Synopses & Reviews
Even though they were born in different countries, Akilah and Victoria are true best friends. But Victoria has been acting strange ever since she returned from her summer in Nigeria, where she had a special coming-of-age ceremony. Why does proud Victoria, named for a queen, slouch at her desk and answer the teacher's questions in a whisper? And why won't she laugh with Akilah anymore?
Synopsis
In Queens, New York, ten-year-old Akilah is determined to find out why her closest friend, Victoria, is silent and withdrawn after returning from a trip to her homeland, Nigeria.
Synopsis
When Victoria returns from her summer in Nigeria, Akilah can see that something is wrong and pressures her to find out the truth about what happened at the coming-of-age ceremony she attended, in an emotional tale about the practice of female circumcision on the African continent. An ALA Best Book for Young Adults. Reprint.