No More Strangers Now

This simple collection of first person stories and compelling black-and-white photos offers more insight into South Africa than a year's worth of newspapers. Twelve South African teenagers of different races and backgrounds recount their experiences under Apartheid and the slowly dawning awareness that life in their divided nation might one day be different. The authors are Americans who have worked with young people in South Africa, and the refreshingly frank teen subjects offer an uncensored look at prejudice in their own families and communities. These young people are not too embarrassed to admit that they were taught racist values, but neither are they closed to change and forgiveness. "When I was small I was told I had to stay away from black people," says one white South African, who finally connected with kids of other races after spending the weekend at a multiracial camp. "I feel like a pressure has gone off my shoulders." This book will inspire readers--young and old, and from all nations--to lift the weight of prejudice from their own lives. --Maria Dolan