The Mau Mau - the name of a secret society that once struck terror into the hearts of British settlers in Kenya. An episode in history that ended in a State of Emergency, with violent and brutal acts dividing a nation.

This is an intensely personal and vivid story of two boys: one black, one white. Once they were friends even though their circumstances are very different. But in a country riven by fear and prejudice, even the best of friends can betray one another . . .

Internationally acclaimed and award-winning author Beverley Naidoo explores new territory in this beautifully realized and moving story set in Britain's colonial past.

About the Author
South African author Beverley Naidoo was exiled from her home country when she was a student in 1965, for campaigning against apartheid. Her first children's novel, JOURNEY TO JO'BURG, was banned in South Africa when it was published in 1985 and only available there after the release of Nelson Mandela from jail in 1991. It was however published in many other countries around the world and widely praised for its eloquent, moving and accessible story. Her later novel, THE OTHER SIDE OF TRUTH, won the Carnegie Medal in 2000 and she has written many other acclaimed books for children. Beverley lives in the UK.

Reviews
Sometimes you have to break the rules, particularly when those rules are based on prejudice. Naidoo breaks the rules, producing books for young people which recognize that they want to know about the real world * Guardian *
Naidoo shows her ability to take stories that are hot off the press, give them emotional depth and raise questions about society and our own responsibilities to each other -- on Web of Lies * Books for Keeps *
A wonderfully accessible story laced with powerful messages of family commitment and human rights. Beverley Naidoo's own South African origins and subsequent exile in London provide heartfelt spine to this book -- Jon Snow on , winner of the Carnegie Medal * The Other Side of Truth *


Awards
Winner of Carnegie Medal 2000. Runner-up for Smarties Book Award 2000.



Book Information
ISBN 9780141321240
Author Beverley Naidoo
Format Paperback
Page Count 208
Imprint Penguin Books Ltd
Publisher Penguin Random House Children's UK
Weight(grams) 149g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 13mm