47 pages • 1 hour read
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
336
Novel • Fiction
Mozambique • 1980s
1996
Middle grade
10-14 years
730L
In A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer, 11-year-old Nhamo lives in her remote Mozambique village with her late mother’s family. Falsely blamed for recent misfortunes by a local doctor, Nhamo's aunt and uncle plan to marry her off to a dangerous man. Desperate, she flees in a boat to Zimbabwe, a journey that unexpectedly lasts months, testing her resilience and leading to personal growth. The book addresses complex themes, including child marriage, domestic violence, emotional abuse, brief suicidal ideation, and cultural displacement.
Adventurous
Challenging
Inspirational
Emotional
Hopeful
5,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nancy Farmer's A Girl Named Disaster has been praised for its strong heroine, rich cultural details, and engaging survival tale. While some found the pacing slow and the ending abrupt, many appreciated the vivid storytelling and character development. Overall, it is a compelling read that captures resilience and growth.
Fans of The House of the Scorpion and A Long Walk to Water will enjoy A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer. It appeals to readers aged 10-14 who relish survival tales featuring strong, resourceful protagonists overcoming adversity in vivid, culturally rich settings. Ideal for those interested in African folklore and personal resilience.
5,367 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Mother (Runako)
Nhamo’s deceased mother, whose spirit Nhamo communicates with throughout the story, offering her comfort and guidance.
Grandmother (Nyamasatsi)
Nhamo’s maternal grandmother who serves as her only confidante and ally within a family that largely disapproves of her existence.
Masvita
Nhamo’s cousin, portrayed as pretty, smart, and gentle, serving as a model of the good and honorable daughter within their community.
Proud Jongwe
Nhamo’s absent father, whose actions and legacy impact her life significantly despite her lack of personal memories of him.
Dr. Everjoice Masuku
A scientist in the Efifi community who becomes a maternal figure to Nhamo upon her arrival in Zimbabwe, supporting her and encouraging her independence.
Aunt Chipo
Nhamo’s aunt and a primary antagonist in her life, who resents her and often treats her poorly.
336
Novel • Fiction
Mozambique • 1980s
1996
Middle grade
10-14 years
730L
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.