Description
It’s 1976 in South Africa, and four young people are living in Johannesburg and its black township, Soweto: Zanele, a black female student organizer; Meena, a South Asian girl working at her father's shop; Jack, an Oxford-bound white student; and Thabo, a teen-gang member, or tsotsi. From each of their points of view, this book explores the roots of the Soweto Uprising and the edifice of apartheid in a South Africa about to explode.
Introducing readers to a remarkable young literary talent, When Morning Comes offers an impeccably researched and vivid snapshot of South African society on the eve of the uprising that changed it forever.
Bespeak Audio Editions brings Canadian voices to the world with audiobook editions of some of the country’s greatest works of literature, performed by Canadian actors.
Contributor Notes
Arushi Raina is a young South Asian writer from South Africa. When Morning Comes is her first published book. She lives in Vancouver, Canada.
Recommended Age, Grade, and Reading Levels
- Age:
- 13 to 17
- Grade:
- 8 to 12
- Reading age:
- 12 to 18
Editorial Review
“The presentation of characters with different racial identities beautifully highlights how those identities shape the characters’ understandings and experiences … Readers who love the fast pace and high stakes of dystopian teen literature should snag this book. This timely reminder of the power and passion of young people contextualizes current student protests by honoring those of the past.” — Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“Raina’s story powerfully demonstrates the high stakes of the teenagers’ choices while maintaining a bracing pace that builds steady tension. Each character’s distinct voice contributes to a sense of imminent change … A riveting and accomplished debut.” — Publishers Weekly, starred review
“The story is easily relatable for today’s teens. The narrative is spare and engaging, but it also unloads a wealth of information about the time and a vivid sense of the setting … An eye-opening view of a rarely covered time and place in YA literature, this title offers rich opportunities for discussion and classroom sharing.” — School Library Journal
“A simply riveting read from cover to cover, When Morning Comes is especially recommended for both school and community library YA Fiction collections.” — Midwest Book Review
“Explosively powerful and agonizingly raw, the novel highlights the harsh realities of life in apartheid South Africa and is a timely reminder of the sacrifices involved in deconstructing an unjust social order … The stakes are high, the four voices powerful and committed, and the power of youth to effect political change is exposed in this tense, and often violent novel … The representations of different cultural groups are nuanced and complex, without resorting to stereotypes … An important story.” — Geoffrey Bilson Award Jury
