Kamara, Mariatu, and Susan McClelland.  The Bite of the Mango.  Buffalo:  Annick Press, 2008.

Mariatu Kamara has gone through more tests of courage and heartache than most.  Growing up in Sierra Leone, Mariatu’s journey to Canada started the day that rebels savagely cut of her hands.  Searching for help, Mariatu ends up in Freetown, where she meets people that help her reach beyond her pain to find hope in new beginnings.

Written in a story format, The Bite of the Mango is a compelling read.  The suffering and trauma that some children and young adults experience in other areas of the world is astounding.  The Bite of the Mango certainly opened my eyes.