How Dare The Sun Rise: Memoirs of a War Child

Reviewed by: Elizabeth Andersen - Westbrook High School, Westbrook, Southern Maine Library District

Review Date: August 7, 2017

Review

Sandra’s memoir is a powerful narrative of survival, strength, and courage. She begins her story the night her sister and others were massacred by rebels in a UN refugee camp. Although Sandra also had a gun to her head, she survives. The narrative then flips back to her early life in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the tensions against her people, the Banyamulenge, that forced her family to flee. The family eventually ends up in Rochester, NY as part of a UN replacement program. In addition to dealing with usual teenage issues, Sandra must work through the grief and guilt she feels about her sister’s death, as well as the trauma of a sexual assault. She must also adapt to another culture and learn English. During her junior year of high school, Sandra begins a project that helps her recover and move forward. She creates a nationally recognized photo exhibit that helps others understand the pride and strength of her people. Sandra Uwiringiyimana offers a strong female voice to the growing body of war and immigrant memoirs. Her inspirational story needs to be read far and wide.

Overall Book Score: excellent