Golden Boy
Golden Boy by Tara Sullivan, published by National Geographic Books on June 12, 2014, is a reprint edition consisting of 384 pages. This novel follows the journey of thirteen-year-old Habo, who is marked by his light eyes, yellow hair, and white skin, setting him apart in a society that struggles to accept differences. As Habo faces abandonment and cruelty from his family and peers, he embarks on a perilous journey across Tanzania, seeking refuge and a sense of belonging amid the harsh realities of his existence.
Readers will find a poignant exploration of identity and survival as Habo grapples with the stigma of being an albino in a culture where such individuals are hunted for their body parts. The narrative delves into social themes and the violence that accompanies Habo’s quest for dignity and acceptance. Through his experiences, the story sheds light on the broader societal issues faced by marginalized communities in Africa, making it a significant addition to juvenile fiction that addresses complex social themes.
Official synopsis Publisher
“Harrowing but ultimately redemptive…the murder of Tanzania’s albinos is a real and horrific phenomenon of the past 15 years, a cold fact that makes the fictional events in ‘Golden Boy’ more moving and consequential than those in any dystopian young-adult chase-drama.”
—The Wall Street Journal
*”A riveting snapshot of one Tanzanian boy who makes himself matter.”
—Kirkus Reviews, starred review
*“Readers will be haunted by Habo’s voice as he seeks a place of dignity and respect in society. An important and affecting story.”
—School Library Journal, starred review
Thirteen-year-old Habo has always been different—light eyes, yellow hair and white skin. Not the good brown skin his family has and not the white skin of tourists. Habo is strange and alone. His father, unable to accept Habo, abandons the family; his mother can scarcely look at him. His brothers are cruel and the other children never invite him to play. Only his sister Asu loves him well. But even Asu can’t take the sting away when the family is forced from their small Tanzanian village, and Habo knows he is to blame.
Seeking refuge in Mwanza, Habo and his family journey across the Serengeti. His aunt is glad to open her home until she sees Habo for the first time, and then she is only afraid. Suddenly, Habo has a new word for himself: Albino. But they hunt Albinos in Mwanza because Albino body parts are thought to bring good luck. And soon Habo is being hunted by a fearsome man with a machete. To survive, Habo must not only run, but find a way to love and accept himself.
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