A Girl Called Problem in Mock Newbery 2026

Sep 01, 2013 Barbara rated it liked it

Shelves: animals, civil-rights, depression, teachers, community, death, friendship, social-studies, families, self-esteem

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. When Tanzania's President Nyerere urges the citizens of his country to relocate so that small villages can share the resources of larger villages, most of the residents of Litongo place their faith in the president and in thirteen-year-old Shida's Babu who leads the villagers. Shida, who has sometimes been considered a problem for the village, is thrilled since the move gives her the chance to attend school and possibly achieve her dream of becoming a nurse. As it is, some of her neighbors alrea ...more

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Sep 11, 2013 Julie Williams rated it really liked it

It is 1967 in Tanzania. Shida, which means Problem in Swahili wants to be a healer. In her village, however, there is no chance for education and everyone just expects her to get married. The elders of the village, inspired by the vision of President Nyerere, decided to move their village and join with another nearby village in the hopes of combining efforts and being able to provide more for the people like better education and medical care. Not everyone is happy with the move though.

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Sep 05, 2013 Donna rated it liked it

Shelves: tweens

I sought out this book because of reviews I had read that characterized it as a mystery. With a setting in Tanzania and a spunky female main character, I was excited for the book's potential. The story is an interesting one, of a village that chooses to move and what that means for the young females who gain new access to education. However, it is not structured as a mystery; things happen and the villagers don't know why and then eventually figure it out. A solid, interesting read, just not all ...more

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Mar 25, 2013 Crystal rated it really liked it

Shelves: diversity-on-the-shelf-2014, africa, middle-grade, mystery, must-read

I eventually enjoyed the book, but it took me a while to get into it. I kept putting it down and forgetting about it which isn't a good sign. After a while though, I started to care about Shida. There are mysterious happenings among the villagers as they transport most of their people to a new location. Shida is a strong girl who has opinions and is trying to live life in a way that will be fulfilling to her no matter what other people think, though she tries to be respectful. Shida is up agains ...more

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Aug 24, 2013 Aimee rated it liked it

I liked this book, but I guess I was bugged by its similarities to Nancy Farmer's A Girl Named Disaster (especially the title) which is a really excellent book. ...more

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