Gabbra's Song
Set primarily in drought-ravaged northern Kenya, Gabbra's
Song centres on Riley Forbes, a dynamic Canadian teenager
and budding photojournalist. Riley has a vision: an urgent fundraising
project in Canada in order to raise money for irrigation equipment
for her friend's village in northern Kenya.
Readers will sweat as they follow Riley's gripping adventure with
a nomadic tribe whose survival depends on Dumbuluk's fresh-water
well.
Arriving in Kenya, Riley writes in her
journal: "Vultures-watching
and waiting for something to die-soared above a graveyard of sun
bleached animal skulls and rib cages pecked clean by frenzied scavengers.
I was miffed because Dad hadn't even said goodbye to me. Here I was
stuck in this lonely African desert with Gabbra. I had nothing to
eat but maggots, and a mixture of camel's milk and blood to survive
on. Worst of all, Gabbra's brother, Nagya, was ignoring me."
Riley is swept into a bittersweet relationship with Nagya, the strong,
roguish warrior. Does Nagya have feelings for Riley, but also for
the beautiful, silent Borana girl, Ayasha? More importantly, is Riley
fitting into ANY of Nagya's future plans?
Janey Volden's multicultural novel is astonishingly timely. Africa
- currently reeling from a succession of failed rains-is experiencing
the worst drought in 20 years. International aid organizations warn
that a humanitarian catastrophe could hit the East African region
unless urgent donations are received. Volden provides young readers
a sensitive and dynamic story which brings these issues to light
for our next generation.
