On June 16, 1976, Hector Pieterson, an ordinary boy, lost his life after getting caught up in what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Black South African students were marching against a new law requiring that they be taught half of their subjects in Afrikaans, the language of the White government. The story's events unfold from the perspectives of Hector, his sister, and the photographer who captured their photo in the chaos. This book can serve as a pertinent tool for adults discussing global history and race relations with children. Its graphic novel style and mixed media art portray the vibrancy and grit of Hector's daily life and untimely death.
Heartbreaking yet relevant, this powerful story gives voice to an ordinary boy and sheds light on events that helped lead to the end of apartheid.
- Booklist 04/15/2019 pg. 39 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
- Kirkus Reviews 04/01/2019 pg. 138 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover) - *Starred Review
- Horn Book Magazine 05/01/2019 pg. 168 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover)
- School Library Journal 06/01/2019 pg. 90 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover)
- Publishers Weekly 06/10/2019 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover)
- Hornbook Guide to Children 07/01/2019 (EAN 9781624146916, Hardcover)
Adrienne Wright, a debut author-illustrator, grew up in South Africa and graduated from the College of Art and Design in Johannesburg. She has experience in illustration, art direction, and graphic design with various ad agencies. She lives with her family in King of Prussia, Pennsylvania.
Target Age: 8-11
Page Street Kids
Pub Date: June 04, 2019
0.4" H x 11.1" L x 8.2" W
48 pages
hardcover