CHILDREN OF THE STONE CITY

Siblings Adam and Leila grow up as second-class citizens and face prejudice in the Stone City.

Twelve-year-old Adam and his 10-year-old sister, Leila, have grown up inside the Stone City. Even though they are Nons—lower-class citizens under the rule of the Permitted—their father’s accomplishments have allowed them to get a good education and take music lessons. Things become uncertain when their father unexpectedly dies, especially with their mother’s possible deportation. As things in the city get worse for Nons, for example, having their houses taken, Adam and Leila follow the rules and try to go unnoticed. One day, while the siblings are walking home together, their friend Zak pranks some Permitted teen boys, leading them to accuse him of attempted murder. And simply because he gave his friend a farewell hand slap, Adam is implicated in assisting Zak in the fabricated crime and is sent to a detention center. Everything changes for the siblings, and life gets harder, but Adam remembers his father’s words about finding his voice and speaking the truth. Naidoo presents an evocative, heartbreaking dystopian story reflective of current and historical prejudices and injustices, addressed in her thoughtful, nuanced author’s note. Though the plot is heavy and full of trauma, the racially ambiguous characters use music, stories, and poetry to maintain hope and pursue freedom. Themes of equality, human rights, and justice prompt readers to reflect on how they can improve the world.

A timely, powerful, relevant story.