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The Kaya-Girl
This rags-to-riches story by an award-winning Ghanaian author has page-turning appeal with luminous literary resonance.
Writing with effortlessly engaging prose, Wolo showcases the interweaving layers of Ghanaian culture to create a prismatic, multifaceted world in which two young girls, against all odds, are able to find each other.
When Faiza, a Muslim migrant girl from northern Ghana, and Abena, a wealthy doctor’s daughter from the south, meet by chance in Accra’s largest market, where Faiza works as a porter or kaya girl, they strike up an unlikely and powerful friendship that transcends their social inequities and opens up new worlds to them both.
Set against a backdrop of class disparity in Ghana, The Kaya Girl has shades of The Kite Runner in its unlikely friendship, and of Slumdog Millionaire as Faiza’s life takes unlikely turns that propel her thrillingly forward. As, over the course of the novel, Abena awakens to the world outside her sheltered, privileged life, the novel explores a multitude of awakenings and the opportunities that lie beyond the breaking down of barriers. This is a gorgeously transporting work, offering vivid insight into two strikingly diverse young lives in Ghana.
Writing with effortlessly engaging prose, Wolo showcases the interweaving layers of Ghanaian culture to create a prismatic, multifaceted world in which two young girls, against all odds, are able to find each other.
When Faiza, a Muslim migrant girl from northern Ghana, and Abena, a wealthy doctor’s daughter from the south, meet by chance in Accra’s largest market, where Faiza works as a porter or kaya girl, they strike up an unlikely and powerful friendship that transcends their social inequities and opens up new worlds to them both.
Set against a backdrop of class disparity in Ghana, The Kaya Girl has shades of The Kite Runner in its unlikely friendship, and of Slumdog Millionaire as Faiza’s life takes unlikely turns that propel her thrillingly forward. As, over the course of the novel, Abena awakens to the world outside her sheltered, privileged life, the novel explores a multitude of awakenings and the opportunities that lie beyond the breaking down of barriers. This is a gorgeously transporting work, offering vivid insight into two strikingly diverse young lives in Ghana.
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First published January 1, 2012
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August 5, 2022
Windows, mirrors, and sliding doors. Dr. Rudine Sims came up with that idea of what books for young people should be. You should have books that show you other lives, books, that reflect your own life, and books that help you cross over from your life into a different one. Here in America so much of that phrase has focused primarily on race. This makes a lot of sense, considering our history. What’s interesting to me, though, is how rarely it’s applied to world literature. By and large our kids aren’t really encouraged all that often to read books written by people in other countries. Windows are great, but folks tend to prefer that it look out at their own backyard. To be fair, due to the state of children’s book publishing today, even finding such books can be difficult. The biggest publishers tend to avoid translations for any number of reasons. Also, when you look at books set in different African nations, they’re almost always written by Americans. We’ve got Atinuke, sure, but one Atinuke does not a vast continent make. Maybe that’s why I started reading The Kaya Girl. Or maybe it was fact that editor Susan Rich was selling it as well as she was. Maybe it was the starred review from Kirkus that convinced me, or perhaps the fact that not only was there an audiobook version available but that the reader (Ekua Ekeme) was one of the best I’ve heard in a while. To be fair, I’m just as reluctant as anyone else to try something new, but when you’ve got a title this interesting that grabs you with that magnificent cover and then hooks you from the first sentence onward, I mean . . . what else can one do? Because if you want a novel for kids that’s a pure pleasure on the page to read, The Kaya Girl has your number.
From the moment Abena sees her, she knows that Faiza is different. Sure she’s just a girl from the northern part of Ghana, hiring herself out at the Makola Market to carry the goods of the shoppers there. But Faiza’s a fascinating person, something that Abena discovers the more she gets to know her. From Faiza she learns about a part of the world she’s never known anything about. From Abena, Faiza’s eyes are opened to a world she would never otherwise encounter. And when tragedy strikes and the two are separated, neither has any idea what surprises the future might hold.
Great writing comes down to how well a mishmash of different elements work together. Are you transported somewhere else? Do you fall in love with the characters? Are they believable? Is the storytelling compelling? Now I make it my business to listen to the e-audiobooks of a lot of different middle grade novels in a given year. I have found, however, that in cases where the plot is dark and depressing, even if it’s just for a couple chapters, I will have to fight a rising reluctance to put those earbuds back in. I also like to know next to nothing when I delve into a book, so I came to The Kaya Girl not clear if this was going to be a depressing title, a sweet one, or a mix of both. I needn’t have worried. We talk a lot about the prevalence of Black trauma in the literature we hand to our children. Sometimes it seems a kid can’t pick up a book with Black characters in it without being bombarded continually with stories of enslavement, Jim Crow, segregation, police brutality, and more. Not that we don’t need those stories. We just need some Black joy in there as well. What I found with The Kaya Girl was a storyline that has hardship and inequity, but for the most part is happy to give you characters living interesting lives, telling compelling stories, goofing around, and generally having a great time. If you’ve ever liked characters in a book but wished that they had more time to just be kids having fun, this is the book for you.
Knowing next to nothing about Ghana (apart from what I learned from Atinuke’s Africa, Amazing Africa I walked into this story a blank slate. Author Mamle Wolo is Ghanaian-German, studied all around the world, and lives in Accra, Ghana where a lot of this story is set. Now this book was originally published in a slightly different version in Ghana in 2012 under the name The Kaya-Girl. What we’re reading here in the States is an adaptation of that original. Adapted, one must assume, to explain to Yanks like myself some pretty basic stuff. Essentially, Ms. Wolo is in a position where she has to tell a story and teach at the same time, allowing the educational components to flow naturally into the narration. This is no easy task. The desire to info-dump must have been perpetual (at least in the amended version). It is a credit then to the author (and her editor) that these details are worked so seamlessly into the storytelling. And having Abena, a rich privileged girl, is a perfect way of introducing a lot of information. Thanks to her education she’s the perfect American reader stand-in. Mind you, folks might find her complete lack of prejudice a bit unbelievable, but I think Ms. Wolo couches it nicely enough.
Speaking of Abena, let’s just stop of a moment and look at the moment that you, the reader, fall in love with her. Getting your readers to identify with your main characters is a challenge children’s authors often face. For me, Abena doesn’t come fully to life until she leaps out of her aunt’s car in the middle of a downpour to wipe the windows free of condensation on the outside. For the character of Faiza, it’s when she starts crooning a pop song word for word. Other characters have their depths as well, and even the unpleasant ones get a little nuance. Still, the bulk of the story rests on these two girls’ shoulders. This is understandable but because the narration is almost entirely from Abena’s point of view, there’s a danger of Faiza getting tokenized. She’s almost too good to be true, but there’s something about the way that the author writes her and the stories she tells that works. You understand Faiza the way Abena does. It makes that ending all the more satisfying. I’d also argue that Mamle Wolo also lets her girls be silly girls. They talk about cute boys and dress up ridiculously and get into trouble and generally have fun. Never underestimate the power of fun.
I’ll be honest and say that I sort of fell in love with this book from the moment I saw its American cover. Not to cast aspersions on the other book jackets out there in the world, but this cover conceived and created by artist Bright Ackwerh is worth all of them combined. This is partly because it is an embodiment of the very first line of the book: “Orange headscarf, kohl-lined eyes, high-up cheeks, bright white teeth.” But there are other elements of interest to it as well. The Faiza I see here is absolutely right on the edge between childhood and teenagerhood. She has the lines etched vertically in the middle of each of her cheeks. But almost more than all of this, you can feel her personality. This is someone you want to know. Now, admittedly, a co-worker of mine who had not yet read the book saw the cover and said it felt sad to him. I suspect that if you were not looking at it carefully you might mistake the lines on her cheeks for tears. But her eyes. How can you deny that her eyes are smiling? No, I’ll say it once and for all. This is my favorite cover of the year. No contest.
For all that I love (and I truly do love) this book, there is one aspect of it that left me more than a little baffled. To explain it, I’m going to have to cite a truly terrible Disney movie, so bear with me here. In the animated film Pocahontas (told ya) the filmmakers had a fairly big problem. They wanted to set up some kind of change of heart for their blond English dude (oh god, was he actually voiced by Mel Gibson?) Captain John Smith. To do that, he’d have to have a conversation with the star of the film. The problem, obviously, was language. In the past folks from different countries would talk together in movies and no one blinked an eye. Pocahontas decided that wasn't good enough so it created a magic tree that would give them the ability to speak to one another. I don’t like to think about the magic tree option or when creators just sort of fall back on it, but The Kaya Girl definitely utilizes some magic tree tricks of its own. At the start of the story the two girls can barely understand one another. The title does mention repeatedly that “suddenly language did not seem important.” But for the sake of the storytelling, the two have to engage in long conversations and fast. A language barrier, as it happens, would completely upend the storyline if it turned into a whole thing, so Wolo just sort of conveniently forgets to make it a problem. Abena says stuff like, “Don’t ask me how, but she was just so easy to talk to.” Not many aspects of the book demand that you suspend your disbelief. I don’t mind anyway. Beats a magic tree anyway.
When I recommend you a book, I like to compare it to other titles that are similar. I’m trying to do that with The Kaya Girl right now, but I’m finding it a bit hard. At its core, this is a story about finding and befriending your best friend. It’s such a familiar tale, but I’m having a hard time thinking of another book that does it as well as this one does. It’s not like intense friendships don’t exist elsewhere. It’s just that after reading this book the rest sort of fade. I guess if I leave you with any impression of this story, I hope it’s an understanding that this book is enormously fun to read. That you’ll get sucked in pretty much from the first page. That it might even encourage a great swath of kinds to check out Ghana, learn more about it, or even someday visit it themselves. From the food to the clothing, the weather to the history, this is a book worth discovering and adoring. Go on. Read it. You’ll feel lucky that you had.
From the moment Abena sees her, she knows that Faiza is different. Sure she’s just a girl from the northern part of Ghana, hiring herself out at the Makola Market to carry the goods of the shoppers there. But Faiza’s a fascinating person, something that Abena discovers the more she gets to know her. From Faiza she learns about a part of the world she’s never known anything about. From Abena, Faiza’s eyes are opened to a world she would never otherwise encounter. And when tragedy strikes and the two are separated, neither has any idea what surprises the future might hold.
Great writing comes down to how well a mishmash of different elements work together. Are you transported somewhere else? Do you fall in love with the characters? Are they believable? Is the storytelling compelling? Now I make it my business to listen to the e-audiobooks of a lot of different middle grade novels in a given year. I have found, however, that in cases where the plot is dark and depressing, even if it’s just for a couple chapters, I will have to fight a rising reluctance to put those earbuds back in. I also like to know next to nothing when I delve into a book, so I came to The Kaya Girl not clear if this was going to be a depressing title, a sweet one, or a mix of both. I needn’t have worried. We talk a lot about the prevalence of Black trauma in the literature we hand to our children. Sometimes it seems a kid can’t pick up a book with Black characters in it without being bombarded continually with stories of enslavement, Jim Crow, segregation, police brutality, and more. Not that we don’t need those stories. We just need some Black joy in there as well. What I found with The Kaya Girl was a storyline that has hardship and inequity, but for the most part is happy to give you characters living interesting lives, telling compelling stories, goofing around, and generally having a great time. If you’ve ever liked characters in a book but wished that they had more time to just be kids having fun, this is the book for you.
Knowing next to nothing about Ghana (apart from what I learned from Atinuke’s Africa, Amazing Africa I walked into this story a blank slate. Author Mamle Wolo is Ghanaian-German, studied all around the world, and lives in Accra, Ghana where a lot of this story is set. Now this book was originally published in a slightly different version in Ghana in 2012 under the name The Kaya-Girl. What we’re reading here in the States is an adaptation of that original. Adapted, one must assume, to explain to Yanks like myself some pretty basic stuff. Essentially, Ms. Wolo is in a position where she has to tell a story and teach at the same time, allowing the educational components to flow naturally into the narration. This is no easy task. The desire to info-dump must have been perpetual (at least in the amended version). It is a credit then to the author (and her editor) that these details are worked so seamlessly into the storytelling. And having Abena, a rich privileged girl, is a perfect way of introducing a lot of information. Thanks to her education she’s the perfect American reader stand-in. Mind you, folks might find her complete lack of prejudice a bit unbelievable, but I think Ms. Wolo couches it nicely enough.
Speaking of Abena, let’s just stop of a moment and look at the moment that you, the reader, fall in love with her. Getting your readers to identify with your main characters is a challenge children’s authors often face. For me, Abena doesn’t come fully to life until she leaps out of her aunt’s car in the middle of a downpour to wipe the windows free of condensation on the outside. For the character of Faiza, it’s when she starts crooning a pop song word for word. Other characters have their depths as well, and even the unpleasant ones get a little nuance. Still, the bulk of the story rests on these two girls’ shoulders. This is understandable but because the narration is almost entirely from Abena’s point of view, there’s a danger of Faiza getting tokenized. She’s almost too good to be true, but there’s something about the way that the author writes her and the stories she tells that works. You understand Faiza the way Abena does. It makes that ending all the more satisfying. I’d also argue that Mamle Wolo also lets her girls be silly girls. They talk about cute boys and dress up ridiculously and get into trouble and generally have fun. Never underestimate the power of fun.
I’ll be honest and say that I sort of fell in love with this book from the moment I saw its American cover. Not to cast aspersions on the other book jackets out there in the world, but this cover conceived and created by artist Bright Ackwerh is worth all of them combined. This is partly because it is an embodiment of the very first line of the book: “Orange headscarf, kohl-lined eyes, high-up cheeks, bright white teeth.” But there are other elements of interest to it as well. The Faiza I see here is absolutely right on the edge between childhood and teenagerhood. She has the lines etched vertically in the middle of each of her cheeks. But almost more than all of this, you can feel her personality. This is someone you want to know. Now, admittedly, a co-worker of mine who had not yet read the book saw the cover and said it felt sad to him. I suspect that if you were not looking at it carefully you might mistake the lines on her cheeks for tears. But her eyes. How can you deny that her eyes are smiling? No, I’ll say it once and for all. This is my favorite cover of the year. No contest.
For all that I love (and I truly do love) this book, there is one aspect of it that left me more than a little baffled. To explain it, I’m going to have to cite a truly terrible Disney movie, so bear with me here. In the animated film Pocahontas (told ya) the filmmakers had a fairly big problem. They wanted to set up some kind of change of heart for their blond English dude (oh god, was he actually voiced by Mel Gibson?) Captain John Smith. To do that, he’d have to have a conversation with the star of the film. The problem, obviously, was language. In the past folks from different countries would talk together in movies and no one blinked an eye. Pocahontas decided that wasn't good enough so it created a magic tree that would give them the ability to speak to one another. I don’t like to think about the magic tree option or when creators just sort of fall back on it, but The Kaya Girl definitely utilizes some magic tree tricks of its own. At the start of the story the two girls can barely understand one another. The title does mention repeatedly that “suddenly language did not seem important.” But for the sake of the storytelling, the two have to engage in long conversations and fast. A language barrier, as it happens, would completely upend the storyline if it turned into a whole thing, so Wolo just sort of conveniently forgets to make it a problem. Abena says stuff like, “Don’t ask me how, but she was just so easy to talk to.” Not many aspects of the book demand that you suspend your disbelief. I don’t mind anyway. Beats a magic tree anyway.
When I recommend you a book, I like to compare it to other titles that are similar. I’m trying to do that with The Kaya Girl right now, but I’m finding it a bit hard. At its core, this is a story about finding and befriending your best friend. It’s such a familiar tale, but I’m having a hard time thinking of another book that does it as well as this one does. It’s not like intense friendships don’t exist elsewhere. It’s just that after reading this book the rest sort of fade. I guess if I leave you with any impression of this story, I hope it’s an understanding that this book is enormously fun to read. That you’ll get sucked in pretty much from the first page. That it might even encourage a great swath of kinds to check out Ghana, learn more about it, or even someday visit it themselves. From the food to the clothing, the weather to the history, this is a book worth discovering and adoring. Go on. Read it. You’ll feel lucky that you had.
June 30, 2022
This was really different to what I’ve been reading lately but it was a refreshing read that I think many readers, especially young ones, will enjoy. I personally saw a lot of my international upbringing reflected in Abena’s experience and that is actually what made me choose my current career path. 3.5 stars rounded up
Abena is a young Ghanaian girl who comes from a very privileged and wealthy family. She goes to the American school, has international friends, belongs to the ‘rich circle’, and spends the majority of her time hanging out in malls, buying imported products and not really knowing much about her country. One summer she gets sent to live out the weekdays with her aunt Lydia while her mother has gone to London to give birth and her father works at his clinic. Abena’s meant to help her aunt at her store at the local market and what starts as an exercise in ‘torture and boredom’ turns into a life-changing experience when she meets Faiza, a kayayoo or female market porter.
I really loved watching the friendship form between Abena and Faiza. It’s written with such honest emotion and heart and it was clear how important their relationship was to each other. It was wonderful seeing Abena go through her eye-opening journey as she really immerses herself in the local market and learns about the rich mix of cultures within Ghana. She goes through such a humbling experience and it was lovely to see how open she was to learn about how different people's experiences can be coming from different backgrounds. There were some really sweet moments with the other ladies in the market place and it was so easy to visualise because it reminded me of those feel-good moments in heartwarming movies when something great happens at the pinnacle of a story!
Mamle Wolo’s writing was beautiful in its simplicity and she really made Ghana come alive with her vibrant descriptions of the bustling market, rich foods, mixed languages and varied customs. I really appreciated learning about the socio-cultural aspects of the country alongside Abena and I know that what we’re shown in this story probably only touches the tip of the iceberg.
I will say that the first half of the book ends rather abruptly and it felt quite bittersweet but since there was a part two, I had a feeling I knew what was coming and I wasn’t wrong. The second part takes place 15 years in the future and while it was obviously meant to be a happy moment, I did feel like it was too simplistic and almost unrealistic? Could the journey that Faiza experiences actually happen in real life? Yes, probably. But I felt like the way it was written in this story was almost too perfect, if that makes sense? Ultimately though, I did enjoy this story. It had a great heartwarming friendship and I also loved learning just how rich and diverse the Ghanian culture is.
Abena is a young Ghanaian girl who comes from a very privileged and wealthy family. She goes to the American school, has international friends, belongs to the ‘rich circle’, and spends the majority of her time hanging out in malls, buying imported products and not really knowing much about her country. One summer she gets sent to live out the weekdays with her aunt Lydia while her mother has gone to London to give birth and her father works at his clinic. Abena’s meant to help her aunt at her store at the local market and what starts as an exercise in ‘torture and boredom’ turns into a life-changing experience when she meets Faiza, a kayayoo or female market porter.
I really loved watching the friendship form between Abena and Faiza. It’s written with such honest emotion and heart and it was clear how important their relationship was to each other. It was wonderful seeing Abena go through her eye-opening journey as she really immerses herself in the local market and learns about the rich mix of cultures within Ghana. She goes through such a humbling experience and it was lovely to see how open she was to learn about how different people's experiences can be coming from different backgrounds. There were some really sweet moments with the other ladies in the market place and it was so easy to visualise because it reminded me of those feel-good moments in heartwarming movies when something great happens at the pinnacle of a story!
Mamle Wolo’s writing was beautiful in its simplicity and she really made Ghana come alive with her vibrant descriptions of the bustling market, rich foods, mixed languages and varied customs. I really appreciated learning about the socio-cultural aspects of the country alongside Abena and I know that what we’re shown in this story probably only touches the tip of the iceberg.
I will say that the first half of the book ends rather abruptly and it felt quite bittersweet but since there was a part two, I had a feeling I knew what was coming and I wasn’t wrong. The second part takes place 15 years in the future and while it was obviously meant to be a happy moment, I did feel like it was too simplistic and almost unrealistic? Could the journey that Faiza experiences actually happen in real life? Yes, probably. But I felt like the way it was written in this story was almost too perfect, if that makes sense? Ultimately though, I did enjoy this story. It had a great heartwarming friendship and I also loved learning just how rich and diverse the Ghanian culture is.
December 20, 2019
Its a simple beautiful story perhaps made for young people, yet entretaining for adults.
"I had never appreciated the wonder of knowledge as much as I did, when I rediscover the world through the eyes of someone who had never really know it was out there"
Two girls from different worlds an a story that bring them together to create a everlasting bound.
A story to know for Brunis to get to know more about Ghana and its people.
"I had never appreciated the wonder of knowledge as much as I did, when I rediscover the world through the eyes of someone who had never really know it was out there"
Two girls from different worlds an a story that bring them together to create a everlasting bound.
A story to know for Brunis to get to know more about Ghana and its people.
August 21, 2022
What a terrific book. The diversity and themes on friendship, standing up against others and prejudices toward others is timeless. I loved that Kaya went to the American School in Ghana. I have several colleagues that worked there.
March 31, 2021
This is one of the most inspiring,heartfelt story I have ever read. Whoever thought a kaya girl could have a dream, pursue it and see it to fruition.
The author wrote it soooo beautifully that I just couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know how it will end.
It felt like watching it on the screen.
A page-turner and one worth recommending and ranting about.
“Every good lace deserves a good gele!”
The author wrote it soooo beautifully that I just couldn’t stop reading because I wanted to know how it will end.
It felt like watching it on the screen.
A page-turner and one worth recommending and ranting about.
“Every good lace deserves a good gele!”
April 9, 2019
A truly Ghanaian "Slumdog Millionaire" story with a young Kayayei and an pupil from an American school meeting at the infamous Makola Market whereafter their lives are never the same again.
A beautiful story, especially for children and teenagers about respect for one another, no matter in which family or social status you are born in. Might even make you cry in an emotional moment.
A beautiful story, especially for children and teenagers about respect for one another, no matter in which family or social status you are born in. Might even make you cry in an emotional moment.
August 28, 2022
This sweet middle grades book about two girls in Ghana is a sweet friendship story, and is a rags to riches gem. The 336 pages immerse you in a rich and vibrant culture and share a story that while at times simplistic, really pulls you in and makes the over the top happy ending, tearful and joyful. I read the entire book in one setting and loved that there was no glossary, or white pandering; the story works in the explanations and details for those unfamiliar with West African cultures to share a story about classism, friendship, growing up, and challenging stereotypes. I loved while so much was new to me and culture specific, so much, at the same time, was universal and relatable to all. The story is OWN voice, the main character is a wealthy girl, but the friend is a poor Muslim one. I am not sure where the religious representation ended and the cultural practices started, but the book does not criticize any culture or traditions, it only criticizes the mindset that one is superior to another because of where they are from. I also don't know that the Muslim character will mirror global Muslim experiences, but having the character identify as Muslim and be such a wise and determined friend, makes her a great character to cheer on and love no matter the reader's background. This would be a great book to teach, to shelve, to read aloud, and to discuss.
SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen year old Abena is spending her summer with her aunt in Makola market while her mother has traveled to London to give birth. Abena's father is a physician and her friends are part of the wealthy and privileged class that attends American schools, vacations abroad, lives in mansions with servants, and have the latest phones. In a bit of a culture shock spending the weekdays with her aunt at the bustling market, Abena starts to see her country and its people in a different light. One day while getting out of her aunt's car she makes eye contact with a kayayoo, a porter who carries customers purchases on their head. She snaps a picture of the girl who appears about her age wearing an orange scarf, as she secretly is working on a journalism competition, and something about the girl intrigues her. The two smile and carry on. Later when they meet again they realize they do not share any common languages, they both speak a number of dialects and languages, yet somehow the girls connect. Day after day they sneak away to have lunch together and learn about one another as they learn each other's language, culture, history, and dreams. Faiza opens Abena's eyes to so much about Ghana that she had never known existed and Abena teaches Faiza English, science, shows her the internet and gives her the foundation for how to read and write. Abena's aunty does not approve of their friendship: stereotypes and assumptions about poor Muslims from the North prevent her from treating Faiza as an equal. Yet, she doesn't forbid the friendship either. As the girls' friendship grows, summer vacation comes to an end and goodbyes will have to be made. Things get expediated though, in a climax of misunderstandings, regrets, and friendships separated by class and religion.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that right before Abena sneaks Faiza on to the laptop to Google dinosaurs, and the solar system, and cities in Ghana and maps, I was Googling images of geles, okro and Makola market, maps to see where Hausa and Dagomba regions are, and enjoying learning about people because it is so enriching whether fictional or in real life.
I love that there isn't judgement by either girl on trying to understand why children are given to aunts to raise or why women are forced to marry. It shows so much without othering any facet of sub culture within Ghana or anywhere for that matter. Abena's cousins aren't put down for being wealthy, or Faiza for being poor. Even the Haji looking for a fourth wife is not favorable because he is old and has brown stained teeth, not because there is judgement upon him having more than one wife or the family wanting their daughter to marry him.
I often remark that I like middle grade books that don't tie everything up in a neat and tidy bow, but this book went the other extreme and tied everything up far in to the future, that I ended up loving the extreme nature of it as the tears of joy dripped off my cheeks. If you are going to do it, do it for a reason, and this book did it to great effect.
Faiza is Muslim she wears hijab and stops Abena from taking it off at one point, but then at the end she has braids hanging out from underneath her scarf. There are crushes and hugging between Faiza and males and an implied potential romantic relationship between Faiza and a non Muslim male that is never given pause. A character goes for hajj, it mentions a space that Faiza uses for prayer, and it mentions Faiza's Muslim family members getting drunk. Nothing more than these details are given about being Muslim, other than her being labeled as a Muslim and identifying as one.
FLAGS:
Theft, crushes, lying, classism, racism, running away.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think that the book would lend itself very easy toward discussion and appreciating a people and culture that for many in the west would be new and unfamiliar. I think outside research to supplement would be a natural extension and that the characters, their voices, their lives, and experiences, will stay with readers of all ages as we can rest easy knowing that they got their happy endings.
SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen year old Abena is spending her summer with her aunt in Makola market while her mother has traveled to London to give birth. Abena's father is a physician and her friends are part of the wealthy and privileged class that attends American schools, vacations abroad, lives in mansions with servants, and have the latest phones. In a bit of a culture shock spending the weekdays with her aunt at the bustling market, Abena starts to see her country and its people in a different light. One day while getting out of her aunt's car she makes eye contact with a kayayoo, a porter who carries customers purchases on their head. She snaps a picture of the girl who appears about her age wearing an orange scarf, as she secretly is working on a journalism competition, and something about the girl intrigues her. The two smile and carry on. Later when they meet again they realize they do not share any common languages, they both speak a number of dialects and languages, yet somehow the girls connect. Day after day they sneak away to have lunch together and learn about one another as they learn each other's language, culture, history, and dreams. Faiza opens Abena's eyes to so much about Ghana that she had never known existed and Abena teaches Faiza English, science, shows her the internet and gives her the foundation for how to read and write. Abena's aunty does not approve of their friendship: stereotypes and assumptions about poor Muslims from the North prevent her from treating Faiza as an equal. Yet, she doesn't forbid the friendship either. As the girls' friendship grows, summer vacation comes to an end and goodbyes will have to be made. Things get expediated though, in a climax of misunderstandings, regrets, and friendships separated by class and religion.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that right before Abena sneaks Faiza on to the laptop to Google dinosaurs, and the solar system, and cities in Ghana and maps, I was Googling images of geles, okro and Makola market, maps to see where Hausa and Dagomba regions are, and enjoying learning about people because it is so enriching whether fictional or in real life.
I love that there isn't judgement by either girl on trying to understand why children are given to aunts to raise or why women are forced to marry. It shows so much without othering any facet of sub culture within Ghana or anywhere for that matter. Abena's cousins aren't put down for being wealthy, or Faiza for being poor. Even the Haji looking for a fourth wife is not favorable because he is old and has brown stained teeth, not because there is judgement upon him having more than one wife or the family wanting their daughter to marry him.
I often remark that I like middle grade books that don't tie everything up in a neat and tidy bow, but this book went the other extreme and tied everything up far in to the future, that I ended up loving the extreme nature of it as the tears of joy dripped off my cheeks. If you are going to do it, do it for a reason, and this book did it to great effect.
Faiza is Muslim she wears hijab and stops Abena from taking it off at one point, but then at the end she has braids hanging out from underneath her scarf. There are crushes and hugging between Faiza and males and an implied potential romantic relationship between Faiza and a non Muslim male that is never given pause. A character goes for hajj, it mentions a space that Faiza uses for prayer, and it mentions Faiza's Muslim family members getting drunk. Nothing more than these details are given about being Muslim, other than her being labeled as a Muslim and identifying as one.
FLAGS:
Theft, crushes, lying, classism, racism, running away.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think that the book would lend itself very easy toward discussion and appreciating a people and culture that for many in the west would be new and unfamiliar. I think outside research to supplement would be a natural extension and that the characters, their voices, their lives, and experiences, will stay with readers of all ages as we can rest easy knowing that they got their happy endings.
August 28, 2022
This sweet middle grades book about two girls in Ghana is a sweet friendship story, and is a rags to riches gem. The 336 pages immerse you in a rich and vibrant culture and share a story that while at times simplistic, really pulls you in and makes the over the top happy ending, tearful and joyful. I read the entire book in one setting and loved that there was no glossary, or white pandering; the story works in the explanations and details for those unfamiliar with West African cultures to share a story about classism, friendship, growing up, and challenging stereotypes. I loved while so much was new to me and culture specific, so much, at the same time, was universal and relatable to all. The story is OWN voice, the main character is a wealthy girl, but the friend is a poor Muslim one. I am not sure where the religious representation ended and the cultural practices started, but the book does not criticize any culture or traditions, it only criticizes the mindset that one is superior to another because of where they are from. I also don't know that the Muslim character will mirror global Muslim experiences, but having the character identify as Muslim and be such a wise and determined friend, makes her a great character to cheer on and love no matter the reader's background. This would be a great book to teach, to shelve, to read aloud, and to discuss.
SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen year old Abena is spending her summer with her aunt in Makola market while her mother has traveled to London to give birth. Abena's father is a physician and her friends are part of the wealthy and privileged class that attends American schools, vacations abroad, lives in mansions with servants, and have the latest phones. In a bit of a culture shock spending the weekdays with her aunt at the bustling market, Abena starts to see her country and its people in a different light. One day while getting out of her aunt's car she makes eye contact with a kayayoo, a porter who carries customers purchases on their head. She snaps a picture of the girl who appears about her age wearing an orange scarf, as she secretly is working on a journalism competition, and something about the girl intrigues her. The two smile and carry on. Later when they meet again they realize they do not share any common languages, they both speak a number of dialects and languages, yet somehow the girls connect. Day after day they sneak away to have lunch together and learn about one another as they learn each other's language, culture, history, and dreams. Faiza opens Abena's eyes to so much about Ghana that she had never known existed and Abena teaches Faiza English, science, shows her the internet and gives her the foundation for how to read and write. Abena's aunty does not approve of their friendship: stereotypes and assumptions about poor Muslims from the North prevent her from treating Faiza as an equal. Yet, she doesn't forbid the friendship either. As the girls' friendship grows, summer vacation comes to an end and goodbyes will have to be made. Things get expediated though, in a climax of misunderstandings, regrets, and friendships separated by class and religion.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that right before Abena sneaks Faiza on to the laptop to Google dinosaurs, and the solar system, and cities in Ghana and maps, I was Googling images of geles, okro and Makola market, maps to see where Hausa and Dagomba regions are, and enjoying learning about people because it is so enriching whether fictional or in real life.
I love that there isn't judgement by either girl on trying to understand why children are given to aunts to raise or why women are forced to marry. It shows so much without othering any facet of sub culture within Ghana or anywhere for that matter. Abena's cousins aren't put down for being wealthy, or Faiza for being poor. Even the Haji looking for a fourth wife is not favorable because he is old and has brown stained teeth, not because there is judgement upon him having more than one wife or the family wanting their daughter to marry him.
I often remark that I like middle grade books that don't tie everything up in a neat and tidy bow, but this book went the other extreme and tied everything up far in to the future, that I ended up loving the extreme nature of it as the tears of joy dripped off my cheeks. If you are going to do it, do it for a reason, and this book did it to great effect.
Faiza is Muslim she wears hijab and stops Abena from taking it off at one point, but then at the end she has braids hanging out from underneath her scarf. There are crushes and hugging between Faiza and males and an implied potential romantic relationship between Faiza and a non Muslim male that is never given pause. A character goes for hajj, it mentions a space that Faiza uses for prayer, and it mentions Faiza's Muslim family members getting drunk. Nothing more than these details are given about being Muslim, other than her being labeled as a Muslim and identifying as one.
FLAGS:
Theft, crushes, lying, classism, racism, running away.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think that the book would lend itself very easy toward discussion and appreciating a people and culture that for many in the west would be new and unfamiliar. I think outside research to supplement would be a natural extension and that the characters, their voices, their lives, and experiences, will stay with readers of all ages as we can rest easy knowing that they got their happy endings.
SYNOPSIS:
Fourteen year old Abena is spending her summer with her aunt in Makola market while her mother has traveled to London to give birth. Abena's father is a physician and her friends are part of the wealthy and privileged class that attends American schools, vacations abroad, lives in mansions with servants, and have the latest phones. In a bit of a culture shock spending the weekdays with her aunt at the bustling market, Abena starts to see her country and its people in a different light. One day while getting out of her aunt's car she makes eye contact with a kayayoo, a porter who carries customers purchases on their head. She snaps a picture of the girl who appears about her age wearing an orange scarf, as she secretly is working on a journalism competition, and something about the girl intrigues her. The two smile and carry on. Later when they meet again they realize they do not share any common languages, they both speak a number of dialects and languages, yet somehow the girls connect. Day after day they sneak away to have lunch together and learn about one another as they learn each other's language, culture, history, and dreams. Faiza opens Abena's eyes to so much about Ghana that she had never known existed and Abena teaches Faiza English, science, shows her the internet and gives her the foundation for how to read and write. Abena's aunty does not approve of their friendship: stereotypes and assumptions about poor Muslims from the North prevent her from treating Faiza as an equal. Yet, she doesn't forbid the friendship either. As the girls' friendship grows, summer vacation comes to an end and goodbyes will have to be made. Things get expediated though, in a climax of misunderstandings, regrets, and friendships separated by class and religion.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that right before Abena sneaks Faiza on to the laptop to Google dinosaurs, and the solar system, and cities in Ghana and maps, I was Googling images of geles, okro and Makola market, maps to see where Hausa and Dagomba regions are, and enjoying learning about people because it is so enriching whether fictional or in real life.
I love that there isn't judgement by either girl on trying to understand why children are given to aunts to raise or why women are forced to marry. It shows so much without othering any facet of sub culture within Ghana or anywhere for that matter. Abena's cousins aren't put down for being wealthy, or Faiza for being poor. Even the Haji looking for a fourth wife is not favorable because he is old and has brown stained teeth, not because there is judgement upon him having more than one wife or the family wanting their daughter to marry him.
I often remark that I like middle grade books that don't tie everything up in a neat and tidy bow, but this book went the other extreme and tied everything up far in to the future, that I ended up loving the extreme nature of it as the tears of joy dripped off my cheeks. If you are going to do it, do it for a reason, and this book did it to great effect.
Faiza is Muslim she wears hijab and stops Abena from taking it off at one point, but then at the end she has braids hanging out from underneath her scarf. There are crushes and hugging between Faiza and males and an implied potential romantic relationship between Faiza and a non Muslim male that is never given pause. A character goes for hajj, it mentions a space that Faiza uses for prayer, and it mentions Faiza's Muslim family members getting drunk. Nothing more than these details are given about being Muslim, other than her being labeled as a Muslim and identifying as one.
FLAGS:
Theft, crushes, lying, classism, racism, running away.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I think that the book would lend itself very easy toward discussion and appreciating a people and culture that for many in the west would be new and unfamiliar. I think outside research to supplement would be a natural extension and that the characters, their voices, their lives, and experiences, will stay with readers of all ages as we can rest easy knowing that they got their happy endings.
Want to read
February 7, 2023It's for refreshing the mind especially for the young ones
May 20, 2024
listen, abena is gay. that's all i have to say
January 17, 2025
I would recommend this book to anyone that is just starting or getting back to read. The book is for all ages , teenagers to adult , there is a lot of kindness in the book that I think everyone can learn from.
The story follows two teenagers from different cultures backgrounds, and with a big difference of class. They formed their friendships without thinking of these issues, met in a conventional way , and clicked as friends. This will end up going in their books as the best summer ever.
My first Ghanaian book and I loved it.
The story follows two teenagers from different cultures backgrounds, and with a big difference of class. They formed their friendships without thinking of these issues, met in a conventional way , and clicked as friends. This will end up going in their books as the best summer ever.
My first Ghanaian book and I loved it.
July 31, 2024
3.5
I highly enjoyed the growing friendship between Abena and Faiza. Abena came from a rich family while Faiza was a Kaya girl from the country. A kayayoo (kaya) is a person (usually a young girl) who carries heavy objects on their head. They are usually seen as low class.
It was a good read.
I highly enjoyed the growing friendship between Abena and Faiza. Abena came from a rich family while Faiza was a Kaya girl from the country. A kayayoo (kaya) is a person (usually a young girl) who carries heavy objects on their head. They are usually seen as low class.
It was a good read.
November 27, 2023
review on blog: https://thehumancurveball.wordpress.c...
November 7, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Because Abena's mother has gone to London to give birth and her father is very busy as a doctor in a medical clinic in Ghana, Abena is sent to spend the summer with her Auntie Lydia, who runs a fabric store in the busy Makola Market. This is a big change from Abena's wealthy, privileged life at an expensive, private American school and servants at home. She and her friends are more apt to hang out at the air conditioned mall than the crowded market. Auntie's house is very different as well, and Abena does have her own tiny room, unlike Gifty, who is the daughter of one of Auntie's husband's poor relative. Gifty gets a mattress on the livin groom floor and works in the fabric store every day and helps with household chores like cooking. Abena finds the market interesting, and is intrigued by an errand girl she meets named Faiza. Faiza, a Muslim, has come from the North to work as a kaya girl, who runs errands and carries packages balances in a large bowl on her head. Faiza doesn't speak the same languages that Abena does, but they both speak some Twi and manage to communicate. Abena quickly learns that her life is very different from Faiza's in my favorite scene, Abena whines about how much she hates school because it's a drag to have to go every day. For Faiza, going to school has never been an option. As the two talk, Faiza tells the story of how she came to leave her village and come to the big city, which revolves around a dear friend who was being forced to become the fourth wife of a wealthy man in town. She and Faiza decided to run away right before the wedding, but the two lost contact. Abena continues to help her aunt with the computer in the shop and learns how to fold gele, a traditional head wrap, from a neighboring businesswoman. Abena really wants to be a journalist, and writes a story about Faiza to submit to a writing contest. A misunderstanding in the shop causes Faiza to stop seeing Abena, and the two lose touch for fifteen years, when they reconnect in an unexpected way.
Strengths: This book was originally published in Ghana in 2012, and is a fascinating look at several different facets of Ghanaian. Abena is from the wealthy upper class, her aunt from a hardworking, middle class background, and Fazia represents the impoverished lower class that struggles just to hold on. The depiction of Faiza and the other Kaya girls renting a place to sleep on a shop floor is heart wrenching, and her desire for an education contrasts nicely with Abena's entitled, casual dismissal of school as something vaguely annoying. Her aunt is a bit leery of Faiza, but Abena's father is glad that the two have become friends and can learn from each other. It was absolutely fascinating to read about the practice of giving children to other relatives to raise lest they become too soft! Since this book is now ten years old, I wonder if this has changed at all. I'm always looking for books written by authors from other places in the world, and this is a great story that I enjoyed a lot.
Weaknesses: I'm never a huge fan of epilogues, since I would rather come up with my own visioin of what happens to the characters when the book is over. I understand why we see so much of Abena and Faiza's story fifteen years after the summer Abena visits her aunt; it's interesting to see the path both women take. Younger readers will enjoy this, but I prefer ambiguous endings.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and this will be a great book to hand to students who enjoyed Baitie's Crossing the Stream. I've had a sizeable number of students with Ghanaian heritage over the years, and I think they will enjoy this look at every day life in that country.
Because Abena's mother has gone to London to give birth and her father is very busy as a doctor in a medical clinic in Ghana, Abena is sent to spend the summer with her Auntie Lydia, who runs a fabric store in the busy Makola Market. This is a big change from Abena's wealthy, privileged life at an expensive, private American school and servants at home. She and her friends are more apt to hang out at the air conditioned mall than the crowded market. Auntie's house is very different as well, and Abena does have her own tiny room, unlike Gifty, who is the daughter of one of Auntie's husband's poor relative. Gifty gets a mattress on the livin groom floor and works in the fabric store every day and helps with household chores like cooking. Abena finds the market interesting, and is intrigued by an errand girl she meets named Faiza. Faiza, a Muslim, has come from the North to work as a kaya girl, who runs errands and carries packages balances in a large bowl on her head. Faiza doesn't speak the same languages that Abena does, but they both speak some Twi and manage to communicate. Abena quickly learns that her life is very different from Faiza's in my favorite scene, Abena whines about how much she hates school because it's a drag to have to go every day. For Faiza, going to school has never been an option. As the two talk, Faiza tells the story of how she came to leave her village and come to the big city, which revolves around a dear friend who was being forced to become the fourth wife of a wealthy man in town. She and Faiza decided to run away right before the wedding, but the two lost contact. Abena continues to help her aunt with the computer in the shop and learns how to fold gele, a traditional head wrap, from a neighboring businesswoman. Abena really wants to be a journalist, and writes a story about Faiza to submit to a writing contest. A misunderstanding in the shop causes Faiza to stop seeing Abena, and the two lose touch for fifteen years, when they reconnect in an unexpected way.
Strengths: This book was originally published in Ghana in 2012, and is a fascinating look at several different facets of Ghanaian. Abena is from the wealthy upper class, her aunt from a hardworking, middle class background, and Fazia represents the impoverished lower class that struggles just to hold on. The depiction of Faiza and the other Kaya girls renting a place to sleep on a shop floor is heart wrenching, and her desire for an education contrasts nicely with Abena's entitled, casual dismissal of school as something vaguely annoying. Her aunt is a bit leery of Faiza, but Abena's father is glad that the two have become friends and can learn from each other. It was absolutely fascinating to read about the practice of giving children to other relatives to raise lest they become too soft! Since this book is now ten years old, I wonder if this has changed at all. I'm always looking for books written by authors from other places in the world, and this is a great story that I enjoyed a lot.
Weaknesses: I'm never a huge fan of epilogues, since I would rather come up with my own visioin of what happens to the characters when the book is over. I understand why we see so much of Abena and Faiza's story fifteen years after the summer Abena visits her aunt; it's interesting to see the path both women take. Younger readers will enjoy this, but I prefer ambiguous endings.
What I really think: Definitely purchasing, and this will be a great book to hand to students who enjoyed Baitie's Crossing the Stream. I've had a sizeable number of students with Ghanaian heritage over the years, and I think they will enjoy this look at every day life in that country.
November 3, 2024
I picked up this book because of the art on the cover. It was the cover of a beautiful girl with two slim and faint lines running down her cheek with a large metal pan on her head. She was looking right into my eyes. I said to myself I wanted to know her story and to get to know her. And in picking up this book, I learned a great deal about a world I may never travel to (tho I truly hope I can someday), and saw through the eyes of our characters in this book, different cultures and learned about different languages in Africa.
It was fascinating to read of a different language other than English, and know alongside the text that the author wanted us to understand the meaning behind those words. Cause those words are so authentic. So alive. You need them to tell this story, so I appreciated the mesh between english and different languages found in Ghana. To hear a different word and try my best to pronounce it was fun for me. I bet this book would be fantastic to listen to as an audiobook, hearing how certain words are truly said. I may end up reading this again down the road and I don't usually want to reread a story I've already read unless it's impacted my life in some way.
The author, Wolo, made such a beautiful, tearful, heart wrenching book about friendship, overcoming prejudice and finding the courage to step outside your comfort zone. She wrote the story of a Kayayoo girl named Faiza, who befriends a higher class girl named Abena, who was visiting her aunties fabric store while her mother was preparing to give birth and saw Faiza in the marketplace with her pan on her head. Abena's curiosity about this girl, why she was there, how she learned to balance the pan on her head, is what sparked their first conversations as the two spoke completely different languages at first. To build a friendship like that, where you can only communicate by expressing visuals and slowly picking up what each word meant by one another, was magical to watch unfold with each chapter.
At first I didn't know what the story would be like. I haven't been wanting to spoil myself with a synopsis with some of the books I've picked up at the library but Wolo makes you want to keep reading about these two young girls, their stories, how their friendship evolved over time, that I found it hard to put this book down when I clearly should have been asleep. And by the end of the book, you get to learn how Faiza has changed the life of Abena and vice versa. You learn of the struggles of a Kaya girl, and how one perseveres through life. How actions can have consequences but because of it, a life can forever be impacted in the best way possible. To learn from a best friend, a sister even, is the greatest gift, as we learn from Faiza and Abena what it means to be loved by one another.
The feelings from this read made me tear up by the end. A highly recommended read from me.
It was fascinating to read of a different language other than English, and know alongside the text that the author wanted us to understand the meaning behind those words. Cause those words are so authentic. So alive. You need them to tell this story, so I appreciated the mesh between english and different languages found in Ghana. To hear a different word and try my best to pronounce it was fun for me. I bet this book would be fantastic to listen to as an audiobook, hearing how certain words are truly said. I may end up reading this again down the road and I don't usually want to reread a story I've already read unless it's impacted my life in some way.
The author, Wolo, made such a beautiful, tearful, heart wrenching book about friendship, overcoming prejudice and finding the courage to step outside your comfort zone. She wrote the story of a Kayayoo girl named Faiza, who befriends a higher class girl named Abena, who was visiting her aunties fabric store while her mother was preparing to give birth and saw Faiza in the marketplace with her pan on her head. Abena's curiosity about this girl, why she was there, how she learned to balance the pan on her head, is what sparked their first conversations as the two spoke completely different languages at first. To build a friendship like that, where you can only communicate by expressing visuals and slowly picking up what each word meant by one another, was magical to watch unfold with each chapter.
At first I didn't know what the story would be like. I haven't been wanting to spoil myself with a synopsis with some of the books I've picked up at the library but Wolo makes you want to keep reading about these two young girls, their stories, how their friendship evolved over time, that I found it hard to put this book down when I clearly should have been asleep. And by the end of the book, you get to learn how Faiza has changed the life of Abena and vice versa. You learn of the struggles of a Kaya girl, and how one perseveres through life. How actions can have consequences but because of it, a life can forever be impacted in the best way possible. To learn from a best friend, a sister even, is the greatest gift, as we learn from Faiza and Abena what it means to be loved by one another.
The feelings from this read made me tear up by the end. A highly recommended read from me.
November 14, 2022
The colonizers--England, France, Portugal. They didn't care; they were just vying with one another for territory. They drew borders through ethnic groups, clans, villages, even through homes, throwing different peoples together into colonies. And those colonies became nations. (PG. 243)
At first I was like where is this book heading? And then it headed into culture, friendship, loss, dignity, self-worth, and history. It's amazing what two fourteen year old girls can teach someone. Racism exists everywhere even in a country where everyone looks alike. But as society teaches us if you are darker you must be less worthy, you come from this side not that side so you must be this _... It's not just white vs black. It's systematically instilled in us. I see it in my home country. The women and men are the lightest Mexican's the network executives can find. While we do have these beautiful array of people they are not a true representation of the vast majority.
And this is what that book was about.
An uneducated Muslim migrant from the north (Faiza) colliding with Abena, the educated rich girl from the south and their realization that while life is unfair it can also be full of knowledge.
I loved learning Ghana's customs. It is so interesting to see what each culture does as traditional while the rest of the world would think is weird or gasp at the thought of something so "cruel" or "primitive." I think it makes sense to the people living it. It's tradition dating back generations.
I'm sure my son will not take the time out to read this because "it's a long book" and it has a girl on the cover but I would encourage him. I loved how the author wrote in a tone where she was reminiscing, not actually trying to be the fourteen-year-old girls so it came across as believable. The ending was perfect and just for the Kaya-girl. I even got teary eyed. She was the underdog I rooted for.
"He was looking at me, all right. But you see, Abena"--she spun her empty head pan on its edge--"looking and seeing are two different things." (PG. 178)
It was those pesky things again. Assumptions. (PG. 179)
This was a great debut book. I can't wait to see what Mamle Wolo writes about next. I enjoyed my time in Ghana's capital city.
At first I was like where is this book heading? And then it headed into culture, friendship, loss, dignity, self-worth, and history. It's amazing what two fourteen year old girls can teach someone. Racism exists everywhere even in a country where everyone looks alike. But as society teaches us if you are darker you must be less worthy, you come from this side not that side so you must be this _... It's not just white vs black. It's systematically instilled in us. I see it in my home country. The women and men are the lightest Mexican's the network executives can find. While we do have these beautiful array of people they are not a true representation of the vast majority.
And this is what that book was about.
An uneducated Muslim migrant from the north (Faiza) colliding with Abena, the educated rich girl from the south and their realization that while life is unfair it can also be full of knowledge.
I loved learning Ghana's customs. It is so interesting to see what each culture does as traditional while the rest of the world would think is weird or gasp at the thought of something so "cruel" or "primitive." I think it makes sense to the people living it. It's tradition dating back generations.
I'm sure my son will not take the time out to read this because "it's a long book" and it has a girl on the cover but I would encourage him. I loved how the author wrote in a tone where she was reminiscing, not actually trying to be the fourteen-year-old girls so it came across as believable. The ending was perfect and just for the Kaya-girl. I even got teary eyed. She was the underdog I rooted for.
"He was looking at me, all right. But you see, Abena"--she spun her empty head pan on its edge--"looking and seeing are two different things." (PG. 178)
It was those pesky things again. Assumptions. (PG. 179)
This was a great debut book. I can't wait to see what Mamle Wolo writes about next. I enjoyed my time in Ghana's capital city.
February 21, 2025
"we did not speak each other's languages but i heard her name and she heard mine"
The Kaya Girl told in two parts represents the story of unlikely friendship between two girls of different worlds. Faiza, a market porter who has migrated from Northern Ghana and Abena, a wealthy doctor's daughter. As their bond grew in the bustling Makola Market, they were both introduced to each other's worlds, forging a deeper understanding and appreciation of their differing backgrounds.
One fascinating thing about this novel was the fact that they both did not speak each other's language. But someway, somehow, they knew just how to communicate. It was easy and i realized that, when you find that special friend you'll know.
You'd love both characters. Little glimpses into their personality makes them feel alive. like, when Faiza started singing to P-Square's 'no one be like you' and when Abena jumped put of the car to wipe the windscreen of her Aunt's car during a heavy downpour. Such lively characters.
liked the way Mamle Wolo was able to tackle some tough issues like child marriages, stereotypes, and cultural differences, all while celebrating the power of friendship and love. It's really impressive.
The writing is refreshingly simple and clear, making it an effortless page-turner.
I highly recommend if you're looking for a Ghanaian YA novel that will give you a glimpse of what it's like when it comes to our food, culture, etc and If you're looking for a fast read for the weekend, go on and read this.
The Kaya Girl told in two parts represents the story of unlikely friendship between two girls of different worlds. Faiza, a market porter who has migrated from Northern Ghana and Abena, a wealthy doctor's daughter. As their bond grew in the bustling Makola Market, they were both introduced to each other's worlds, forging a deeper understanding and appreciation of their differing backgrounds.
One fascinating thing about this novel was the fact that they both did not speak each other's language. But someway, somehow, they knew just how to communicate. It was easy and i realized that, when you find that special friend you'll know.
You'd love both characters. Little glimpses into their personality makes them feel alive. like, when Faiza started singing to P-Square's 'no one be like you' and when Abena jumped put of the car to wipe the windscreen of her Aunt's car during a heavy downpour. Such lively characters.
liked the way Mamle Wolo was able to tackle some tough issues like child marriages, stereotypes, and cultural differences, all while celebrating the power of friendship and love. It's really impressive.
The writing is refreshingly simple and clear, making it an effortless page-turner.
I highly recommend if you're looking for a Ghanaian YA novel that will give you a glimpse of what it's like when it comes to our food, culture, etc and If you're looking for a fast read for the weekend, go on and read this.
April 22, 2024
Abena’s mother is in London having a baby, and her father sends her to live with her Aunt and cousin in Accra, Ghana. Aunt has a dress material and accessories shop, and Abena and Gifty are expected to help in the shop. Life is simpler with none of the servants and wealth Abena usually lives with. It takes Abena a while to get used to market life away from her usual surroundings.
In the market where her aunt’s shop is, young girls carry the goods people buy on large pans on their heads. One girl catches Abena’s eye, and a friendship blossoms between two young girls who wonder if they have anything in common.
Fazia is from a poor rural family and is in the city to earn money. She had never been to school and Abena goes to an expensive private school. Both girls share details about their worlds. Abena’s decision to bring Fazia into eh shop to show her , her anuts computer leads to serious trouble and Fazia is sent scurrying into the depth of the market with a threat the police will becalled.
The story closes with the grisly meeting again under completely deficient circumstances.
I enjoy the beautiful portrayal of girls discovering worlds bigger than the ones they know. Both growing with the experience.
Recommended for readers aged 10 years or more.
In the market where her aunt’s shop is, young girls carry the goods people buy on large pans on their heads. One girl catches Abena’s eye, and a friendship blossoms between two young girls who wonder if they have anything in common.
Fazia is from a poor rural family and is in the city to earn money. She had never been to school and Abena goes to an expensive private school. Both girls share details about their worlds. Abena’s decision to bring Fazia into eh shop to show her , her anuts computer leads to serious trouble and Fazia is sent scurrying into the depth of the market with a threat the police will becalled.
The story closes with the grisly meeting again under completely deficient circumstances.
I enjoy the beautiful portrayal of girls discovering worlds bigger than the ones they know. Both growing with the experience.
Recommended for readers aged 10 years or more.
August 21, 2024
I know nothing at all about Ghana, so it was interesting to read THE KAYA GIRL and learn about the country. The two differing perspectives—that of a privileged, educated girl from the South and that of a poor, illiterate migrant worker from the North—especially helped to show the diversity of the country as well as some of its cultural norms. The bustling market setting also brings Accra (Ghana's capital) to vivid life, with a plethora of colorful sights, sounds, and smells. Wolo is Ghanaian and lives in Accra, so the setting feels very authentic. I liked both Abena and Faiza and enjoyed watching them learn from each other as their friendship grew. Their happy ending made me smile. In addition, THE KAYA GIRL teaches valuable lessons about celebrating our differences, seeing past stereotypes and prejudices, working hard, and helping people.
Although I enjoyed all these aspects of the story, I also found it quite dull. It has no real plot, so the tale feels more episodic than focused. At times, I had to force myself to keep reading. I'm not sure kids in the book's target audience range will have the attention for it. Because of this, THE KAYA GIRL was only an average read for me, although I did enjoy it overall.
Although I enjoyed all these aspects of the story, I also found it quite dull. It has no real plot, so the tale feels more episodic than focused. At times, I had to force myself to keep reading. I'm not sure kids in the book's target audience range will have the attention for it. Because of this, THE KAYA GIRL was only an average read for me, although I did enjoy it overall.
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October 5, 2022Kaya Girl by Mamle Wolo
Faiza, a migrant girl from northern Ghana working as a porter popularly called Kayayo and Abena, a doctor’s daughter on vacation, meets in Accra's largest market Mokola. A beautiful friendship begins despite social equality. The two girls learn to live life, laugh, learn, and break out of their comfort zones.
Things I loved about the book
The book’s cover image is eye-catching. Within the book, there’s a map of Ghana with the locations discussed in the book – we love seeing that.
I loved the themes discussed – migration, friendship, family parenting and social classes. One thing that caught my attention is the healthy relationship between Abena and her father. It is intimate in a way not typically emphasized in Ghanaian literature. Mamle did a thing in this book.
All the Ghanaian references made sense. It is written in the right places, and I enjoyed every bit of the book's Ghanaianness.
The descriptions are on point, the writing and language are easy, and I recommend this for every Young Adult.
Faiza, a migrant girl from northern Ghana working as a porter popularly called Kayayo and Abena, a doctor’s daughter on vacation, meets in Accra's largest market Mokola. A beautiful friendship begins despite social equality. The two girls learn to live life, laugh, learn, and break out of their comfort zones.
Things I loved about the book
The book’s cover image is eye-catching. Within the book, there’s a map of Ghana with the locations discussed in the book – we love seeing that.
I loved the themes discussed – migration, friendship, family parenting and social classes. One thing that caught my attention is the healthy relationship between Abena and her father. It is intimate in a way not typically emphasized in Ghanaian literature. Mamle did a thing in this book.
All the Ghanaian references made sense. It is written in the right places, and I enjoyed every bit of the book's Ghanaianness.
The descriptions are on point, the writing and language are easy, and I recommend this for every Young Adult.
October 24, 2022
This is an awesome coming-of-age book. but not a “hey look, I’m going through puberty and now like boys” book, but going from a more self- and peer-focused perspective of a young teen to growing to learn to understand the perspectives of adults and others of different backgrounds and social classes. This is a book about learning to care about what is good and special over what society tells you you should like—a story of a girl from an un upper class family meeting and befriending a girl from the poorest of African villages and coming to learn that, despite many differences, they are more alike than different. This is an easy read with great characters and descriptions. My one criticism is that the end is a little too perfect to the point of being a little hard to believe. Everything was wrapped up a little too tidily for my liking. Other than that, I really loved this book and would recommend it to anyone looking for an easy heartwarming book, but especially to young girls trying to find their place in the world.
March 10, 2024
Set mostly in Makola, a large, open-air market in Accra, Ghana, it is the story of the unlikely friendship between a rich (and somewhat spoiled) girl from the South of Ghana on vacation, and a poor but hard-working Kaya (a porter who carries things for customers on a big pan on her head) girl the same age from the North of Ghana. Don't read this so much for plot, but for the wonderfully colorful and noisy setting and the relationship between the girls. This would give rise to all sorts of discussions in American readers about what kinds of similar issues we face in the US: class issues, racism, seeing only what we assume (not what actually is in front of us), and more. Because it is set in a country very foreign to most readers, these issues will perhaps be easier to talk about because they aren't so threatening to established ideas. Of course, students with families or ancestors from Ghana (West Africa) will feel represented when they aren't represented in much of children's lit.
Currently reading
January 6, 2025Heartfelt book The Friendship Between Two Girls in Ghana, of class, culture, and identity. Fourteen-year-old Abena is to a wealthy lifestyle, as she spends a summer with her aunt in the Makola market. Here, she meets Faiza, a poor Muslim named Kayayoo, and their bond grows as language barriers and they learn from each other’s different backgrounds. In Ghanaian culture, without resorting to stereotypes or white-washing, providing authentic insights into both rich and underprivileged lives. What I love most is how the book avoids judging cultural practices and focuses instead on the shared humanity of its characters. The heartwarming conclusion left me in tears of joy, of friendship to bridge social divides. This book is a joyful read as it encourages empathy and a deeper understanding of diverse experiences.
September 9, 2017
Meeting someone living a different life than you and becoming friends with them is a good way to learn the world. To see good fortune versus bad fortune. Fortunate versus the unfortunate. Abena versus Faiza. It was a beautiful story and really made me think. It was wonderful and I loved reading it and it was amazing the stories the girls told each other and how their lives happened in the time. How they learn to cope. I hung onto every word on every page. Sunk in.
Loved it. Very low memetic mode of literacy. It was amazing. I loved it. It touched me to my very soul.
Loved it. Very low memetic mode of literacy. It was amazing. I loved it. It touched me to my very soul.
September 26, 2022
Wow! A wonderful story about two girls from different social backgrounds who meet in a market in Ghana and form a fast friendship. Ms. Wolo's story is so engaging because she's speaking in the voice of the more privileged of the two girls, a girl whose life is not that different from kids in small and large cities in the US. There is a coda in the story at the end that gives us a chance to meet the adults these two kids have become. One of the best of 2022's books (this was published in June in the US) for kids in my book!
April 17, 2023
Read this in preparation for a trip to Ghana and I’ll recommend it to others! The descriptions of: Makola Market, the differences between city and rural life, the differences between the north and south, the brief but important summary of the history of land being divided…all terrific context for my trip. I didn’t connect so much to the story within a story about Faiza’s reason for being in Accra and in fact got lost in some of the details and had to re-read. The second part of the book is lovely and the audiobook is great with a wonderful, enthusiastic narrator.
September 17, 2023
I thought this book was really unique! I feel like there are not many middle grade stories set in Ghana out there and this was such a captivating story of friendship and of the diverse social classes of Ghana. I liked that this book dispels the myth that all children in Africa are poor and hungry. The characters were well developed, with their own backstories and prejudices. The end was kind of strange to me, with the main character grown and in the hospital having a baby. For that reason and because of the crushes I would probably recommend this one more to YA than middle grade readers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 3, 2024
I would have given this book 5 stars but I felt the ending was too much like the happy endings in fairytales instead of “real life.” The rest of the book is phenomenal!
I was so happy to read about an African country with diverse girls: one who goes to an international school and the other who comes from a small village, and they become friends. The stigmatism and issues that both face are experiences I have seen occur. We need more books like this to help people become open minded, empathetic, and accepting of all cultures. Suggested grades 5 and up.
I was so happy to read about an African country with diverse girls: one who goes to an international school and the other who comes from a small village, and they become friends. The stigmatism and issues that both face are experiences I have seen occur. We need more books like this to help people become open minded, empathetic, and accepting of all cultures. Suggested grades 5 and up.
March 20, 2024
A selection for this year's Bear Books Award at the International School of Amsterdam. This story is a compelling window into friendship across language and class lines, with a vibrant setting in the heart of Ghana and at the intersections arbitrary geographical lines between North and South, local African villages and markets, and upper-class, international school culture. I'm looking forward to meeting author Mamle Wolo during her virtual author visit today!
April 8, 2022
Heart-warming. Abena and Faiza's friendship glows. The writing is clear, simple, and complete. The story evokes lots of laughs, sadness, and tears of joy. Themes of enduring friendship, facing prejudice, and growing up. Great read. Wolo is wonderful storyteller.
(I got to meet the author at AWP 2022. So glad I did. A lovely story.)
(I got to meet the author at AWP 2022. So glad I did. A lovely story.)
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