Chicago Public Library’s Best of the Best Books of 2019 Selection

Let me start with the things I love: the subject of this book is Uganda’s expulsion of Asian Indians under Idi Amin (1972), which is not something I've read much about. It does a fabulous job of illustrating the deep fury that is the legacy of colonialism, and the tension and sorrow of the unintentionally privileged as well. The alternating viewpoints between 12 year olds Yesofu and Asha, friends on both sides of the conflict, are effective and illuminating. Overall, great storytelling.

However, to be honest, this book is a downer -- legitimately so, but be aware that it's not a feel good, hope for the future kind of book. It's an honest portrayal of a land in conflict and the consequences of taking a stand in that kind of scenario. There's also a certain amount of brutality that the main characters have to face. I would recommend it for tweens with care and thoughtfulness, but probably suggest a teen audience.

Advanced Reader's copy provided by Edelweiss. ( )

In 1972 Uganda, Idi Amin decrees that all Indians must leave the country within 90 days. Best friends, Asha and Yesofu alternate chapters in this book that counts down the days wehn Asha's family will be forced to leave. The country gets more and more violent and the friends must examine their assumptions about each other and themselves. Asha, born in Uganda and of Indian descent, lives a life of privilege with Yesofu's parents working for her family. Yesofu, a boy who is loyal and longs for the opportunity to go to college through a scholarship, sees the injustice but multiple times stands up despite danger for his friend and what he thinks is right.
An eye opening look at a history of which I was unaware. ( )

Historical fiction about Idi Amin’s reign and the exclusion, their impact on all citizens. Although Asha is more naïve about the reality of the situation and the differences between her and Yesofu, we see that Yesofu is torn between their best friendship and siding with his fellow Africans and their demand for rights. ( )