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A Girl Named Disaster

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996

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Book Brief

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Nancy Farmer

A Girl Named Disaster

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 1996
Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mozambique • 1980s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.2

5,367 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read A Girl Named Disaster?

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.

4.2

5,367 ratings

67%

Loved it

24%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Nhamo

An imaginative and spirited 11-year-old girl living in a remote Mozambique village, who embarks on a journey to find her father's family in Zimbabwe after facing numerous challenges.

Nhamo’s deceased mother, whose spirit Nhamo communicates with throughout the story, offering her comfort and guidance.

Nhamo’s maternal grandmother who serves as her only confidante and ally within a family that largely disapproves of her existence.

Nhamo’s cousin, portrayed as pretty, smart, and gentle, serving as a model of the good and honorable daughter within their community.

Nhamo’s absent father, whose actions and legacy impact her life significantly despite her lack of personal memories of him.

A scientist in the Efifi community who becomes a maternal figure to Nhamo upon her arrival in Zimbabwe, supporting her and encouraging her independence.

Nhamo’s aunt and a primary antagonist in her life, who resents her and often treats her poorly.

Book Details
Pages

336

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Mozambique • 1980s

Publication Year

1996

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

10-14 years

Lexile Level

730L

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