading Focus; to investigate what makes a reader want to read on after the first page. And a Writing Focus; to add a new scene to the story. I read this to a year 6 class and they really enjoyed it, interested in exploring the history and learning about the issues that faced South Africa.
December 28, 2022
In Beverley Naidoo's 1986 (and thus of course before the official end of Apartheid) South-African themed middle grade novel Journey to Jo'burg, when their baby sister Dineo becomes very ill with a dangerous fever (and might perhaps even be dying), thirteen-year old Naledi and her younger brother Tiro decide that they must go and get their mother, but unfortunately Mma is being forced by financial necessity to live and work in the big city, in far-away Johannesburg. And determined to do everything they can for Dineo, the siblings thus set off on foot, hoping to cover the three-hundred-kilometer distance to find their mother in time.
So yes, first and foremost Naidoo's story for Journey to Jo'burg (young middle grade and in my opinion textually suitable for readers from about the age of eight to ten or eleven) presents a basic but also intensely realistic introduction to South Africa and its horrid, inhumane and racist police of Apartheid, of segregation, showing clearly, simply and without graphic violence (although the latter is often alluded to and briefly pointed out) the horror, the all encompassing injustice of the latter and South Africa’s emerging fight for racial equality (and that not all Black South Africans are following the dictatorial rules of the Afrikaners' elitist government). And on their journey to Johannesburg, Naledi and Tiro are shown by Beverley Naido as making many unexpected friends out of strangers and who all help them not only with their travels but to also stay out of reach of the police, sometimes perhaps a bit too easily and a bit too quickly, but well, considering the intended age age group for Journey to Jo'burg this does not really all that much bother me, as indeed, and much importantly, much appreciatively, Naidoo has Naledi and Tiro soon learning that in Apartheid-infested South Africa, as Black South Africans, they do not have a right to get on the bus or walk about freely without a pass, and they do not even have a right to their own mother (who works as a maid, as a servant to an arrogant and ignorant White family in Johannesburg).
Now Beverley Naido herself was born and raised in South Africa (in 1943), and yes, the author has readily admitted never having been taught to question Apartheid (and the general racial intolerance towards Black South Africans) either in school or at home. But at university, Naidoo became increasingly outraged at the South African government and joined Nelson Mandela’s anti-Apartheid movement, with Beverly Naido being arrested and jailed in 1964, for anti-government activities. Exiled to England after her release from prison, Beverley Naidoo decided to write books about South Africa for children and of course, upon the publication of Journey to Jo'burg, it was immediately seen as dangerous and seditious literature and promptly banned in South Africa (and it remained banned until the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the official end of Apartheid).
Finally, although Journey to Jo'burg was penned in 1986 and Apartheid was officially abolished as a South African government policy in the 1990s, the fight for racial equality very much continues in South Africa. And for children, Journey to Jo'burg is therefore a gentle but also a firm and authentic feeling (with regard to factuality) introduction to this reality (not strictly own voice of course, but considering Beverley Naidoo's biography, I do still consider Journey to Jo'burg to be pretty much from an African perspective and from the pen of a White South African author who actively fought against Apartheid and was also jailed for this). Accompanied by evocative illustrations, both Eric Velásquez' pictures and Beverley Naidoo's words are a winning combination of text and images, and indeed, Journey to Jo'burg certainly encourages conversations and discussions with children about racial segregation, racial intolerance and bigotry (and also regarding the horror and the absolutely ignorant error of white supremacy).
So yes, first and foremost Naidoo's story for Journey to Jo'burg (young middle grade and in my opinion textually suitable for readers from about the age of eight to ten or eleven) presents a basic but also intensely realistic introduction to South Africa and its horrid, inhumane and racist police of Apartheid, of segregation, showing clearly, simply and without graphic violence (although the latter is often alluded to and briefly pointed out) the horror, the all encompassing injustice of the latter and South Africa’s emerging fight for racial equality (and that not all Black South Africans are following the dictatorial rules of the Afrikaners' elitist government). And on their journey to Johannesburg, Naledi and Tiro are shown by Beverley Naido as making many unexpected friends out of strangers and who all help them not only with their travels but to also stay out of reach of the police, sometimes perhaps a bit too easily and a bit too quickly, but well, considering the intended age age group for Journey to Jo'burg this does not really all that much bother me, as indeed, and much importantly, much appreciatively, Naidoo has Naledi and Tiro soon learning that in Apartheid-infested South Africa, as Black South Africans, they do not have a right to get on the bus or walk about freely without a pass, and they do not even have a right to their own mother (who works as a maid, as a servant to an arrogant and ignorant White family in Johannesburg).
Now Beverley Naido herself was born and raised in South Africa (in 1943), and yes, the author has readily admitted never having been taught to question Apartheid (and the general racial intolerance towards Black South Africans) either in school or at home. But at university, Naidoo became increasingly outraged at the South African government and joined Nelson Mandela’s anti-Apartheid movement, with Beverly Naido being arrested and jailed in 1964, for anti-government activities. Exiled to England after her release from prison, Beverley Naidoo decided to write books about South Africa for children and of course, upon the publication of Journey to Jo'burg, it was immediately seen as dangerous and seditious literature and promptly banned in South Africa (and it remained banned until the release of Nelson Mandela from prison and the official end of Apartheid).
Finally, although Journey to Jo'burg was penned in 1986 and Apartheid was officially abolished as a South African government policy in the 1990s, the fight for racial equality very much continues in South Africa. And for children, Journey to Jo'burg is therefore a gentle but also a firm and authentic feeling (with regard to factuality) introduction to this reality (not strictly own voice of course, but considering Beverley Naidoo's biography, I do still consider Journey to Jo'burg to be pretty much from an African perspective and from the pen of a White South African author who actively fought against Apartheid and was also jailed for this). Accompanied by evocative illustrations, both Eric Velásquez' pictures and Beverley Naidoo's words are a winning combination of text and images, and indeed, Journey to Jo'burg certainly encourages conversations and discussions with children about racial segregation, racial intolerance and bigotry (and also regarding the horror and the absolutely ignorant error of white supremacy).
February 2, 2013
I found this book humbling and heartwarming. It is written from the viewpoint of two young children in South Africa who struggle to understand the injustice they and their families face. When their baby sister falls gravely ill they courageously decide to travel 300km from their small village to Johannesburg to summon their mother from work. The physical journey is symbolic of their awakening to the wider realities of apartheid; they face danger and experience prejudice, but also meet kind strangers who help to keep them safe and tell them stories about the uprising of students in Soweto.
Michael Rosen's introduction to this recent edition provides an insight into the global political context at the time of its release in 1985. He celebrates Journey to Jo'burg for being the first childrens' book about the lives of black African during apartheid. At the time it was considered so 'dangerous' that it was banned in South Africa. At the back there is a copy of a letter banning the book's import, which gives greater impact to comprehending the extent of governmental corruption.
This is a universal story of hope and determination amidst great opression. I think it would be suitable for upper KS2 and has many cross-curricular learning possibilities. For example: guided reading, with an opportunity for persuasive writing in Literacy to write a reply to the government asking to lift the ban on the book. It could be used to link to PSHE or Citizenship to address bullying and racism, History to examine the apartheid and Geography for studying Africa.
Michael Rosen's introduction to this recent edition provides an insight into the global political context at the time of its release in 1985. He celebrates Journey to Jo'burg for being the first childrens' book about the lives of black African during apartheid. At the time it was considered so 'dangerous' that it was banned in South Africa. At the back there is a copy of a letter banning the book's import, which gives greater impact to comprehending the extent of governmental corruption.
This is a universal story of hope and determination amidst great opression. I think it would be suitable for upper KS2 and has many cross-curricular learning possibilities. For example: guided reading, with an opportunity for persuasive writing in Literacy to write a reply to the government asking to lift the ban on the book. It could be used to link to PSHE or Citizenship to address bullying and racism, History to examine the apartheid and Geography for studying Africa.
December 19, 2016
If you have read The Help, this is an equivalent book for children. The period is South Africa's apartheid years, and while I'm rating four for writing, I'm rating another star for the depiction of tendencies towards popular activism and bringing about change. I also like that there is a simple map.
Two kids see their little sister getting very ill but the lady who cares for them doesn't have money for a hospital. So the pair bravely decide to walk to their mother who works as a housekeeper and nanny in the big city, Johannesburg. On the way they learn that the white rulers have decided to pass laws that children can't live with their parents who work in cities; that workers must carry a pass; that children are kept from school to pick oranges, and not allowed to eat the fruit; that black children are taught rubbish in school, such as how to write letters seeking employment as servants. They have to board a different bus to whites, use a different hospital and more.
The main worry of course, is whether they can find their mother; after that, can they save their sister?
The author was a white girl who knew she would have suffered under Nazi Germany, but just did not realise how her black servants had to live. Once she did realise she wrote this book to show the world and promote change from youth upwards. While now dated it's worth a read and worth giving to a child. Be prepared for some long conversations, so parents might want to do some background reading too. The tale is simply told and should suit anyone aged from nine or ten.
Two kids see their little sister getting very ill but the lady who cares for them doesn't have money for a hospital. So the pair bravely decide to walk to their mother who works as a housekeeper and nanny in the big city, Johannesburg. On the way they learn that the white rulers have decided to pass laws that children can't live with their parents who work in cities; that workers must carry a pass; that children are kept from school to pick oranges, and not allowed to eat the fruit; that black children are taught rubbish in school, such as how to write letters seeking employment as servants. They have to board a different bus to whites, use a different hospital and more.
The main worry of course, is whether they can find their mother; after that, can they save their sister?
The author was a white girl who knew she would have suffered under Nazi Germany, but just did not realise how her black servants had to live. Once she did realise she wrote this book to show the world and promote change from youth upwards. While now dated it's worth a read and worth giving to a child. Be prepared for some long conversations, so parents might want to do some background reading too. The tale is simply told and should suit anyone aged from nine or ten.
December 9, 2012
I really enjoyed reading this moving story by Beverley Naidoo. Set against the dangerous landscape of Apartheid South Africa, Journey to Jo'burg is an inspiring story of two young courageous children, a brother and sister called Naledi and Tiro. The story follows their journey from their small village in South Africa to Jo'burg, about 300 miles away, in search of their mother. Their younger sister, Dineo, is very ill and Naledi decides that they need to travel to Jo'burg to bring their mother back home in order to save their sister. The story highlights the dangers and adventures the children encounter along the way and the challenges they face in South Africa at the time.
As well as clear character descriptions and vivid imagery, there are many themes running through the story as it deals with racism and prejudice along with family, love and determination. It is a simple story line that has potential to open many discussions and topics for children to further explore in the classroom. I think it is a great read for a KS2 class and there are many activities in which it can be used throughout literacy lessons such as looking at characters in depth, retelling a story from a character's point of view, play scripts and report writing. It could also be linked with History and PSHE lessons.
As well as clear character descriptions and vivid imagery, there are many themes running through the story as it deals with racism and prejudice along with family, love and determination. It is a simple story line that has potential to open many discussions and topics for children to further explore in the classroom. I think it is a great read for a KS2 class and there are many activities in which it can be used throughout literacy lessons such as looking at characters in depth, retelling a story from a character's point of view, play scripts and report writing. It could also be linked with History and PSHE lessons.
March 22, 2023
Reading the class reader for year 6, this is a good book to start the conversation on what segregation is and to help kids to be deeper thinkers - i think the teacher says for them to be introspective. This was a banned book in SA a while back.. let the conversation begin.
August 11, 2023
Blog post :P
After going with a friend to a restaurant in Frankfurt, even though it was raining like crazy, it did not stop me from going to Oxfam, where I did behave: I only got this one book (1 euro).
Why did I choose this book? Well, I watched a reality show on Netflix called ”Jewish Matchmaking” (I'm not sure I recommend it :D) and two persons on the show where from Jo(')burg in South Africa. I stopped and went on Wikipedia (my go-to source on almost everything) to see what the deal with Jo'burg is (it is Johannesburg indeed!) and this is why this book appealed to me.
My knowledge about South Africa until reading this YA book? Roger Federer has some connections with the country (wiki: his mother is from there); Nelson Mandela; Charlize Theron; 2010 FIFA World Cup (vuvuzela...); of course apartheid. But this was pretty much it. (I know of some famous writers from the country, but never read any of them. Yes.)
The author Beverley Naidoo has an interesting life story: born into a white family in South Africa, she took part in the anti-apartheid movement as a student, was jailed for 8 weeks, then left the country for the UK. She married a man from Indian descent: their union would have been ”a crime” under the apartheid laws (I'm guessing like Trevor Noah's parents'). Naidoo sent this book to family in South Africa, the book was forbidden (”undesirable publication”).
About the book (might contain some spoilers!):
In times of apartheid, black adults aged over 16 needed a ”pass” in order to move from A to B (even to travel/ commute). Everyone knows this and instinctively hides from the police, known for throwing people in jail ”just because”. In a no name village, two children aged 13 and 9 decide to go to Jo'burg to bring their mother home - the only person able to maybe save their little sister, severely sick for several days.
Naledi (”Morning star” in the native language Tswana) and Tiro (”Hard work”) go on an adventure of about 300 km, a race against time and obstacles, during which they walk, hide, make friends, find their mom and go back home with her by train.
The author inserts facts about the apartheid/ realities from the country throughout the book. What stayed with me: black children have a totally different curriculum than white children, they are basically being taught to write letters (home or to an employer), to emphasize how good a cook/ gardener etc. they are and to sign ”obediently yours”. In short, they are being educated to become servants. There are buses for white people and for ”non-whites only”. And so on.
(picture from wikipedia, apartheid page)
I was impressed by these words of Naidoo from the afterword: (copied with some google technique from a picture of a page in the book I took with my phone)
”I have often wondered how, as a child, I never really saw or understood how shocking apartheid and racism were. Our mother was Jewish and I had wept over The Diary of Anne Frank. If we had lived in Europe, I knew that I could have been like Anne Frank. Why had I not seen the terrible things happening around me?” (p. 96)
Beverley Naidoo (a white child) got a vaccine against diphteria, the children of the woman helping her family did not get this chance...
While reading the book, I often read related stuff on Wikipedia. When I saw my husband watching a video with Trevor Noah, I casually dropped a ”he grew up in Soweto”, but this was too much of an insider knowledge (?), it did not land. :/
I try to expand my knowledge as much as I can (well...). These days: geography: Africa's countries ( https://www.geoguessr.com/vgp/3163 ) (not my first attempt). My mnemonic trick this time for these four countries: Z!ambia, Z!imbabwe, Moz!ambique, Tanz!ania: they all have a Z. Zambia comes from the name of the river Zambezi, the rest are not related, but still retain the Z, maybe this will help me in the future.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (French former tennis player) has no apparent relation to South Africa (I think I assumed he had).
Botswana is ”Land of the Tswana”. End of the blog post. Ah, I went to Oxfam again yesterday and got Born A Crime, Trevor Noah (3 euro, excellent condition).
PS I decided to write my review under this edition, although it is marked ”ebook”, because it matches the actual cover of the book I have.
Probably 4,5*. Happy to have read it. Thank you, Beverley Naidoo.
After going with a friend to a restaurant in Frankfurt, even though it was raining like crazy, it did not stop me from going to Oxfam, where I did behave: I only got this one book (1 euro).
Why did I choose this book? Well, I watched a reality show on Netflix called ”Jewish Matchmaking” (I'm not sure I recommend it :D) and two persons on the show where from Jo(')burg in South Africa. I stopped and went on Wikipedia (my go-to source on almost everything) to see what the deal with Jo'burg is (it is Johannesburg indeed!) and this is why this book appealed to me.
My knowledge about South Africa until reading this YA book? Roger Federer has some connections with the country (wiki: his mother is from there); Nelson Mandela; Charlize Theron; 2010 FIFA World Cup (vuvuzela...); of course apartheid. But this was pretty much it. (I know of some famous writers from the country, but never read any of them. Yes.)
The author Beverley Naidoo has an interesting life story: born into a white family in South Africa, she took part in the anti-apartheid movement as a student, was jailed for 8 weeks, then left the country for the UK. She married a man from Indian descent: their union would have been ”a crime” under the apartheid laws (I'm guessing like Trevor Noah's parents'). Naidoo sent this book to family in South Africa, the book was forbidden (”undesirable publication”).
About the book (might contain some spoilers!):
In times of apartheid, black adults aged over 16 needed a ”pass” in order to move from A to B (even to travel/ commute). Everyone knows this and instinctively hides from the police, known for throwing people in jail ”just because”. In a no name village, two children aged 13 and 9 decide to go to Jo'burg to bring their mother home - the only person able to maybe save their little sister, severely sick for several days.
Naledi (”Morning star” in the native language Tswana) and Tiro (”Hard work”) go on an adventure of about 300 km, a race against time and obstacles, during which they walk, hide, make friends, find their mom and go back home with her by train.
The author inserts facts about the apartheid/ realities from the country throughout the book. What stayed with me: black children have a totally different curriculum than white children, they are basically being taught to write letters (home or to an employer), to emphasize how good a cook/ gardener etc. they are and to sign ”obediently yours”. In short, they are being educated to become servants. There are buses for white people and for ”non-whites only”. And so on.
(picture from wikipedia, apartheid page)
I was impressed by these words of Naidoo from the afterword: (copied with some google technique from a picture of a page in the book I took with my phone)
”I have often wondered how, as a child, I never really saw or understood how shocking apartheid and racism were. Our mother was Jewish and I had wept over The Diary of Anne Frank. If we had lived in Europe, I knew that I could have been like Anne Frank. Why had I not seen the terrible things happening around me?” (p. 96)
Beverley Naidoo (a white child) got a vaccine against diphteria, the children of the woman helping her family did not get this chance...
While reading the book, I often read related stuff on Wikipedia. When I saw my husband watching a video with Trevor Noah, I casually dropped a ”he grew up in Soweto”, but this was too much of an insider knowledge (?), it did not land. :/
I try to expand my knowledge as much as I can (well...). These days: geography: Africa's countries ( https://www.geoguessr.com/vgp/3163 ) (not my first attempt). My mnemonic trick this time for these four countries: Z!ambia, Z!imbabwe, Moz!ambique, Tanz!ania: they all have a Z. Zambia comes from the name of the river Zambezi, the rest are not related, but still retain the Z, maybe this will help me in the future.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga (French former tennis player) has no apparent relation to South Africa (I think I assumed he had).
Botswana is ”Land of the Tswana”. End of the blog post. Ah, I went to Oxfam again yesterday and got Born A Crime, Trevor Noah (3 euro, excellent condition).
PS I decided to write my review under this edition, although it is marked ”ebook”, because it matches the actual cover of the book I have.
Probably 4,5*. Happy to have read it. Thank you, Beverley Naidoo.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 15, 2019
This was a brilliant read and a great introduction to children in KS2 about life in South Africa for black people, the Apartheid and segregation. It follows a brother and sister's journey to Johannesburg in search for their Mother who works their to tell her of their sister's illness in hope she will come home to save her. They discover it is not a simple journey as they encounter some of the dangers living in their apartheid but meeting some friendly people along the way help them to reach their mother.
It is a simple storyline however so much discussion can be held in the classroom, including the different relationships between the characters and life in South Africa. Children could find more information on the Apartheid as a research task as part of a lesson. To develop the children's understanding further, children could take part in a hot seating activity to explore the characters in depth and to gain a full perspective of living in South Africa around this time.
It is a simple storyline however so much discussion can be held in the classroom, including the different relationships between the characters and life in South Africa. Children could find more information on the Apartheid as a research task as part of a lesson. To develop the children's understanding further, children could take part in a hot seating activity to explore the characters in depth and to gain a full perspective of living in South Africa around this time.
June 3, 2021
When their baby sister falls seriously ill, two young South African siblings set out from home to make the 200+ mile journey to Johannesburg to find their mother, who works as a housekeeper for a rich, white family.
This middle grade book has some issues, I think. It seems clear that the point of the novel is to point up some of the major problems with apartheid, but at the same time it seems to downplay those problems too much. The dangers and massive injustices inherent in that system are mentioned and then, weirdly, glossed over quickly, and the ending is a little too pat and trite.
It's possible I'm overreading these elements, because I was aware going into it that the book was written by a white woman from South Africa. Naidoo has a history of standing up for equal rights and speaking out against apartheid, and that's wonderful, of course, but I still don't know how I feel about white people writing stories for PoC. Maybe, at the time, it was an important step toward handing that authority over? So maybe it was a good first step in children's lit, but I do know for certain that there are now, happily, more and better versions of this kind of story out there by #ownvoices authors.
This middle grade book has some issues, I think. It seems clear that the point of the novel is to point up some of the major problems with apartheid, but at the same time it seems to downplay those problems too much. The dangers and massive injustices inherent in that system are mentioned and then, weirdly, glossed over quickly, and the ending is a little too pat and trite.
It's possible I'm overreading these elements, because I was aware going into it that the book was written by a white woman from South Africa. Naidoo has a history of standing up for equal rights and speaking out against apartheid, and that's wonderful, of course, but I still don't know how I feel about white people writing stories for PoC. Maybe, at the time, it was an important step toward handing that authority over? So maybe it was a good first step in children's lit, but I do know for certain that there are now, happily, more and better versions of this kind of story out there by #ownvoices authors.
March 4, 2018
Touching story of how two courageous children make an incredible journey during the terrifying apartheid in South Africa. Very short story, but has so much potential for further learning.
November 30, 2024
Theme: Apartheid.
A classic kids book. Suitable for adults. Tender. Heartfelt. Contrasts abusive racism. Kids forced to live away from working parents. Deplorable conditions.
Overall:
Thought provoking. Empathetic take on apartheid from kid's point of view.
A classic kids book. Suitable for adults. Tender. Heartfelt. Contrasts abusive racism. Kids forced to live away from working parents. Deplorable conditions.
Overall:
Thought provoking. Empathetic take on apartheid from kid's point of view.
June 19, 2020
This is a classic in all senses. Glad that Arhat is picking up on these books now and we are also able to read it :-)
August 1, 2010
While this short little novel was an interesting peak into living conditions in South Africa, I found it to be a little didactic. The story seemed somewhat unbelievable, as if the author wanted to show us about South Africa and this was simply the method she chose to use. The lack of consideration for how to get home again and the costs of eating and lodging in the city is maybe explained by the country upbringing of the children, but the story also suggests that the hospital was so outrageously expensive that here was not really anything the mother could do if she returned, expect to be there with her child before she died. The encounters with other characters arranged and too convenient, although it
November 21, 2017
I read this book to my year 4 class whilst on my second year placement. Our topic for the term was the Apartheid, this book was great as it helped give the children a better understanding, as well as it being about young children in that time, therefore more meaningful for them. Great book.
December 6, 2016
this was a quick read
June 5, 2020
Insanely sad, insanely hopeful, short, clear, straight to the heart. Its simplicity is striking.
January 30, 2021
Should be required reading.
I had the privilege of ‘meeting’ Beverley Naidoo in a Zoom lecture recently and was so inspired by her and her story I knew I had to pick this book up immediately. Reading it, I am so impressed how Naidoo has tackled a very brutal and disturbing topic and made it accessible, while thought provoking, to children.
Naidoo talked about teaching children to THINK, not just facts and dates. As an educator, that really resonated with me. Our children need to be able to see the world and critical of it in order to improve it. Books like this are an amazing start.
I had the privilege of ‘meeting’ Beverley Naidoo in a Zoom lecture recently and was so inspired by her and her story I knew I had to pick this book up immediately. Reading it, I am so impressed how Naidoo has tackled a very brutal and disturbing topic and made it accessible, while thought provoking, to children.
Naidoo talked about teaching children to THINK, not just facts and dates. As an educator, that really resonated with me. Our children need to be able to see the world and critical of it in order to improve it. Books like this are an amazing start.
September 12, 2025
When their baby sister becomes dangerously ill, two siblings set off on foot to take on a dangerous journey of 300 kilometers to find their mother in Johannesburg. A snippet of the inequality of life in South Africa under Apartheid.
I marked this as historical fiction, but then found out it was initially written in 1985, more than a decade before Apartheid ended. My library picked up a 40th anniversary edition. Many of scenes in the book are devastating without becoming overwhelming. I found its portrayal spot on for younger audiences.
I marked this as historical fiction, but then found out it was initially written in 1985, more than a decade before Apartheid ended. My library picked up a 40th anniversary edition. Many of scenes in the book are devastating without becoming overwhelming. I found its portrayal spot on for younger audiences.
February 24, 2022
Originally written in 1985, this book was not historical fiction but a description of life as it was in South Africa at the time. The author wanted to teach young children about the unacceptable policy of Apartheit that separated Africans from Caucasians purely by colour. The wealth was all in the hands of the 'Whites', while the labour was done by the 'Blacks' who worked long hours for little pay and lived under apalling conditions. 4/5 ⭐️
April 28, 2021
This book tells the story of two young children who travel 300 km from their small village to Johannesburg, when their baby sister falls seriously ill, to tell their mother who works there as a maid. During the journey, they become aware of the harsh realities of apartheid; facing danger and prejudice. In summary, it is a story of hope and determination, amidst segregation and oppression.
December 13, 2025
Loved this short story! In a short amount of time we could feel ourselves being transplanted into the lives of these 2 young children and we could feel their struggles. It was eye opening for my children and I’m hoping it awakens an interest in learning more about racial equality around the world.
June 7, 2018
4,25 stars English paperback - I have dyslexia -
It cut through me like a knife through boter. 🦋🦋🌸🌸
It cut through me like a knife through boter. 🦋🦋🌸🌸
April 4, 2019
This book gives the reader a small taste of what apartheid was like in South Africa!
April 6, 2024
allah da tez vakitte bu beyazların belasını vere (amin)
July 3, 2024
Very enjoyanle. It is short but lovable.
October 30, 2024
Read with my daughter for our homeschool as we studied Africa in geography. This tiny book was what I wanted Cry, the Beloved Country to be! I only wish it was longer.
April 16, 2018
I give this book 2 stars because I don’t think the author described racism clearly and this book is not a good example of apartheid in South Africa.
August 9, 2021
3,5 stars rounded up to 4.
It was a good and informative middle grade book for me. I liked the child narrator a lot.
It was a good and informative middle grade book for me. I liked the child narrator a lot.
December 20, 2018
Such an important book about a moment in African history. Amazing how times have changed - when I was first teaching this was definitely a KS3 book. Now, and rightly, it's being taught in KS2.
March 30, 2009
Naidoo, B. (1986). Journey to Jo’Burg: A South African Story. New York: HarperTrophy.
0064402371
Set in historical South Africa during the time of apartheid, Naledi and her brother Tiro worry about their sick younger sister. Certain that their sister needs a doctor, they decide to disobey their grandmother’s wishes and leave their small town to journey to Johannesburg where their mother works as a servant to get her help.
While on their journey the children are helped by several other black people along the way, but are cautioned about the rules of apartheid that are strictly enforced in the city. They also are exposed to the class and power relations and learn of the hope and rebellions for social change, most notably the Soweto Uprising of 1976.
While the narrative is both short and fast-paced there are some plot holes. For example, at the very beginning of the story, Naledi and Tiro decide that because they would get in trouble for asking for money to pay for a telegram, they should walk to Johannesburg, a city over 300 kilometers away. Now call me crazy, this could be my own cultural background speaking, but wouldn’t Grandma be a little more upset that you go on a journey to a strange and dangerous city without help or money than ask for some money to send a telegram? Maybe it’s just me. I don’t know.
Published during the height of Apartheid in the mid-1980s, this book was banned in South Africa until 1990. This would be a wonderful book to use to help students think globally about issues of power and class. It could also be the basis for doing a comparison between Apartheid and segregation in the U.S.
Activities to do with the book:
In a social studies or history class, Journey to Jo’Burg could be used to compare and contrast the history of South Africa with that of the U.S.A. Similar themes include class divisions by race, segregation and apartheid, police abuse and brutality, the fight for civil rights, protests, etc. It could specifically trigger a lesson on protests like the Soweto Uprising, in which students protested the structurally racist and oppressive education system and were killed.
Favorite Quotes:
“Naledi and Tiro were worried. Their baby sister, Dineo was ill, very ill” (p. 1).
“Why shouldn’t we use the bus? When our buses are full, their buses are half empty. Don’t you be sorry!” (p. 26).
“All those lesson on writing letters…for jobs as servants…always writing how good they were at cooking, cleaning, washing, gardening…always ending with “Yours obediently.”
Naledi had never thought about it before tonight, but never, never, had she written about wanting to be…say, a doctor. Yes, that’s what she’d like to be. Image how useful it would be if she became a doctor, especially in their own village. She could even look after her own family.” (p. 72)
For More of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
0064402371
Set in historical South Africa during the time of apartheid, Naledi and her brother Tiro worry about their sick younger sister. Certain that their sister needs a doctor, they decide to disobey their grandmother’s wishes and leave their small town to journey to Johannesburg where their mother works as a servant to get her help.
While on their journey the children are helped by several other black people along the way, but are cautioned about the rules of apartheid that are strictly enforced in the city. They also are exposed to the class and power relations and learn of the hope and rebellions for social change, most notably the Soweto Uprising of 1976.
While the narrative is both short and fast-paced there are some plot holes. For example, at the very beginning of the story, Naledi and Tiro decide that because they would get in trouble for asking for money to pay for a telegram, they should walk to Johannesburg, a city over 300 kilometers away. Now call me crazy, this could be my own cultural background speaking, but wouldn’t Grandma be a little more upset that you go on a journey to a strange and dangerous city without help or money than ask for some money to send a telegram? Maybe it’s just me. I don’t know.
Published during the height of Apartheid in the mid-1980s, this book was banned in South Africa until 1990. This would be a wonderful book to use to help students think globally about issues of power and class. It could also be the basis for doing a comparison between Apartheid and segregation in the U.S.
Activities to do with the book:
In a social studies or history class, Journey to Jo’Burg could be used to compare and contrast the history of South Africa with that of the U.S.A. Similar themes include class divisions by race, segregation and apartheid, police abuse and brutality, the fight for civil rights, protests, etc. It could specifically trigger a lesson on protests like the Soweto Uprising, in which students protested the structurally racist and oppressive education system and were killed.
Favorite Quotes:
“Naledi and Tiro were worried. Their baby sister, Dineo was ill, very ill” (p. 1).
“Why shouldn’t we use the bus? When our buses are full, their buses are half empty. Don’t you be sorry!” (p. 26).
“All those lesson on writing letters…for jobs as servants…always writing how good they were at cooking, cleaning, washing, gardening…always ending with “Yours obediently.”
Naledi had never thought about it before tonight, but never, never, had she written about wanting to be…say, a doctor. Yes, that’s what she’d like to be. Image how useful it would be if she became a doctor, especially in their own village. She could even look after her own family.” (p. 72)
For More of my reviews, visit sjkessel.blogspot.com.
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