Aluta

It's 1981 Ghana, and 18-year-old university student Charlotte's world feels full of opportunity. She has an older, sophisticated roommate (who teaches her to relax her natural hair and introduces her to wealthy men and dance clubs), challenging classes led by inspiring professors, and new friends like political activist Banahene. Encouraged by her political science teacher and Banahene, who persuade Charlotte that her passion and voice will inspire other women to become more involved in politics, she becomes an active member of the university's student government. When the Ghanaian government is overthrown, political factions recruit and threaten students to advance their agendas, manipulating public news sources and the dialogue surrounding the violent takeover, and Charlotte quickly learns that politics and power can be a treacherous game. Though the pacing is uneven, with the stakes raised significantly near the very end of Charlotte's story, Badoe (Between Sisters) captures the setting with authenticity, and the focus on student involvement in politics is timely. Charlotte, however, often feels more like a passive observer than an active part of the novel. Ages 14%E2%80%93up. (Sept.)