Journey to Jo’Burg (HarperCollins Children’s Modern Classics) (Journey to Jo'Burg Series Book 1)

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My father is from South Africa originally and I still have family there, so I was interested in seeing how whites were portrayed in this book. Naledi and Tiro are exposed to the fear of violence for “non whites” underlying the discrimination when they unknowingly attempt to board a bus for white people and witness a pass raid at a train station where they see the cruel treatment of black people at the hands of the police. Their journey illustrates at every turn the grim realities of apartheid – the pass laws, bantustans, racism, the breakdown of family life.

This would be a wonderful book to use to help students think globally about issues of power and class.

Journey to Jo’Burg is set in South Africa during the apartheid and tells the story of Naledi and Tiro who, frightened that their baby sister Dineo will die, take a 300km journey to find their mother who works there as a maid. Originally written in 1985, this book was not historical fiction but a description of life as it was in South Africa at the time. So the pair bravely decide to walk to their mother who works as a housekeeper and nanny in the big city, Johannesburg.

They realized that there is a lot about South Africa that they don't know, which their schools are not teaching them. Reading for enjoyment and writing for enjoyment are two of the most powerful ways of getting children interested in books. This book contains photocopiable activities, guided reading notes, speaking and listening activities, writing projects and creative ideas – all from a bestselling, tried-and-trusted series that’s a firm favourite with teachers.The wealth was all in the hands of the 'Whites', while the labour was done by the 'Blacks' who worked long hours for little pay and lived under apalling conditions.

Naledi (”Morning star” in the native language Tswana) and Tiro (”Hard work”) go on an adventure of about 300 km, a race against time and obstacles, during which they walk, hide, make friends, find their mom and go back home with her by train. It's possible I'm overreading these elements, because I was aware going into it that the book was written by a white woman from South Africa. The dangers and massive injustices inherent in that system are mentioned and then, weirdly, glossed over quickly, and the ending is a little too pat and trite. Their mother is able to get time off, beginning the next day, to take her children home and help Dineo. So they set off from their village and travel to Jo'burg, determined to bring their mother back to care for their baby sister.Reading it, I am so impressed how Naidoo has tackled a very brutal and disturbing topic and made it accessible, while thought provoking, to children.

She married a man from Indian descent: their union would have been ”a crime” under the apartheid laws (I'm guessing like Trevor Noah's parents'). She does not like being away from her children but must work in Johannesburg to provide money for food, clothing and an education after their father died. They have to stay with their new friend for the night, then travel back with their mother the next day.At the back there is a copy of a letter banning the book's import, which gives greater impact to comprehending the extent of governmental corruption. This was a brilliant read and a great introduction to children in KS2 about life in South Africa for black people, the Apartheid and segregation. It isn't until they reach the city that they come to understand the dangers of their country, and the painful struggle for freedom and dignity that is taking place all around them. It has prompted some lively discussions as well as provided a strong platform for engaging literacy lessons and cross curricular activities for half a term.