Erin's Reviews > My Name Is Konisola

I received this e-ARC for free from NetGalley and Second Story Press, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

In Nigeria, a nine-year-old's entire life is uprooted when her mother decides they are leaving the home of Konisola's abusive uncle. Konisola is confused and doesn't want to leave her friends and her school. She becomes even more confused when they arrive in Canada and have to try to navigate a whole new world with the help of some kind strangers. Unfortunately, Konisola's mother Abimbola is hospitalized with colon cancer soon after they arrive in Canada and she needs to decide where Konisola will live if she doesn't make it. Abimbola is adamant that Konisola does not return to her uncle's home in Nigeria. This story emphasizes a refugee's desire to protect her daughter at all costs and Konisola's confused understanding of what is going on in this new place gives a realistic take on the refugee child's experience.

I will plan to purchase this one for my library. I wish the setting had been in the United States instead of Canada as my readers are in the U.S., though the themes are universal and students will appreciate seeing their stories reflected in Konisola's life.