Citation:
Stratton, Allan. Chanda’s
Secrets. Toronto: Annick Press, 2004. Print.
Annotation:
Living in sub-Saharan Africa means many things to Chandra
but most important is getting an education. An education will lead to a
better life where food and water scarcity are not constant worries. Chandra is
bright, capable and highly motivated. School will be her ticket out of the
grinding poverty. When her mother’s depression over the death of Chandra’s
little sister starts to tear the family apart, Chandra chooses to drop out and
try to hold her family together.
Nomination Thoughts:
This heartbreaking book follows Chandra as she first deals
with the funeral home for her baby sister, Sara, who spent most of her whole
short life sickly and crying. Everyone in the village can guess what would kill
a baby but no one will say it. AIDS stalks the village. Shame, fear and false belief in
alternative medicines keep AIDS spreading. People who may have it are shunned. Chandra
has had a hard life and it only gets worse when she comes to accept her mom has
AIDS. Instead of maintaining the status quo, Chandra stands up for her mother
and best friend, also striken with AIDS, so they can maintain their dignity as they struggle with AIDS.
Nominate? Yes! The story has a good pace and lots of layers of
meaning. There is the story of how AIDS caused social upheaval because of who
and how it strikes. This book
takes on issues of sex, poverty, abuse, drug use and traditional beliefs in way
that gives the YA much to ponder. Chandra’s strength only builds as the book
moves on and she takes care of her sick mother and friend. The story may take
place in a far away land but Chandra’s bravery will be recognized as
universally a noble thing.
Genre:
Multicultural, Printz
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