Children of Stone City by Beverley Naidoo

 

Publisher blurb: Set in a world where Adam and Leila and their friend Zak live as Nons under the Permitted ruling class. Then, when Adam and Leila’s father dies unexpectedly, their mother faces losing her permit to live in the Stone City with deportation to where she was born. Before music-loving Adam can implement his plan to save Mama, Zak is arrested for a bold prank that goes wrong, with far-reaching repercussions for them all . . .

This book is filled with the most dreadful undertone of fear. Adam loves to play his precious grandfather's violin. Each day he and his sister walk to school and then then walk to their music lessons but all the while they must be so careful not to meet the police and not to come face to face with Permitteds. 

Permitteds can simply take the homes of Nons and without the right paper work Nons can be banished from the city.  Adam and Leila's mum could be sent away so as the story opens we read that their father is working on gathering all the necessary papers to stop this happening then suddenly and tragically he dies. A few days later Adam sees the home of his neighbour has been taken by Permitteds and all the family possessions are strewn on the footpath. Adam is carrying his precious violin coming home from his music class when he stumbles on the scene.

"Fearing it would break open and Grandfather's violin would crash to the ground, Adam let go. He watched the stubby fingers push open each catch and lift the lid. The man's eyes rested briefly on the violin before shifting back to Adam ... what if the man just took it?"

For Adam, music is everything. It is his connection to his family history, it is his solace and he hopes his music can save his mother. He works hard with his teacher to perfect Vivaldi so he can play perfectly it at an important concert which is just one month away. 

BUT (you knew there would be a but) one day Adam and Leila meet up with their old friend Zak who has been in hiding since the eviction. While the friends are playing on Zak's skateboard at the park there is an incident with some Permitted youth. Things escalate and Adam and Zak are arrested and subjected to dreadful torture by the cruel, sadistic police. These scenes are dreadful - so I suggest his book is for mature readers aged 11+. There were times reading this book when I just had to stop and take a rest from these horrible scenes.

Beverley Naidoo says

"My concerns about this division between Permitteds and Nons stems from being born in South Africa, where I was classified at birth as a 'Permitted'. My birth certificate states 'Race: European'. Had I been born in occupied Europe in 1943m with my Jewish mother, I would have been classified as a 'Non'."

I have spent a few days in Melbourne exploring book stores. I picked this book up at a splendid store called Younger Sun. Children of the Stone City is a new book published in 2022. The story completely gripped me from start to finish.

I do have to say I do not like the US cover:

Kirkus said: Naidoo presents an evocative, heartbreaking dystopian story reflective of current and historical prejudices and injustices, addressed in her thoughtful, nuanced author’s note. Though the plot is heavy and full of trauma, the racially ambiguous characters use music, stories, and poetry to maintain hope and pursue freedom. Themes of equality, human rights, and justice prompt readers to reflect on how they can improve the world.

I absolutely loved two other books by award winning author Beverley Naidoo - The other side of Truth and Journey to Jo'Burg.

The Seventh most Important Thing by Shelley Pearsall

 

"Mr Hampton has made it clear to me that he is not interested in retribution, but in redemption."

Arthur's dad has died. His dad was not perfect. His dad was a wild character who often drank too much but Arthur's dad was deeply loved and so Arthur's grief is very deep. Everything boils over when Arthur sees a local homeless man wearing his dad's old cap. Arthur reaches for a brick and hurls it at the man.

In the court, after three weeks in juvenile detention, Arthur's life changes. He discovers the name of the man he attacked and he is told he will need to complete 120 hours of probationary service working for the old Junk Man.

"According to what I've read about your case, I understand you attacked a man named James Hampton in a vicious and unprovoked manner on November eighth. Is that correct, Mr Owens?' Arthur blinked, momentarily confused by the name. James Hampton? Who was James Hampton? ... Arthur tried not to look surprised by the fact that the man had a real name."

Arthur acknowledges his guilt. Doing 120 hours of work for Mr Hampton will certainly be much better than the alternate possibility of spending more time in 'juvie'. When he finally locates the address supplied by his probation officer - Officer Wanda Billie - he finds a mysterious list. Mr Hampton is not there but the instructions are clear. Arthur as to find:

• lightbulbs
• foil
• mirrors
• pieces of wood
• glass bottles
• coffee cans
• cardboard

Why does the old man want these things? Can Arthur skip some things on the list? Can he substitute other things? And how does all this link with the word redemption?

This book is brilliant.  It is one of those reading experiences where I want to stand on a mountain and shout out to all young readers aged 10+ to find this book, grab it with both hands and read it now! This book was published in 2016 but I am happy to see it is still in print. 

A vibrant piece of historical fiction based on a true story, this novel will be welcomed by teachers and youth alike. Waking Brain Cells

Luminescent, just like the artwork it celebrates. Kirkus star review

Read about the real James Hampton (1909-1964) and his astonishing art which is display at the Smithsonian American Art Museum in Washington DC. 

"(It is) made from discarded materials and found objects such as old furniture, cardboard cutouts, and light bulbs. All were scavenged from secondhand shops, the streets, or the federal office buildings in which Hampton worked as a janitor. To complete each element, Hampton used shimmering metallic foils and brilliant purple paper to evoke spiritual awe and splendor."

Here is an audio sample from page 23 onwards. Here are some ideas for using this book with a group such as a book club. Even though this is clearly a book with an American setting I am certain it will be enjoyed by readers in Australia. Read more about Shelley Pearsall here. 

I would pair this book with:

Night Bus Hero

I am now keen to read a new title from Shelley Pearsall: