Reviews
...Mariatu's "tale, told in the first person, is never less than riveting and
is notable for its emotional honesty."
—The Globe and Mail
… a powerful commentary on one of the many costs of wars. An essential purchase …”
—Kirkus, starred review, 10/08
… honest, raw and powerful …”
—School Library Journal, starred review, 11/08
… a story told with equal measures of compassion and detachment that allows the reader to be both shocked and locked in. It’s good, really good. Highly recommended.”
—CM Magazine, 11/08
... this book will unsettle readers—and then inspire them ...”
—Publishers Weekly, starred review, 11/17/08
…”absolutely compelling, not to mention gut-wrenching…”
—Quill & Quire, December 2008
..."This haunting memoir adds an essential voice to the growing body of literature about Sierra Leone’s civil war.”
—Booklist, January 1, 2009
School Library Journal interview with Mariatu and Susan
..."Hers is not an easy story to read. But the Bite of the Mango brings a new
perspective among recent accounts of kids caught in Africa's civil wars -
that of the girl child."
—The Telegram, St. John's Newfoundland
..."It is a testament to human will to overcome adversity."
—Resource Links.
..."Recommended for older teens, but adults won't be able to put the book down
either."
—ForeWord Magazine
...Bite of the Mango, one of four books selected by teachers and librarians
that could replace To Kill A Mockingbird in the school curriculum. Toronto
—Star, August 19, 2009