Child Of Dandelions

by Nanji, Shenaaz

• ISBN13: 9781932425932
• ISBN10: 1932425934
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2008-03-01
• Publisher: Front Street

Summary

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? The dark faces drew closer. Women, in bright gomesi and headscarves, danced and bare-chested men punched their fists into the air, chanting, "Muhindi, nenda nyumbani! Indian, go home!" They were jeering at Indians. Sabine felt she was drowning in their cries. Zenabu pressed Sabine's arm. "They mean British Indians, not you." Sabine nodded, ignoring the burn inside her. She was born here. Her father was born here. They were Ugandans.-FROM THE BOOK