Diamonds in the Shadow by Caroline B. Cooney

I'm not quite sure how to classify or describe this book. It encompasses so many different things. An African refugee family of four is sponsored by an American family of four. During the course of the book, you have a chance to see things through the eyes of each of the eight characters, each of whom is very diverse. You learn of what life is like for many refugees in Africa, and what it's like to see America from new eyes. There is a thread of suspense woven throughout the book. The end of the book is very fast paced.

Audience: middle school

Genre: Contemporary suspense

Topics: African refugees, blood diamonds, American affluence, church problems, suffering, sponsors, family, trauma, theft, violence, refugee camps, refugee agency workers, forgiveness, questioning goodness of God, immigrants

Mrs. Beckwith's Rating: 3.5 of 5

Notes: some violence

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