No Turning Back
Beverley Naidoo
UK Edition
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US edition
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Escaping from his violent stepfather, twelve-year-old Sipho heads for Johannesburg where he has heard that gangs of children live on the streets. Surviving hunger and the bitter-cold winter nights is hard enough but Sipho also has to learn, in the 'new' South Africa, whom to trust. What kind of friendships can he have with the other homeless streetchildren? Or with Judy, a white girl who pressurises her father to offer Sipho help? Set on the eve of South Africa's first democratic elections, against a background of political upheaval, what hopes can Sipho carry for his personal future?
'Sometimes they give you nothing and you can starve,' said the other abruptly.
Tilting his head back, he looked at Sipho through half-closed eyes and added, 'Do you like to eat cats?'
"...valuable insight, gritty but optimistic... a totally believable, absorbing read."
The Guardian, UK
"...so absorbing I wouldn't be surprised if you read it in one sitting."
The Times, UK
"...as compelling as all of Naidoo's books."
The Times Educational Supplement, UK
"...a rare and moving glimpse into the hidden world of the malunde"
Publishers Weekly, USA (Starred review)
"Rooted as the story is in the Johannesburg streets, it is also about children anywhere who are on the edge."
ALA Booklist, USA (Starred review)
African Studies Association 1998 Children's Book Award for Older Readers - USA
Josette Frank Award (Child Study Children's Book Committee Award) 1998 - USA
Notable Children's Trade Book in the Field of Social Studies for 1998 - USA
International Reading Association Teachers' Choices for 1998 - USA
The Guardian Children's Fiction Award 1996 - UK shortlist
Smarties Prize for Children's Books 1995 - UK shortlist
Book Trust 100 Best Books for 1997 - UK
Heinemann New Windmill
(Hard cover)
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Text © 1995 Beverley Naidoo. Cover art for Penguin edition by Angelo Rinaldi reproduced by permission of Penguin Books Ltd. Cover art for Heinemann edition © 1998 Chris Molan by permission of Heinemann Educational Ltd. Cover art US edition © 1997 Kadir Nelson; Cover © 1997 HarperCollins Publishers USA
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