There's rarely a day that the word apartheid isn't mentioned in the media. The problem for families, groups and whole communities is obvious as the policy shifts, and changes mean demands for equal space and equal rights.
While we readily see in the media the masses that are affected, we seldom see children considered, except as they are a smaller part of the large groups. If young children are going to understand and empathize with the social crises around the world, however, they need to view them in a relevant manner.The empathy for social upheaval - war, political changes, state and school authority - is best portrayed to children through young protagonists. Personal narratives or fiction showing repercussions dealing with children make an impact on young readers when the relevance becomes apparent through appropriate language and parallels in lifestyle.
THE MIDDLE OF SOMEWHERE; A STORY OF SOUTH AFRICA, by Sheila Gordon (Orchard Books, 1990) is such a story of social upheaval of a family in South Africa. The most sensitive part of the story is the way the author, a native of Johannesburg, has made the reader feel connected to the issues.
Rebecca and her family are told they must move from their home because the government wants the land for a new white suburb. Each day the threat of the bulldozers coming is more intense. But Rebecca's family and many neighbors have lived in the area their entire lives. Leaving means put-ting an end to their history. The government promises them better living conditions: "But the houses at Pofadderkloff are much better than what we have now. They're all brand-new, he says. We'll have our own water tap . . . there'll be electric light in all the houses."
The protests, the neighbors who silently leave in the middle of the night and the organized resisters all make up the story. While the characters and setting are an integral part, it is the conflict of the government over a small black community that is the foundation of the book.
The conflict vibrates in each character differently. Rebecca's grandmother displays her anger verbally while the brother makes signs and pickets. But the parents are suspicious ("My father says it's all lies - just to get us to move") but cautious since they are employed by white families.
When Rebecca's father is jailed because of his verbal stand against the government mandate, the outwardly stoic family chooses no other opinions but to stay until his release.
Of major interest is the government's promise to relocate the family if it will leave. The new location ends up being a pitiful alternative, a hoax on the obedient families.
"The Middle of Somewhere" is based on Gordon's experiences and they are not positive ones. The poor, illiterate parents must work for white families as servants and aides. The promise of anything different for themselves is never dreamed about.
The children can and do dream of more and for this reason the book hits the target. The tenacious Rebecca and John (representing the young African black of today) will seek a better life. Taking this chance is what "The Middle of Somewhere" is about. Gordon has helped the reader see the possibilities of a time when "the black people are running this country . . . ."