The Other side of Truth by Beveley Naidoo
Published by Puffin

A hard-hitting and moving novel on the theme of asylum seekers, this book is based upon recent events in Nigeria and Somalia.   Sade and Femi are the children of an outspoken Nigerian journalist.   They witness the shooting of their mother on the doorstep of their home and life as they know it falls apart.   The children are immediately smuggled to London on false passports, where their uncle fails to meet them.   Totally alone with no money, they are eventually taken into care by social services and enrolled in local schools.   Heartbreaking accounts of Sade being bullied then making friends with a Somalia girl, combine with the arrival of their father as an illegal immigrant.   Sade shows great strength of character and bravery, resulting in family reconciliation.   A book which will be enjoyed by readers interested in the impact of world political events on families.  

Winner of the 2001 Carnegie  Medal