Set against the backdrop of Apartheid, It’s Trevor Noah is the young reader’s adaptation of Noah’s bestselling adult memoir, Born a Crime.  Born to a South African mother and a European father, Noah explains how he is “born a crime” because he is proof of a mixed-race relationship.  Each chapter holds vignettes from Noah’s childhood in South Africa, often leaning heavily on humor to tell his tales of mischief, scheming, and tragedy.  This book, which delicately adapts the often very mature adult memoir,  will have readers laughing out loud, thinking deeply, and crying by the end.  The book features excellent information in the back matter with a historical essay about Apartheid.  Recommended for grades 6 and above.

Reviewed by Noelle Gallant, Saco Middle School