In Benched by Santilla Chingaipe we have the theme of connection, identity, authority, power, independence and pride. Narrated in the first person by Chingaipe herself the reader realizes after reading the story that Chingaipe may be exploring the theme of connection. Chingaipe’s parents want her to participate in team sports as they feel it will […]

In Ant Bush by Sefakor Aku Zikpi we have the theme of appearance, identity, acceptance, fear, confidence and happiness. Narrated in the first person by Zikpi herself the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Zikpi may be exploring the theme of appearance. Zikpi wants her hair to be different and not to […]

In Winston by Lauren Mullings we have the theme of hardship, bullying, racism, deflection, anxiety, acceptance and coming of age. Narrated in the first person by Mullings herself the reader realizes after reading the story that Mullings may be exploring the theme of hardship. Mullings finds it difficult to co-exist with some of her classmates. […]

In The Whitest White Girl by Prue Axam we have the theme of history, heritage, pride, innocence, acceptance, freedom and injustice. Narrated in the first person by Axam herself the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Axam may be exploring the theme of history and heritage. Axam can trace her family genealogy […]

In Blending Families by Shona Kambarami we have the theme of racism, prejudice, connection, ignorance and acceptance. Narrated in the first person by Kambarami herself the reader realizes from the opening sentence of the story that Kambarami may be exploring the theme of racism. Kambarami feels as though Ben (Him’s father) is a racist even […]

In Her Mother’s Daughter by Nyadol Nyuon we have the theme of sacrifice, identity, separation, racism, pride, freedom, connection and belonging. Narrated in the first person by Nyuon herself it becomes clear to the reader after reading the story that Nyuon may be exploring the theme of sacrifice. Nyuon’s father gave his life during the […]

In Power by Hope Mathumbu we have the theme of faith, power, innocence, jealousy, sibling rivalry and friendship. Narrated in the first person by Mathumbu herself the reader realises from the beginning of the story that Mathumbu may be exploring the theme of faith and the power of faith over an individual. Though Mathumbu wants […]

In Potato Country by Kirsty Marillier we have the theme of struggle, conflict, sadness, racism, change and hope. Narrated in the first person by Marillier herself the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Marillier may be exploring the theme of struggle. Marillier’s family struggles to get by and her father wants to […]

In Sam by Faustina Agolley we have the theme of curiosity, connection, culture, heritage, loss and happiness. Narrated in the first person by Agolley herself the reader realizes from the beginning of the story that Agolley may be exploring the theme of curiosity. Agolley is curious about her father who has died. She knows very […]