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“In the aftermath of Matiponesa’s mother’s sudden death, her father tows her and her two siblings from the UK back to his home country of Zimbabwe for a road trip through its national parks. …In a vibrant narrative voice that is by turns both meditative and humorous, Mati pulls apart the way stories are told to “see behind things,” navigate her grief, and explore new ways of knowing herself and her family. Wise and lyrical, Musariri’s novel pairs an insightful and layered portrait of family grief with a clever, tension-filled structure that invites rereading.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

All That It Ever Meant

Written by Blessing Musariri
Published by Norton Young Readers

Mati’s family is reeling from the death of Mati’s mother. Her Baba has drawn into himself, her sister Chichi is rebelling, and her young brother Tana is desperate for love and normalcy. When Chichi pulls her worst stunt yet, Baba uproots the family from their home in England for an extended camping holiday in their native Zimbabwe.

Along for the trip is Meticais, a fabulously attired gender-neutral spirit—or ghost? or imaginary friend?—who only Mati can see and converse with. Guided by Meticais’s enigmatic advice and wisdom, Mati must come to terms with her grief and with the difficulty of living between two cultures, while the family must learn to forge their way in a world without their monumental mother.

Full of captivating characters and stunning plot twists, All That It Ever Meant delivers a nuanced and unforgettable story of grief, love, and family.

Primary ISBN: 9781324030959
Publication Date: January 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: England, Zimbabwe

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation, Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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