Swahili for Beginners

...Swahili for Beginners is an informative story about the uncertainties, changes, dreams and hopes of adolescence; the sadness and adjustments surrounding divorce; the dangers, confusions, and grief that come with anorexia; the importance of friendship and adventure; and foremost, this novel sheds light on issues prevalent all over Africa, and on the power our youth have to look beyond their own circumstances and change the lives of others, either at home or half a world away.

... This is a wonderful book which promotes international awareness, and focuses on giving, and charity. Georgie has a true, authentic voice, and Joyal has perfectly captured the ups and downs of life in Grade 8. This is an essential purchase for middle school libraries, and all students in grades 6 and up will enjoy this inspirational story. Swahili for Beginners is a great recommendation for students who are completing an international geography project, someone who is studying life overseas, or perhaps a student who is interested in taking part in international service or volunteer work as they get older.

Swahili for Beginners is an admirable first-novel from Toronto lawyer Lisa Joyal... .

What I really found exceptional about Swahili for Beginners was the fact that Lisa Joyal explored many issues, on a global level. This is very unlike other young adult novels out there, which depict glamorous young people living in Hollywood or New York who are difficult to relate to. Georgie Wilde is a down-to-earth heroine — one I, and others, can identify with.

This book is certainly a good find. It presents global issues that are all over television and magazines today, but through a context that puts them into a valuable perspective. I would recommend this book for anyone and everyone, and for it not to be branded by its 'young adult' genre. Swahili for Beginners is a gem of a book, and rather read-worthy.
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Though Lisa Joyal's well-written novel, Swahili for Beginners, is described for young adult readers, it will please thoughtful readers ages 9 and up, including I'm sure some teens. Thirteen-year-old Georgie Wilde starts exchanging pen pal letters with a Tanzanian girl her own age. That opens Georgie's eyes to what life is like there. And, interestingly, it also leads to insights about Georgie's own life, relationships, and problems. Georgie is a determined, appealing young girl. Highly recommended.