Beverley Naidoo facts for kids
Beverley Naidoo is a well-known South African author. She writes many wonderful books for children. She now lives in the United Kingdom. Her first three novels shared stories about life in South Africa. She also wrote a book about a brave worker named Neil Aggett.
Her book, The Other Side of Truth, was published in 2000. It tells the story of Nigerian refugees in England. This book won the important Carnegie Medal. This award celebrates the best children's book by a British author each year. Naidoo also won the Josette Frank Award two times. She won for Journey to Jo'burg in 1986. She won again for No Turning Back: A Novel of South Africa in 1997.
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About Beverley Naidoo
Beverley Naidoo was born Beverley Trewhela. She was born on May 21, 1943, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Her parents were Ralph and Evelyn Trewhela. Her father was a composer. Her mother was a theatre critic.
Growing Up Under Apartheid
Beverley grew up during a time called apartheid. Apartheid was a system of unfair laws in South Africa. These laws gave special treatment to white people. Black children were sent to different schools. These schools were not as good. Black families were also told where they could live and work. Apartheid stopped all children from growing up together. It denied them fairness and respect.
Education and Work
Beverley finished her studies at the University of Witwatersrand in 1963. Later, she worked in Dorset, England. She helped with cultural diversity and English language learning. She also taught creative writing at Goldsmiths College, University of London. She has led writing workshops for young people and adults. She did this in Britain and other countries.
Marriage and Writing Journey
Beverley married Nandhagopaul Naidoo in 1969. He was also from South Africa. Apartheid laws made it illegal for white and black people to marry. These laws also stopped them from living together in South Africa.
Beverley always loved stories as a child. But she only started writing when her own children were growing up. Her first book was Journey to Jo'burg. It won an award in Britain. This book showed what life was like for children under apartheid. The book was banned in South Africa until 1991. This was the year after Nelson Mandela was released from prison. A few years later, Nelson Mandela became president. This was after all South African parents could vote for the first time.
In 2023, Naidoo became a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature. This is a special honour for writers.
Beverley Naidoo's Books
Beverley Naidoo's books often explore important themes. Many of her stories are set in South Africa.
Stories from South Africa
- Journey to Jo'burg (1985)
- Chain of Fire (1989)
- Out of Bounds (2003)
These books are set during the time of South Africa under apartheid. They show the challenges people faced.
- No Turning Back (1995)
This book is about a boy trying to survive on the streets of Johannesburg. It takes place right after apartheid ended.
- Papa's Gift (2004)
This picture book is set in modern South Africa. Beverley wrote it with her daughter, Maya Naidoo.
Stories of New Beginnings
- The Other Side of Truth (2000)
- Web of Lies (2004)
These books tell the story of children seeking safety in England. Their father is a Nigerian writer who spoke out against injustice.
Other Exciting Stories
- Burn My Heart (2007)
This novel is set in Kenya in the 1950s. It takes place during the Mau Mau Uprising.
- The Great Tug of War and Other Stories (2001)
In this book, Beverley retells old African folktales. These tales are like the ones that inspired the Brer Rabbit stories.
Picture Books for Younger Readers
Beverley Naidoo has also written several picture books. These books feature children from Botswana and England.
- Letang and Julie Save the Day (1994)
- Letang's New Friend (1994)
- Trouble for Letang and Julie (1994)
- Where Is Zami? (1998)
- King Lion in Love (2004)
- S Is for South Africa
- Aesop's Fables (a retelling with illustrations)
Non-Fiction Works
- Through Whose Eye? Exploring Racism: reader, text and context (1992)
- Making It Home: Real-life Stories from Children Forced to Flee (with Kate Holt)
- Death of an Idealist (2012)
