About This Book
Reach for this book when your child starts noticing social hierarchies or asks why some people have so much while others have so little. Set in the vibrant markets of Accra, Ghana, this story follows the unlikely friendship between Abena, a privileged city girl, and Faiza, a 'kaya girl' who carries heavy loads to survive. It is a masterclass in empathy that challenges young readers to look past labels like 'poor' or 'servant' to find the person underneath. Through their shared bond, children will explore themes of class disparity, cultural heritage, and the courage it takes to stand up for a friend across social divides. It is perfectly suited for middle schoolers beginning to navigate their own place in a complex world.
What Parents Should Know
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly and realistically with poverty, child labor, and classism. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic rather than a fairytale ending, emphasizing personal growth over systemic change.
