Review: Orange for the Sunsets

 

Twelve-year-old Asha and her best friend, Yesofu, never cared about the differences between them: Indian. African. Girl. Boy. Short. Tall. But when Ugandan President Idi Amin announces that Indians have ninety days to leave the country, suddenly those differences are the only things that people in Entebbe can see—not the shared after-school samosas or Asha cheering for Yesofu at every cricket game.

Determined for her life to stay the same, Asha clings to her world tighter than ever before. But Yesofu is torn, pulled between his friends, his family, and a promise that could bring his dreams of university within reach. Now, as neighbors leave and soldiers line the streets, the two friends find that nothing seems sure—not even their friendship. And with only days before the deadline, Asha and Yesofu must decide if the bravest thing of all might be to let each other go. (Summary from the publisher).

My Thoughts: I really liked this book about friendship, changes, differences,  survival, and doing the right thing. I felt really bad for Asha and Yseofu and how their friendship was torn apart by forces outside their control. I wanted to give them both a giant hug. This was a hard story to read, but a great story. It's great for starting discussions about so many topics. 

Cover Thoughts: I love the sky and the details in the lettering

Source: Won from a blog contest

Library Recommendations: A great book for your school and public library - highly recommended. Also a great book for discussion. 

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