Chanda's Secrets

By Allan Stratton

Book Overview

Chanda s mother is not herself, her younger sister is acting out, and her best friend needs help. A powerful story set amid the African HIV/AIDS pandemic. In this sensitive, swiftly paced story, readers will find echoes of To Kill a Mockingbird as Chanda, a 16-year-old, astonishingly perceptive girl living in the small city of Bonang in Africa, must confront the undercurrents of shame and stigma associated with HIV/AIDS. Through his artful style and dramatic storytelling, Allan Stratton captures the enduring strength of loyalty, the profound impact of loss, and a fearlessness that is powered by the heart. Above all, it is a story about living with truth. Proceeds from the sale of this book will be used to support organizations working to better the lives of Africans living with HIV/AIDS."

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 155037835X
• ISBN13: 9781550378351
• Release Date: February 2004
• Publisher: Annick Press
• Length: 200 Pages
• Weight: 0.66 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.3" x 7.4"
• Age Range: 14 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 9 to 12

Customer Reviews

Harrowing but Wonderful

Sixteen year old Chanda lives in a small village in Africa. When her mother turns ill and vanishes to retrieve treatment, Chanda's in charge of her two younger siblings as well as best friend who might have contracted AIDS. She carefully balances providing an honorable life for her loved ones with standing up for what she believes in, regardless of what others think. The book was an extremely powerful read - dark and deep...

Understanding the AIDS crisis in Africa

I know that the recommended grade level is 9-12, but I would only use it for very mature 11th and 12th graders. There is lots of sexual content; Chanda's mother has several partners through her life, Chanda is molested, and there are instances of prostitution. With that being said, this book will explain the problems of dealing with the treatment of AIDS in Africa. There is no communication about the disease, no one wants...

Sad

Great book for a teen, I brought this book for my daughter and she loved it. There is a second novel titled "Chanda's War" that I am going to order for her.

"Misery loves company"

Chanda's Secret is about a 16-year-old girl named Chanda Kabelo who is growing up in Africa. She loves school and is very smart. She would like to win a scholarship one day, but as most of us know one of the biggest problems in Africa is how to deal with aids. Many people in Africa have aids and so do the many people around Chanda, not only friends but family too. Allan Stratton captures the meaning of a young girl growing...

Extremely Powerful

Sixteen-year-old Chanda Kabelo is a true hero. She puts her family and friendship first above herself and what the "neighbors" think. Allan Stratton's story of Chanda's family and community draws a vivid picture of what the AID's epidemic is doing to Africa. Extremely powerful, don't miss it!