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The Other Side of Truth by Beverly Naidoo

Summary

Will the truth harm them -- or save them? When Nigeria's corrupt military government kills their mother, twelve-year-old Sade and her brother Femi think their lives are over. Out of fear for their safety, their father, an outspoken journalist, decides to smuggle the children out of Nigeria and into London, where their uncle lives. But when they get to the cold and massive city, they find themselves lost and alone, with no one to trust and no idea when -- or if -- they will ever see their father again. The Other Side of Truth is a gripping adventure story about courage, family, and the power of truth.

Discussion questions

  1. What kind of person is Sade at the start of this novel? How does she change as the story progresses?
  2. Do you think Mr. Solaja should have sent his family away long ago? Why or why not? Do you see him as brave or foolish and why?
  3. How does Sade treat her younger brother? How would you feel if you were in her place and suddenly in charge of yourself and your sibling?
  4. Why doesn't Sade reveal who she is to the social services authority in London? What would you have done?
  5. What are some of the challenges Sade and her brother face in London?
  6. What do you think the title means? What is the other side of truth?
  7. At the end of the story Sade thinks that their family would,"become like tortoises who carry their homes on their backs." What do you think she means by this. What does the word "home" mean to you?
  8. What do you predict for this family's future?
  9. What did you know about Nigeria before reading this novel? What did you learn reading The Other Side of Truth?

    10. If you liked this book try

    • A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer
    • Journey to Jo'burg by Beverly Naidoo
    • Nzingha: Warrior Queen of Matamba, Angola, Africa, 1595 (The Royal Diaries) by Patricia McKissak
    • No More Strangers Now: Young Voices from a New South Africa by Tim McKee

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