This was a short book, so it was a quick read for me, but its message didn't fall very flat and the subject was still handled maturely and with care.Akilah is a very sweet, bright, and high-spirited girl who is waiting impatiently -- as all children are apt to do-- for the return of her very dear friend and neighbor, Victoria, who has been on a trip to Nigeria in order to see her family. Victoria and her family are -- from what you can gather -- really tied to their 'African roots'...But when Victoria returns, Akilah notices something odd.. different.. off about her dear friend: She doesn't smile anymore, she doesn't participate in class; she only nods and stares straight ahead when anyone talks to her... Akilah is determined to find out the reason why, and the truth is something that no child wants to experience, let alone be aware of, especially at middle school age...This book deals with the unfortunate phenomenon that is FGM or Female Genital Mutilation, also known as Female Circumcision. It is an 'operation' performed on girls as young as nine years old, or whenever they reach around puberty age, as a 'rite of passage'.It is done in at least 23 different countries in the continent of Africa, and this gruesome and morbid custom has also been -- believe or not-- carried over into the United States, where it has actually performed HERE.Here is a diagram (put in spoilers to prevent offending anyone.. don't worry, it's just a drawing):(view spoiler)[ (hide spoiler)]
I loved the creativity of all the characters, but especially Akilah and her "girl warrior" attitude! She reminds me of one of my students. I also truly enjoyed how up-to-date the book was with surfing on the Internet, having an international student population, instant messaging, etc. It provided a realistic contrast to what many believe is not modern – female genital mutilation. Williams-Garcia approaches this topic with honesty, but in a delicate way. I also really liked Ms. Saunders, the teacher, who encourages Akilah to be the person she knows she is. The teacher's faith in Akilah shows the positive influence that teachers can have, especially when they truly know their students. Another topic that is broached is friendship and I think the author's idea of a difference between a "best friend" and a "true friend" is important for girls in this age group. The book says it is intended for grades 7 and up and I assume that is more for the content than the readability.
What do You think about No Laughter Here (2003)?
I love the Book No Laughter here because the simply fact that Akilah doesn't brood about the changes in her body, she would rather be playing with her nigerian friend Victoria. Also, i like how the Author makes you read more to find out the secret of why one of the characters does not laugh anymore and it makes you think. Reading this book can relate to a lot things that you probably heard about Africa. It explained a lot of how girls are treated in Nigeria. I would recommend this book so you know what happens to girls your age or younger
—Candance Wallace
No book has ever made me more angry for the same reason as this. I was outraged, OUTRAGED, I tell you, that something like what happened to Victoria was ever practiced, and that it's still practiced, and that ANYONE, ANYWHERE ever thought it was a good idea at all. I'm still angry just thinking about it. That being said, this book solidifies in my mind Rita Williams-Garcia's writing talent (and thankfully, it angered me in a much less "negative" way than her other book "Jumped" did). The writing is excellent, the characters memorable, and the message painfully clear without being overbearing. Still, it's extremely rough reading, even for me. I fear that if it had gone on longer than 131 pages, I may not have been able to stomach it.
—Kim B.
I enjoyed reading every line of "No Laughter Here" because Rita Williams-garcia did a good job in putting the reader in the mindset of a strong willed child. Reading the book through a child's viewpoint was a good touch because it made me feel like a child again and that was a good feeling. Not only could I relate to being a child again, it was like reading a story about a long lost twin of mine because Akilah is outgoing, intelligent , and stands for what she believes in. Also Akilah is big on friendship . The way that she protects her best friend Victoria even if it means that she could get in trouble or lose face with their teacher shows a lot about the type of character she has . Akilah and Victoria share a bond that cannot be broken and even when Victoria came back from nigeria (now mutilated) she still found comfort in not speaking with Akilah but by just spending time with her . I believe Akilah was the comfort for Victoria during her hard time and without even speaking to one another their friendship was strongest it's ever been .
—Pinkbow29gmail.Com
