Reading and Writing Instruction for Intermediate and Advanced Learners, Spring, 2009, Hickory, NC

Well girls, I sat down last night and started reading again. I find it very hard to put this book down. I stopped reading after chapter 22. I found it very interesting how the children and the social worker(Jenny)viewed refugee asylum. The drastic change in cultural views could definately be seen(I guess there wouldn't be many refugees escaping to Nigeria). I also found it very interesting that the foster family (the Kings) knew so much about Nigerian culture. It makes me wonder if there will be some twist as the story continues!! Cant wait to hear your thoughts.

I am amazed by Sade and Femi. In approximately 48 hours or less, they lose their mother to a violent crime, smuggled to London by a stranger and abandoned in a strange country. Although they were frighten, Sade used instinct to keep them safe. They had enough knowledge to lie to the police about their last name in order to keep their father safe. Sade stuggled with telling lies because it went against everything she taught.

Sade and Femi had to adapt to being something they weren't. You would assume they would support each other. Yet, they pull away from each other and suffer alone. I was surprised at the twist in their relationship. I wanted to shaked them a couple of times for their attitude, but changed when I realized I probably wouldn't have survived the same tragedy.

Zandra, I also found it interesting that the children began to pull apart. I am not finished with the book but I have noticed that Sade keeps trying to make Femi comfortable, and loved...but he doesn't really respond to her at all! I am interested to find out if Sade and Femi re-connect or if Sade just stops trying to reach Femi at all. I could not imagine going through what they do and not having the one person you know and trust to talk to (especially when they are right there beside you)!

Erin & Zandra,
I think that after all that Sade and Femi have been through that it is only natural for him to start withdrawing. Even though Sade is older and has been protective over Femi, it seems that he also feels the responsibility to get his family back together. I think that if Femi knew what his sister had been through at school and that she was forced to do something that challenged her character to protect him he would be a lot more appreciative toward her. I am interested to see how this plays out.

Hey girls...Well I have found it interesting that once the kids find out that their dad has made it to London, Femi did a complete turn around. The children become so much like they were at the beginning of the book, even though their dad is in prison. I am unsure why there is comfort when he is still not a part of their daily lives (at this point). I understand the weight that was lifted off them, when they found he was safely out of Nigeria...but still to think that he is so close and still so far away. That would devistate me!! Thinking about some of our students, the same dedication and comfort can be seen in our students who have parents not in their daily lives. What do you think??

So I kept reading after I posted last night, and I found out that Femi starts to close himself off again. It seemed like just when everything was going to get better, this family faces another struggle....and with every struggle, Femi shuts down again. I guess with most children that really is what happens! I also found out that Femi was very angry with his father...I am curious to find out why he is angry...is it because he made them leave Nigeria (all alone) or could it be because he blames him for the mother's death??

Okay Ladies...I have to admit I was angry at the dad for most of the book. I understand Femi's feelings. I am little disappointed the author did not tell more of Femi's story. He remained a mystery throughout the book. I felt she dangled him like a carrot in front of a horse. What happened to him at school? Something must have happened because he fought not to attend a couple of times. Also, Sade wondered about his school life. Any ideas or did I miss something?

Hey girls....well I finished the book last night...and I was glad the story ended as it did. In reading, I felt that I related more to Sade...the child who kept everything bottled up but still had hope that life would be great. I understand that Femi had feeling and became closed off to the world...but Sade found a way to overcome her problems and believe that miracles would happen...and they did. Who could have imagined that her father would be released from jail, weak and broken. The family truly found comfort in loss and eventually found happiness again. I would have liked to know what happened after the family re-united but I have a feeling that the author left room for a second book..just in case! It would be interesting for the next novel to cover Femi's side of what happened....through memories, and possibly as an adult! What do you think???

I am absolutely enjoying this book. I can't imagine what these children are going through. The thought of losing a mother then having to flee to another country with complete strangers is unimaginable to me. The author does a great job expressing the emotions of the children through their every thought. Since it is such a sad story, I enjoy the way the author writes in the names for every person that Sade and Femi encounter. I can't wait to finish the story. I'm almost finished!

Hey girls! I just finished the story. What a great Christmas it was for that family despite the death of Mama and not having Grandma their. I thought it was so sweet that though Papa had to flee in a hurry as well, then was jailed, he still managed to bring Christmas presents. What made them even more special was the fact that Mama had them before she died. I felt the spirit of Mama their in the end. I love how the children always express the thoughts of Mama. Throughout all of their actions, Mama and Papa's voice was in the back of their minds. Thank goodness for good people like Auntie Gracie and Uncle Roy. Without them, who knows where Sade and Femi would have ended up. I enjoyed this book because it opened my eyes to things going on around the world. The fact that it was through a child's eyes made the story more real. It made me realize to never give up hope.

I know what you mean about Femi being such a secretive character. I think that if his character would have been developed more that it would have added to the story. I think it was terrible for the kids to know that their dad was so close although they could not see him. This does remind me of some of our kids who have not seen their parents in a long time due to different circumstances. It definitley affects their school work and attitude. Luckily Sade was mature enough to handle the situation and separate her school and home life.