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“[T]his novel is timely, addressing the human complexity of literal borders and figurative walls and lives that are irrevocably and heartbreakingly changed in crises.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“This compassionate novel conveys the multiple injustices and tragedies experienced by both African and Indian Ugandans during this period, and the power of friendship to sustain hope in tumultuous times.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A heartbreaking and resonant tale.”

—Horn Book

“Athaide’s debut competently tackles the tough topics of colonialism and refugee crises… questions that are still relevant in today’s world. A timely addition to middle grade shelves in need of non-Western historical fiction… a strong companion to Veera Hiranandani’s The Night Diary and A.L. Sonnichsen’s Red Butterfly.”

—School Library Journal

Orange for the Sunsets

Written by Tina Athaide
Published by HarperCollins

From debut author Tina Athaide comes a soaring tale of empathy, hope, and resilience, as two best friends living under Ugandan President Amin’s divisive rule must examine where—and who—they call home.

Asha and her best friend, Yesofu, never cared about the differences between them: Indian. African. Girl. Boy. Short. Tall.

But when 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 of a better future. Now as neighbors leave and soldiers line the streets, the two friends find that nothing seems sure—not even their friendship.

Tensions between Indians and Africans intensify and the deadline to leave is fast approaching. Could the bravest thing of all be to let each other go?

Primary ISBN: 9780062795298
Publication Date: October 2020
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented: ,

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

Setting: Uganda (Entebbe)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, On Journey, Refugee

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

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