Children of the Stone City by Beverley Naidoo
Published by Quill Tree Books on October 4, 2022
ISBN: 006309696X
Pages: 240
Genres: Science Fiction
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
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Brother and sister Adam and Laila live in the Stone City where they have a loving family, live well, and have advantages like attending a private music school for lessons. However, they are “Nons”, and are forced to live as second class citizens under the ruling class of “Permitteds”. And while their father is a successful archaeologist, their mother lives in constant fear of being deported beyond the wall of the city. Nons are often forced out of their homes by Permitted families, must follow all the rules and laws or risk being arrested, and live in a constant state of fear. After their father dies, things take a turn for the worse when Adam and Laila, along with their cousin Zak, are engaged in a confrontation with some Permitted children. Adam and Zak are subsequently arrested and their future is in peril, along with Adam and Laila’s mother due to her immigration status.

While the Stone City is a fictional place in a dystopian society, Adam and Laila’s overall day-to-day existence is reflective of many of the societies today facing social injustice. Although a bit slow in the beginning, the action picks up substantially in the second half of the book, and the author does not shy away from weighty themes of oppression and injustice. The book also includes some chapters in verse, and references folk tales, music and stories in a lovely bit of juxtaposition.

A solid pick for any young readers who love reading books with social justice themes. Recommended for ages 10 – 13.

Reviewed by Lee Remick, York Middle School