Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. The allegory set up in this historical fiction novel reminds me of the Palestine-Israeli conflict and the injustices caused by apartheid. The themes of prejudice, social justices, and hope can all be discussed. While some characters celebrate Easter, there isn’t anything religious. I appreciate that this is a clean novel that I can use for novel study or book clubs. While the ending is only semi-happy, the story is timely and realistic. I will be purchasing copies for our school library.

Children of the Stone City
by Beverley Naidoo
Pub Date 04 Oct 2022 |
HarperCollins Children's Books, Quill Tree Books
Children's Fiction | Middle Grade



I am reviewing a copy of Children of the Stone City through HarperCollins Children’s Books, Quill Tree Books and Netgalley:




From Carnegie Medal Winning Author Beverly Nairobi comes the story of Adam and his sister Leila, they are Nons, second class citizens, who live under the permitted ruling class. Despite the fact that their life in Stone City being filled with family, stories, and music, they must carefully follow the rules, have all paperwork on hand, and never, ever do anything to anger a Permitted. When their father unexpectedly dies, they are even restricted in how they are allowed to grieve.




It isn’t long before Adam and Leila are back in school, practicing music, but after Adam’s friend Zak plays a bold prank on a group of Permitted boys, and Adam is implicated in Zak’s “crime,” Adam knows their lives will never be the same again.




I give Children of the Stone City five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

Children of the Stone City, by Beverley Naidoo is a sad, yet hopeful tale told from the point of view of Adam. Adam is a Non - a category of people who don't count in a city where Permitteds rule. The parallels between this fictional story and the story of Palestinian children and their families today along with so many other oppressed people throughout history is a sad reminder that the line between fiction and reality is so often blurred. It is also a reminder that the fight for justice and our shared humanity is a constant struggle worth undertaking. I appreciate how Adam raises his song and voice to advocate for others, and how music is a source of resistance and community throughout her tale.