The Birthday Party

A young adult novel by Mkama Mwijarubi, winner of the Burt Award for African Literature. Kiss will soon turn twelve. She has taken the train from Mbeya with her grandmother to celebrate her birthday with her mother, father, and brother Kiddo. Kiss has not seen them in three years. She is very excited and looks forward to a happy reunion. However, she does not understand why her father has refused to stay in the house with them, and neither parent is forthcoming with her questions. Tension increases as the birthday grows closer. What will happen once everybody is gathered for her big day? Will she receive what she most desires for her birthday gift? Mwijarubi has crafted memorable characters with real-life dilemmas in this touching and entertaining novel. Young readers and adults alike will enjoy this tale, which teaches the redemptive power of forgiveness. For young adult readers, family reading, and Tanzanian school libraries.