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Mariatu Kamara

The Bite of the Mango

Mariatu KamaraNonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2008

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Mariatu Kamara

The Bite of the Mango

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Middle Grade | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Sierra Leone • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

800L

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Super Short Summary

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara follows eleven-year-old Mariatu, who lives in a small village in Sierra Leone. After being captured by rebel soldiers, her hands are amputated, and she navigates survival, pregnancy from rape, and deep depression. Eventually, she finds hope and independence through support, education, and advocacy, ultimately moving to Canada to rebuild her life. The book contains graphic depictions of violence and sexual assault.

Emotional

Inspirational

Dark

Unnerving

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

4,433 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara is widely praised for its compelling narrative and inspiring story of resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity. However, some reviewers note a lack of depth in character development. Overall, it's a powerful account that highlights the impact of civil war on individuals, making it a memorable and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Bite of the Mango?

Readers who appreciate heartfelt memoirs of resilience and overcoming adversity would enjoy The Bite of the Mango by Mariatu Kamara. Fans of I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai or First They Killed My Father by Loung Ung, which similarly explore personal triumphs amid harrowing circumstances, will find this book compelling.

4.2

4,433 ratings

73%

Loved it

22%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Sierra Leone • 1990s

Publication Year

2008

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

800L

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