Review of Zeru Zeru Girl

[Bethel Saint Bright]

It's amazing the kind of belief systems that have ravaged many African communities. For my country, it was that twins brought bag luck. In this book, we see a Tanzanian community perceive albinos as ghost. I hope Annika is protected from this belief.

[Janet Kimetto]

It must have been heartbreaking for Samuel and Lily to give up their little girl even knowing that that was the only way to ensure her safety. Thanks for the review!

[SophiaNd]

This poignant narrative plunges into the harrowing reality faced by a Tanzanian family with an albino child, exploring the desperate measures they undertake to ensure her safety amidst a culture of superstition and violence, leaving Lily to confront the agonizing consequences of their choices alone at the airport.

[Ohanele Chinonyerem]

Samuel and Lily’s fight to protect Annika from the dangers of albinism in Tanzania is so emotional. I would like to know what happens and how they handle the challenges.

[Esther Kavithe]

Your review shows how people suffer because of superstitious beliefs of albinos been used for medicine in some countries. Am happy that the parents made difficult but correct decision to help the little soul.

[mrlefty0706]

"Zeru Zeru Girl" by Barbara Kerr is a story about a young couple named Samuel and Lily, that lives in Arusha, Tanzania with a baby daughter named Annika who has albinism. In Tanzania albinos are looked upon as ghosts, something other than humans. Some Tanzanian believe albinos have magical elements in their bodies and many have been captured and their organs have been harvested. The thought of this happening to Annika terrifies Samuel and Lily. Samuel brainstorms an idea which develops into a plan to send Annika to another country with an older white couple that was visiting Tanzania believing that raising her far from Tanzania would keep her safe. Lily did not like this plan and decided she would travel with Annika as her nurse. When they arrived at the plane with the older couple Annika was allowed to board but Lily had to stay behind. To learn about what happens to Annika and her parents one will need to read the book. While this story is fiction it brings to light the inhumane treatment albinos experience in many countries located in Africa and war-torn countries on Europe and Asia. Most white Americans live pretty good lives and while they are aware of racial prejudice this book would be an eye-opener for them. For me the treatment of albinos is another example of how bad people are treated because of the color of their skin.

[Atieno Magero]

This book sheds light on the experiences of albino's in Africa. I think that this is a great book that touches on real life issues. I like that the book is well written and developed. I'm curious to know what happens to Annika.

[Kelissa Moore]

Your review is fantastic and definitely made me want to read this book. I love how you clearly presented your insight while giving possible readers a hint at what they will be getting themselves into. Admittedly, I was not too curious about the book until I read your review. I'm excited to turn the pages!