Acorna's Search by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

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and

May 2003, Corgi

352 page, Paperback

Personal copy 

Science-Fantasy, Fantasy 

Linyaari, healing, strange disappearances, time travel/alternate worlds, shapeshifters, beings with evil intent, loss, grief, terror, prophecies, listening to elders, a not entirely happy ending, tissues needed

Summary from  Transworld

Acorna’s people, the Linyaari, are once more without a home. Though they survived the brutal attack from the cold-blooded Khleevi, the battle left their planet, narhii-Vhiliinyar, horribly scarred. Banding together, the Linyaari decide to rebuild both narhii-Vhiliinyar and their original homeworld, Vhiliinyar. But just as work begins to get under way Linyaari begin mysteriously disappearing – including Acorna’s lifemate, Aari.

Searching for Aari, Acorna makes an astonishing discovery: the remains of the subterranean world of the legendary Friends – a technologically advanced society that populated Vhiliinyar before the time of the Ancestors. What happened to the Friends? Where did they go and why has so little remained of their society? Acorna knows that to save Aari and the rest of the missing Linyaari she must begin to seek the answers – a quest that will once again take her deep into the realms of space to find the origins of her people…

Nayuleska's thoughts

Notice my cover - I have the pretty version! I saw the other version and yuck, I do  not like it. 

On with the story! I had read this one before...but I distinctly remember this is why I gave up reading it. I was distraught by the ending. I thought it was unfair, and how could the authors do that to Acorna? Now I totally understand why they chose that ending, and it provides an excellent premise for the next book, and will probably involve a lot of character development for all of those involved. 

People disappearing off a planet for no reason is strange. I remember the first time I read it (and admittedly this time because I couldn't remember the details), I wondered what was going on. The truth of the matter is a little horrific. Acorna and the others get to meet with people from their distant past. They aren't as sweet and gentle as the Linyaari have been led to believe. There are a few issues which are only touched upon, but when you think about it they are horrific, and although this washed over me when I read it as a teenager, I can see why this is an adult book (although younger people could read it and not pick up on everything). It involves genetic engineering, torture for the sake of science and captivity. 

Much of this story evolved around Acorna, rather than being based mostly on Aari. I enjoyed this because Acorna has to tuck away her emotions so she can be a useful member of the search party for her friends. Uncle Hafiz becomes more compassionate and less sly in his business dealings (he still worries about profit but he's grown soft over the years). There's little mention of Acorna's uncles, RK and Becker have quite a prominent role. As do the ancestors. They are really entertaining, and it's funny how much they hide from most of their species. 

After everyone was upset at having to lose so much of their wildlife when the Khleevi invaded the Linyaari home world, the ending of this story is delightful. I was smiling and felt happy inside for what the discoveries meant for the Linyaari. 

There is no shying away from the fact this is a sad book. It's good because it shows how well Aari has healed over time from his Khleevi torture. I'm looking forward to reading the next one because I'm sure he will be reunited with Acorna again (they have to be because there are 3 stories about her children). 

Final conclusion 

Acorna's life continues to be full of adventure - this time there is a lot of sadness and heartache, but I still love her and all her friends just as much. 

Check out more information about this and other books by Anne McCaffrey on her website. 

Make sure you read all the books in the series: Acorna, Acorna's Quest, Acorna's People  and Acorna's World 

Acorna's World by Anne McCaffrey and Elizabeth Ann Scarborough

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And also for

July 2001, Corgi

384 pages, Paperback 

Personal copy 

Fantasy 

Space travel, very big bugs, some violence, chilling moments, tissues needed, mild romance & inuendo (off-screen), family and friendship, dissonance, a cat, courage, bravery, holograms used for all kinds of purposes, 

Summary from Transworld 

Although she has made peace with her Linyaari heritage, Acorna knows that only by returning to the frozen stillness of space will she ever truly feel at home. But the solitude she desires must wait. 

Answering a faint distress call leads Acorna into a strange, intoxicating perfumed world of intelligent and sentient plants. There she finds a burned-out space ship with all the signs of a Khleevi attack. And suddenly all that Acorna holds dear is in grave peril. Because the devastation that was wrought here was no isolated occurrence, but the opening move in a planned onslaught that will decimate the two races to which Acorna is culturally, emotionally and genetically tied. 

Facing the annihilation of both her races, Acorna must discover the Khleevi’s weakness – and strike first.

Nayuleska's thoughts

Before I chat about the book, I must draw your attention to the cover. I love the cover, it fits in with the others and gives a good feel for the kind of girl Acorna is. 

Sadly I don't have that cover. Here's mine. 

I rarely hate a cover, but I don't like this one at all. In my personal view, it gives entirely the wrong impression of Acorna and the book. The clothes (in my view) are too tight and inappropriate. If I didn't know the story, I would have put the book back on the shelf because of the cover. I don't know why there are two different styles, but I'm glad there are. Hopefully most people will have read the first few books and enjoyed them, so won't be put off like I was (not everyone will be, but a few might). 

Back to the book which is amazing :) It's a little strange that on re-reading the series I understand it and love it more than when I was first introduced to Acorna. It's been over 10 years since I read them, and that's a long time, long enough for my perspectives on many things to change. As I read it I knew what the major events were as they crept up, but I'd forgotten all the smaller details. I realise that is probably to be expected, but I don't recall caring so much about everyone. The last time I read it I wasn't keen on Aari (so bad!). I thought he ought to get a grip, and possibly that Acorna was wasting her time. I didn't like Uncle Hafiz that much, thought he was rather selfish and  narrowminded (traits in my former self!). Now I see that he always keeps business in the back of his mind, but he dotes on Acorna and does want the best for her which includes her people, and also the children she protects. He admits he isn't keen on children, and at one point in the story he is on board a ship with a lot of children. Due to misadventure he has to find ways to keep them entertained and he does a remarkably good job. He puts all his skills into practice and creates something highly entertaining. Don't make the mistake that I did and think that he isn't good at self-defence. He found a way to use the entertainment as a means of defense. 

Defending people isn't left solely to Hafiz. The Linyaari themselves have to face up to facts that if they don't want to be destroyed, they have got to take action. However the best thing about being allies with humans is that someone else can take over the more violent parts :) 

The violence is much needed, because the Khleevi are back. The details about them made my stomach churn. They truly are a parasitic race who are evil to the core. They wreck everything. Although the Linyaari would like to believe there is good in everything (well, a few might), there isn't. 

Acorna's relationships with previous characters are a pleasure to watch. I love it when she gets reunited with and concerned about her human uncles. The children that she rescued are back - they play a part in this story. I found it really funny because Khetala, who was taken into prostitution before Acorna saved her, tried to convince some holograms that how they dressed/what they were meant to do wasn't appropriate or the only course of action. She's so passionate she tries to tell everyone, regardless of whether they are real, the better option in life. 

Acorna's people are definitely more accepting of her now. There is one who isn't, but she causes trouble and eventually get their due at the end. Unfortunately there is tragedy in this one, and I was crying away. I found myself tearing up for Aari as he had to remember more of his torture with the Khleevi. His and Acorna's friends care about them both, and give them a little push so that they can be together before it's too late. 

Final Conclusion 

The Linyaari are still fighting the Khleevi but the war is coming to a head. As much as her uncles - and her Linyaari family - would love her to be safe and away from the conflict, they know and accept that Acorna's place is in the heart of the action. 

Be sure you've read the previous books, Acorna, Acorna's Quest and Acorna's People 

Find out more about Anne McCaffrey on her website

Homeless bird by Gloria Whelan (part of Human Trafficking Awareness week reviews)

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February 2009, Frances Lincoln 

176 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's, 10+

Life in India, arranged marriage & marrying young, daughters thought of less than sons, hatred, friendship, charity, opportunites, a few tissues needed

Summary from Frances Lincoln

Koly's parents have arranged a marriage for their only daughter and now, like many girls her age in India, she will leave her home forever. She longs to run away, but she knows that she cannot go against tradition. On her wedding day, Koly's fate is sealed.

Caught up in a series of events that threaten to sweep her towards a frightening future, Koly finds herself cast out and alone. But sometimes courage and hope can be more powerful than tradition, and Koly learns that fate can be taken into her own hands

Nayuleska's thoughts

Marriage is supposed to be the biggest moment in anyone's life. Naturally Koly is really excited about it, and wants to be loved. Unfortunately the groom's parents are reluctant to hand over a photo or many other details for their son. Koly's family needs the honour of the marriage, so off she goes to the groom's house for the ceremony. Koly looks beautiful, but the illusion ends there. Inside she has a heavy heart. She had misgivings about the marriage. And by the time her family realise this, it is too late. In Koly's world if you turned down a marriage it brought public shame and humiliation on the family. 

Being married means sharing your life with someone. Koly wasn't allowed anywhere near her husband, who is definitely not what she expected or wanted. The brief time she spends with him she does start to like him, but then he is wrenched away from her. Koly's miserable existence is worsened by the treatment from her inlaws (who, quite personally, are out-laws). They steal from her. They treat her like dirt. There are a few acts of kindness by members of the family which help make life a little bearable. But mostly Koly's life is dismal. 

It shouldn't have been such a big surprise to Koly when she is betrayed by her new family, but to her it was. She was so young and naive that she truly thought it was a big mistake. I suppose it is a blessing that she wasn't sold off to someone. She had a run-in with a most unsavoury character who would have taken her away and abused her. Fortune smiles on Koly a little: as a consequence of the worst time in her life she finds peace and happiness, sprinkled with a little sorrow and grief. 

I strongly admire all the widows who help Koly out. They really could have just fended for each other, but they had realised that by supporting each other through the tough times, they all had a chance at not just surviving, but leading a good life. 

What stands Koly in good stead is her needlework. She does it for the joy of her marriage. When that joy disappears, she finds a way ton continue her art. It is an art because she puts all her emotions into the stitches. Other people recognise this, and provide Koly with a way of making a living. 

I think this book opened my eyes as to what can happen to some widows in the world, how they are shunned by a lot of society for no good reason. I hope that this practices continues to decline, and that in the future young girls will be able to say no to unwelcomed marriage and not be cast out of their family. 

Final conclusion 

Trust your instincts - if you feel someone is unpleasant and not to be trusted, try to get away from them. 

Explore Gloria Whelan's stories on her website. 

Be sure to check out this book of hers: First Girl (link to follow).

First Girl by Gloria Whelan (part of the Human Trafficking Awareness Week reviews, Children's, 10 years +, 10E/10E)

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August 2007, Frances Lincoln

176 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Themes: Life in China, country versus city life, farming, fishing, 2 child rule, neglect, deceit, solitude, friendships made and broken, forgiveness, tissues needed.

Summary from Frances Lincoln 

When another girl is born to Chu Ju's mother, it is quickly determined that the baby must be sent away. Chinese law states that a family may have only two children, and tradition dictates that every family should have a boy. Fourteen-year-old Chu Ju knows she cannot allow her sister to be sent to an orphanage and so she sets out in the middle of the night, vowing never to return.

Nayuleska's thoughts

Chu Ju's story is an unusual one for HTAW. She doesn't get bought, sold or abused. She falls in love with her baby sister (in a sibling way, not in any other sense). As her primary carer, inevitably she forms a close bond with her. She is horrified of the thought of Hua getting taken to an orphanage. Chu Ju doesn't want her sister living a harsh life. So she runs away to spare her of this fate. 

Her decision to leave her family shows just how deep her love was for Hua. And also for her mother - she misses her dearly. She meets a few people who treat her very kindly, but they can't replace what she's left behind. It's amazing how much she grows in the story. Not just physically - mentally too. She goes from being a girl with few skills, to learning how to fish, to grow and harvest rice. Her sweet personality endears her to those she meets. Unfortunately it is this characteristic that makes events turn for the worse. Every time she's content, she feels she has to tell the truth about her situation. Most people don't share her view on what she did, and they send her packing. 

I nearly cried the final time this happened, because Chu Ju was so close to finding permanent contentment. Thankfully someone intervenes and the full story is told. I think that having gone through such physical and emotional hardship, Chu Ju will lead a happy, fulfilling life. All the more so because she does return to her family, and then decides whether to stay with them, or return to the home she's made for herself. 

There were quite a few moments where my stomach dropped, but these were counterbalanced with all the occasions where I wanted to cheer. Chu Ju has an extraordinary life, but I could easily relate to her striving for a better future, and trying to do the right thing. I'd definitely recommend this to everyone Chu Ju has more courage and determination than some adults have. Her story is an inspiration to aim for the sky. 

Check out all of Gloria's work on her website.

Suggested read

Another beautiful tale of a young girl's strength: The Calligrapher's Daughter by Eugenia Kim.

The Robber Baron's Daughter by Jamila Gavin(part of the Human Trafficking Awareness Day reviews)

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August 2008, David Fickling Books 

336 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Children's, 10+ 

Secrets, intrigue, spies, bodyguards, ballet, ballet-obsessed grandmother, mysterious boy, disappearing tutor, human trafficking, illegal business, families (broken), truth revealed, childhood lost,

Summary from Egmont 

From the dark of the Bulgarian underworld to the grandeur of central London, what you don't know can't harm you. Or so Nettie believes. Nettie lives a privileged life in a mansion and she is adored by her parents. But her world shatters when her beloved tutor, Miss Kovachev, mysteriously disappears from the Round Tower. Does the ghost in the shadows of Nettie's house have something to do with it? Will spooky Great-Aunt Laetitia help her piece together the fragments? And why won't her parents tell her anything? Everyone has a facade. Everyone has a secret.

Nayuleska's thoughts

What makes this beautifully told and imaginative story more exciting is the way it is written. That possibly is an obvious statement, but the story switches from Nettie's story to Miss Kovachev's. Slowly, the reader figures out the truth with all the hints laid down. Benny is another character who the story focuses on - he becomes Nettie's friend - well, as long as she wants him. He does his best to investigate where her tutor went. He risks his father's job, their own home to find the truth. It's a dark truth, one which lurks in every society. 

Human trafficking in this book focuses on getting people illegally into England, so they can be exploited in different jobs. Learning about Miss Kovachev's story was heartbreaking. She ignored the early signs that the man she was with didn't have her best interests to heart. When she does realise the reality, it's almost too late. I got to learn her fate, bit by bit. It kept me glued to the book, because I was terrified it would be a sad ending. 

Initially I thought Nettie was a spoilt girl (not quite a brat). She had everything, and yet had nothing. She had everything money could buy, and yet she didn't have the attention she both craved and needed from her parents. She missed her tutor, and kept thinking about her because they connected with each other. She doesn't trust the bodyguards, and she slowly starts to do the thing her father doesn't want her to do - she asks question. She keeps asking them, even when people suggest that she stop what she did. I wanted her  to learn the truth, and I also didn't. She was so innocent and naive. But she's strong, and will succeed in life, no matter who her family are. 

Final conclusion 

A heartbreaking tale of how one little rich girl gets curious and investigates what her father really does, and by so doing so shatters her happy life, but helps saves the lives of others. 

Suggested reading: okay, the book I'm going to suggest is on a completely different topic but the style of writing is a little similar. Amelia Dee and the Peacock Lamp by Odo Hirsch

Payback by Rosemary Hayes (part of the Human Trafficking Awareness Day reviews)

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June 2009, Frances Lincoln 

208 pages, Paperback

Review copy 

Pakistani culture, arranged marriages, forced marriages, kidnapping, compassion and kindness, love, school life, courage, mild romantic elements, tissues will be needed. 

Summary from Frances Lincoln 

Like other young Muslim girls of 18, Halima has moved with her family to London and her horizons are beginning to expand. Then, just as she is about to start university, she discovers her father's plan: to marry her to the son of a distant relation in Pakistan who once did him a favour. Halima is to be the repayment of the debt. And it's payback time...

Nayuleska's thoughts

This book relates to Human Trafficking Awareness Day because Halima is treated like an object. The story starts off in a lovely way, describing her early life and how much she was loved by her family in Pakistan. Her brothers were favoured more than her, and her father was what you could call strict and unreasonable at times. He worked in England for a while, and Halima was both excited and nervous about joining him them. The problem is, once there she realised that he wasn't the father she'd known him to be. She settled in pretty fast to the English way of life. The book covers a span of several years, with events that snowballed to the end of the story. Knowing that she was kidnapped made it clear to me straight away who the culprits would probably be. I just didn't know how it would happen, and that was a scary part. 

Regular readers may know that I've stopped the habit of peeking at the end of a book. This one was a real test of strength - I was so worried for Halima. She is a sweet, intelligent girl who wants what is best for her. She wants to follow Islam correctly, the Islam that says it is okay to say no to marrying a suitor, that everyone is free to choose who to marry. Arranged marriages often work out very well. Both parties involved learn about each other, and about each other's families. I've known several people marry this way and they are very happy. 

Unfortunately the story of Halima is based on a real one. It really shows the horrors that are present in some parts of Islam. Rosemary makes it clear that what Halima's parents are doing isn't promoted by Islam. I liked that touch, and also the fact that Halima's best friend is Kate. Kate is Irish, she's funny, blunt, not quite who you'd expect Halima to be friends with. But they care for each other. Kate is the one who ultimately helps Halima, as do several other people who care for her. I wanted to cry in places where I didn't know what was happening next (which was most of the book, but some of it really had me on the edge of my seat.) I liked it how the chapters sometimes switched from Halima's point of view, to Kate's and another person's. The reader was able to get the whole picture of what happened to Halima. 

I think the cover is fantastic. It portrays exactly what happens, all the emotions behind Halima's life. 

Final conclusion 

A great insight into how life can be like from some Muslim girls. Based on a true story, it shows how families can turn against each other, as well as how true friendships and loyalties can make a huge difference to someone's life. By having Kate and other people care for her, Halima has that chance that some kidnapped girls don't have. Hope and freedom.

Rosemary Hayes can be found on her website. She also is the author of The Blue-Eyed Aborigine, reviewed by Amy, who also interviewed Rosemary. 

Acorna by Anne MCaffrey & Margaret Bell (part of the Human Trafficking Awareness Week reviews)

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This book will also counts as part of

January 1998, Corgi

416 pages, Paperback

Personal copy 

Science Fiction (mixed with fantasy) 

Futuristic space setting, what happens when companies are taken over, space mining, children used for slave labour and prostitution (nothing detailed or graphic), hope, friendship at times of adversity, compassion, caring for orphans, different species, space ships, assassination, humour, a few tissues needed

Summary from Transworld

Three old space mining prospectors in their beat-up space ship discover a small pod floating in space. Inside is a tiny girl child, with funny little hooves, a wealth of silver hair growing on her body, and a lump in the middle of her forehead which, as time elapses, grows into a horn. It is a sort of unicorn. 

When the old prospectors come to sell their ores on the home planet controversy breaks out. Bureaucrats want to put her in a home and cut off her deformity, scientists want to study her and isolate her, and so the old three kidnap her back on their ship and go roaring off round the universe, having adventures, saving her, and finally having her save all the child slaves on a terrible planet called Kezdet. It is space opera at it’s best and will be followed by more in the series, no doubt tracing Acorna to her home planet.

Nayuleska's thoughts

I sort of remember when I first read Acorna. I know I was just branching out into sci-fi and fantasy. I loved the concept of a unicorn girl having magical powers. I ended up loving the book so much I've read it over 5 times, it has a few pages bent in the corner, it has lots of creases in the spine...(you know I'm telling this just because I know a lot of you keep your books in much better condition than mine, right?) Sometimes when re-reading books after many years they aren't as exciting any more. I'm delighted to say that this isn't the case for Acorna. As I read the first chapter, I was beaming at the book (in between needing a tissue because it's so sad). 

I haven't read all the books in the series yet, but having read a few of them, I was able to read with a better understanding of all the different relationships in the book. There are a lot of them, but this actually doesn't make it difficult to understand (and I sometimes struggle if I'm reading a story with lots of plot lines, especially if I'm tired). 

First of all there is Acorna. She is the sweetest, funniest character ever. Three miners, Rafik, Gill and Calum are out in space earning their money. They come across Acorna's pod. They bring it in, open it, and discover her. Their love for her is extremely sweet. They want to make sure she is happy - that takes some creative thinking so that they can do their job and look after her (she gets upset if they go away from her). They make sure she is well-nourished - their ponics section only suffers a little bit, and because of her special abilities the air and water quality actually improve. 

It's a good thing that Acorna can heal people, because the miners are ever so popular in the book by people who want them to suffer (and kill them). Some of the reasoning is a case of mistaken identity. Others are just plain mean and evil. However, the horrid treatment that Acorna suffers at the hands of her enemies mean that her three guardians meet up with some pretty extraordinary people who have connections and can help Acorna use her talents for good. It is because of her that lots of children get rescued and given a safer home. Part of the story follows three girls, telling of their lives before Acorna, as well as how they play a part in bringing down part of the large tower of human trafficking on a particular planet. 

Acorna is so memorable because she's sweet and innocent. She follows orders, but the miners aren't used to children and don't realise they have to be one step ahead of her. She comes from an equine race of people who mature far quicker than humans. She ventures out and takes matters into her own hands. There are several scenes where she gets told off for risking her life and others. What started as an innocent outing ends up being a life lesson on what horrors there are in the world. This only fuels her desire to help others. She is full of kindness, yet is prone to jealously and frustration. 

This is a science fiction book, but I don't class it as super hard to understand sci-fi. There are instances of space terminology, but they are usually explained. It helps that Acorna was so inquisitive because the miners explain everything to her. I feel these and the rest of Anne's books are a perfect place to start for newcomers to science fiction, because they aren't stuffed full with technical jargon. I liked the rich details in the different places the miners visit: some areas are sterile, others are definitely on the nastier side of town. Almost every single character introduced in this book plays a big role in Acorna's life in the following books, making it a real pleasure to learn more about them and why they have a connection to Acorna.

Final conclusion

Acorna opened up more than just a new genre of books. Her tale opened my eyes to the darker side of humanity, and also to the generosity of a few people who fight for children in similar situations. I definitely recommend it! 

Acorna's series and other books by Anne McCaffrey can be explored on her website.

Be sure to read the next in this thrilling series: Acorna's Quest 

Human Trafficking Awareness Week

Tomorrow, the 11th of January is Human Trafficking Awareness day. I have decided to have an entire week devoted to books concerning this topic (and similar areas).

I was first aware of human trafficking when I was around 12 years old. I started reading Anne McCaffrey's Acorna series. I truly loved Acorna, how she could heal people and how crazy people were after her. I loved how she saved a lot of children from slavery (mostly for working in mines, or workshops, but also some young girls were taken for adult relations). I was horrified at what happened to the children before they were saved. I know I cried as I realised that although Acorna's story is set in space in the distant future, this was happening in the world.

After helping out with Aids Awareness Day and National Non-Fiction Day, I thought that I should help support the cause I'm most interested in.

My understanding of human trafficking is buy and selling people for services. This can be for slavery, such as farming, factory work (making clothes in sweat shops), or other jobs. My main interest is in trafficking where people are sold for non-consenting adult relations. To me this is almost the worst crime on earth ever. Children are forced to grow up too fast. They lose their freedom, their dignity, and hope. Some are under 5 years old.

Please don't make the mistake I did by investigating this on You Tube right before bed. I couldn't sleep for a long time. There are hundreds of organisations out there on the web who explain all the details of human trafficking, and how it affects every single country in the world. Apart from possibly the Arctic and Antartic because not very many people live there. But wherever there are people, there are a few sick and twisted individuals who have it in their heads that humans (especially children) are objects. They can be bought or sold for any price. Sometimes to the highest bidder. Sometimes to just anyone.

We may not have Acorna, but there is hope for some of the children out there. There are countless organisations which try and shut down seedy establishments, as well as the gangs who find the children. The one organisation which I keep an eye on is Transitions Global. It started with an ordinary American family learning about human trafficking, and then they set off to Cambodia to help save girls. What makes them unique is that they don't just save the girls, they give them a home to live in until they can manage on their own two feet. They are given the opportunity to an education, to prepare for any career they wish for. They give the girls counselling, they give them opportunities where they can actually laugh and feel like a child again. Their innocence may have been not, but they can regain their lives with a lot of help and support.

Here are a few questions the Transitions Global team kindly answered for this post.

1. What's the maximum number of girls you can take in at a time? Our TLC Program can take up to 20 girls and our STAR House Program can take 8 girls at a time. We don't take more because we create a home-like environment and keep a family atmosphere. Also, we want to give girls the maximum attention to their therapy, life skills, education and job training. We believe "It begins with a girl", which drives our work.
2. Is there a minimum and/or maximum age limit for taking a girl in? We work with Cambodian and Vietnamese girls between the ages of 14-18 years old. This is the most critical age group, with the most challenges in finding care that is focused on their particular needs.
3. What is the average length of time a girl spends with you? Our program averages 18-24 months, but the program is focused on the individual needs of the girls. We have had girls that only needed 6-9 months and we are seeing some girls with 9th and 10th grade educations, who need a little longer to finish high school and have the opportunity to attend university.
4. Roughly what percentage of girls are able to bring their perpetrators to court and have them prosecuted? Of all our girls over 90% testify against their traffickers. Most result in significant jail time. Our latest was sentenced to 16 years. In about 10% of the cases, justice is not done and traffickers, brothel owners and pimps are not prosecuted. But, the girls still feel empowered to have spoken up for themselves.
5. Do the girls keep in touch once they've 'graduated' from you? Yes. Many have come back from as far as China to visit, bring their babies to see us, or just to drop in. Last week, a graduate called to say 'thank you' for all Transitions Global did to help her heal and find a job as a counselor to other survivors.
6. How would you like Transitions Global to expand in the future? (More care for girls/different locations) We used to have dreams of world domination (just kidding). We really want to help more girls. What we are learning is that, while we would consider opening other TLC's and STAR Houses, we really believe we can create value from developing aftercare curriculum to help other organizations use our program in their countries. To date, Transitions Global has helped organizations in India, Greece and Indonesia to develop aftercare programs.
7. Would you consider running a similar scheme for boys? "It begins with a girl" is really a lot more than a tag line - it is the ethos of what we do and how we do it. Girls are the most affected by sex trafficking. While boys certainly need services, this looks much different and is not what we are good at. Empowering girls is our core competency and we want to do what we can do best. We believe that we have some practices that would work for a boys program, but we want to reach the greatest need, which is girls.

It is very easy to help support Transitions Global - follower them on Twitter and on  Facebook. Even by doing that small thing you are helping raise awareness about human trafficking, and a wonderful cause who help support some of the girls involved.

I'd like to thank everyone who has donated books for this event - at one point I was in despair of finding any other than Acorna! I'll be reviewing the entire Acorna series, including the one about her children (I'm actually writing this post on Dec 23rd. I haven't read them all yet, so I'm guessing that Acorna's children continue their mother's good work).

Special event announcement 10th-16th Jan 2011

I will release more information closer to the time, but from 10th-16th January I will be reviewing books related to the subject of Human Trafficking. This will include a Q & A with the awesome Transitions Global, (check the website to see how to follow them on Twitter & Facebook) an organisation that helps free girls, prosecute the criminals and provide the girls with a future.