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I Am a Girl from Africa

I Am a Girl from Africa

by Elizabeth Nyamayaro

Scribner ·2021 ·272 pages
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I Index
70/99
Maybe Someday

49/99

Critics' Rating Index

Top of the Pile

91/99

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About This Book

The inspiring journey of a girl from Africa whose near-death experience sparked a dream that changed the world.She squeezes my hand and smiles. "I am here to feed hungry children in the village, because as Africans we must uplift each other." I don't understand what it means to uplift others, but I nod. I know that I can finally stand up. I will search for food. I will live. When severe draught hit her village in Zimbabwe, Elizabeth, then eight, had no idea that this moment of utter devastation would come to define her life purpose. Unable to move from hunger, she encountered a United Nations aid worker who gave her a bowl of warm porridge and saved her life. This transformative moment inspired Elizabeth to become a humanitarian, and she vowed to dedicate her life to giving back to her community, her continent, and the world. Grounded by the African concept of ubuntu—"I am because we are"—I Am a Girl from Africa charts Elizabeth's quest in pursuit of her dream from the small village of Goromonzi to Harare, London, New York, and beyond, where she eventually became a Senior Advisor at the United Nations and launched HeForShe, one of the world's largest global solidarity movements for gender equality. For over two decades, Elizabeth has been instrumental in creating change in communities all around the world; uplifting the lives of others, just as her life was once uplifted. The memoir brings to vivid life one extraordinary woman's story of persevering through incredible odds and finding her true calling—while delivering an important message of hope and empowerment in a time when we need it most.


Reviews

"An inspiring narrative that will be especially valuable to young people seeking to work for humanitarian causes."

Kirkus Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Rich with history and folk wisdom, Nyamayaro's story demonstrates the absolute courage and determination of one 'girl from Africa' to identify and realize her highest aspirations."

Elizabeth Nyamayaro· Bookreporter Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"Her humanitarian accomplishments are so many that the memoir often reads as an elaborate commercial for the U.N., the W.H.O."

Louis Chude-Sokei· The New York Times Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Her life example provides a beacon for ambitious change-makers."

Publishers Weekly Read review ↗ Near the Top

"Each chapter begins with a proverb from a different African country."

Constance Scharff PhD· The New York Journal of Books Read review ↗ Top of the Pile

"readers will find that they are occupying the story of a truly exceptional human being ..."

Enobong Tommelleo· Booklist Read review ↗ Near the Top

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