My Naam is Shudu

I am Shudu, Finding my Voice, Knowing my Strength tells Shudu’s story of her as a happy, laughing child, dancing across the village and her relationship with both her grandmothers who helped raise her.

It then speaks to the next phase of her life, school in Mpumalanga and Johannesburg living with her mother where she was viewed as a foreigner and was bullied. The story also tells of her special friendships and how this got her through her school years and the fairy tale ending of becoming Miss South Africa.

The book covers the themes of bullying, identity, bravery, forgiveness, displaced families, and the bond of friendships.

Shudu is a role model to all children, showing that anyone can succeed, particularly in how she inspires young girls to both celebrate and empower themselves. Told in Shudu’s words, this coming-of-age story is a triumph.

With beautiful illustrations from the award-winning Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, this book will inspire all 6 to 10 year olds