No Laughter Here

I am grateful this book has been written and published for a younger audience. When male circumcision is viewed as a rite of passage, it is often looked at as something boys do to celebrate their entree to adulthood. I've never been in a classroom where students perceived the boys as persecuted or anything less than "brave warriors." In the western world, male circumcision has medical and cultural controversy; there is very little discussion about the mere existence of FMG. What exists leaves little argument that female circumcision is truly physical mutilation. Male circumcision as a rite of passage is oft considered an allowable topic for adolescents, yet FMG is treated as taboo if ever introduced into conversation at all. I do not advocate that anyone judge this practice without much more information, and there is great controversy over whether or not it is culturally appropriate to judge it from our western vantage point. Adults can read and learn more from Waris Dirie's book Desert Flower. You can also investigate more deeply with a simple web search. The book, written with 10 year old protagonists, tells the tale of a profoundly complex issue in just the right way to begin the dialogue. I find it especially valuable for broaching this feminist, humanist, and public health issue for young adult readers. Highly recommended.

No Laughter Here, like its heroine Akilah, sparkles with intelligence and courage to tackle a subject most adults can't bear to face: the horrifying deliberate mutilation of little girls in the barbaric ritual known as FGM. In America we worry our kids are growing up too fast, with too many weighty issues bombarding them. However, other countries (such as rural India, where teenagers become second wives to 50-year-old brutes) don't share our definition of protecting children. Luckily, there are voices out there like Akilah's.

Rarely do I pick up YA (Young Adult) fiction, but as a librarian I have the privilege to see what comes across the table in all genres and to generally see where my nose will lead me. This is a story of two families: African and African-American on American soil. The story centers around two very bright, precocious 5th graders: Victoria and Akiliah. Ms. Garcia does a fine job in creating the minds and concerns of these two young students. When Victoria returns to Nigeria with her family, she undergoes FGM. This change affects both Victoria and Akiliah in more ways than one. Whereas FGM is custom in Africa, here, in America, one sees it as child abuse if not named something else sick and sadistical. The beauty in this story is the insight into young minds, specifically Akiliah's and what causes young people, perfect students, to act out. In Akiliah's case, her perfect record is ruined when she becomes protective of Victoria. Her father has given her the name: Girl Warrior. An alter-ego that allows Akiliah to stand up for herself against everyone, including the defiance of her own mother. The reasons for Akiliah acting out are sort of justified. The author never sides in this matter, but one might surely opine that Akiliah's infractions are just and righteous given the situations she finds herself. We also see how ultra-caddy middle classed black women can be whether African or African-American. All the same except where customs and cultural values are in place. More importantly, No Laugher Here englightens and in some manner furthers the awareness and fight against female mutilation in Africa. The topic is highly serious, however, Ms. Garcia shapes this story in a manner that is easily accessible and educational for all young adults!!

This story needed to be told. This is a wonderful story about loyalty and friendship. This books succeeds both as a stand-alone piece of exceptional writing and as a clarion call to raise awareness about this horrific practice.

I was skeptical of a book for young teens and pre-teens dealing with FMG, but Williams-Garcia has written a book that is stunning in its quiet approach and sensitive handling of the material. Her ability to get inside the head of the inquisitive Akilah is so good I stopped being an adult children's librarian and became the outraged angry 5th grader trying to protect her friend. This is an important book and should get immediate and wide readership. Discussion will be necessary with the fifth graders it is aimed at, but older children should be able to handle the disturbing parts. Breathtaking.