A moving story about the effects of apartheid in 1960s Johannesburg is related in this genuine novel told from the perspective of a 13-year-old boy. Stephen finds himself in an uncomfortable position when his parents become political prisoners due to their social convictions. Obliged to respect the importance of their beliefs despite the repercussions, Stephen's coming of age mirrors the struggle of those seeking freedom from apartheid. This story gives a frank, unglamous account of the moods, fights, love, and understanding that keeps the family—and a social movement—on the brink of unity and dissolution.

Reviva Shermbrucker is the author of Antje and The Jam Tin and the Tea Cup, and the coauthor of Charlie's House. She lives in Cape Town, South Africa.