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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

4.39
on Goodreads (8,557)

What’s inside...

Trevor Noah, the host of The Daily Show, shares his childhood stories of growing up as a mixed-race child in South Africa, where he was born to a black South African mother and a white Swiss father. The book is a collection of humorous and heartwarming stories about his childhood, from his experiences with racism and poverty to his love of language and comedy. Through his stories, Noah reflects on the complexities of race, identity, and family, and how his experiences have shaped him into the person he is today. A New York Times Bestseller The host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, tells the story of growing up half black, half white in South Africa under and after apartheid in this young readers' adaptation of his bestselling adult memoir Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood. BORN A CRIME IS SOON TO BE A MAJOR MOTION PICTURE STARRING OSCAR WINNER LUPITA NYONG'O! Trevor Noah, the funny guy who hosts The Daily Show on Comedy Central, shares his remarkable story of growing up in South Africa with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child to exist. But he did exist--and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his keen smarts and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government. This fascinating memoir blends drama, comedy, and tragedy to depict the day-to-day trials that turned a boy into a young man. In a country where racism barred blacks from social, educational, and economic opportunity, Trevor surmounted staggering obstacles and created a promising future for himself, thanks to his mom's unwavering love and indomitable will. It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime not only provides a fascinating and honest perspective on South Africa's racial history, but it will also astound and inspire young readers looking to improve their own lives. Through the foreign, the familiar, and the funny, Born a Crime is a piercing reminder that every mad life--even yours--could end up a masterpiece. --JASON REYNOLDS, New York Times bestselling author His mother raised him with an imagination and showed that there were no barriers to whatever he wanted to be. Readers will find this journey through Noah's formative years humorous and exciting. --BOOKLIST Startling in its honesty, humor, and humility. --KIRKUS REVIEWS For readers who will appreciate and understand how a parent's love enabled Noah to become the successful man he is now. --SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL
Age

10-15

Length

304 pages

Text complexity

Character compass

Trevor Noah
Robert
Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah
Abel

Discussion points

How do Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa compare to your own childhood experiences?
What role does humor play in Trevor's life and storytelling? Can you think of a time when humor helped you through a difficult situation?
Trevor discusses identity and the feeling of belonging in his book. How do you define your own identity and where do you feel you belong?
What are some ways Trevor uses his challenges to propel him forward rather than hold him back? Can you relate to overcoming obstacles in your own life?
What did you learn about the history and culture of South Africa through Trevor's stories? Why is it important to learn about histories and cultures different from our own?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage empathetic listening when discussing Trevor Noah's experiences, highlighting the importance of understanding diverse perspectives.
Use humor from the book to initiate light-hearted discussions, easing into deeper conversations about the serious themes presented.
Connect discussions about identity and belonging in the book to your child’s personal experiences, fostering a deeper self-exploration and awareness.
Discuss the resilience demonstrated by Trevor, prompting your child to share personal stories of resilience and growth.
Supplement the reading experience with a brief study or overview of South Africa’s history to enrich the context of the book’s setting and events.

Key lessons

Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in apartheid South Africa show his ability to persevere despite significant challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of overcoming obstacles and maintaining a positive outlook, even in difficult situations.
Example Lesson: The value of identity
Explanation: Through Trevor's journey, readers see the significance of embracing one's heritage and personal history.
Real-World Application: Kids can appreciate and accept their own unique backgrounds and those of others, fostering a sense of pride and empathy.
Example Lesson: The impact of choices
Explanation: The book highlights how Trevor's decisions, and those of his mother, shaped their futures.
Real-World Application: It teaches children that their choices can have long-term consequences, encouraging them to think carefully and act responsibly.
Example Lesson: Understanding diverse perspectives
Explanation: Trevor's stories provide insights into different cultural and social norms, highlighting the diversity of human experience.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect diverse viewpoints, which is crucial in our interconnected world.
Example Lesson: Humor as a coping mechanism
Explanation: Despite the serious themes, Trevor often uses humor to cope with his circumstances and connect with others.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the power of laughter in dealing with challenges and in building relationships.

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah