Graphic novel, quick read (series of 6).

Takes place in the 1970s in Côte d'Ivoire.

Characters are 19-20 years old.

Hook: Young people sneaking off to empty marketplace to make out/have sex, premarital sex and pregnancy, marriage and cheating. 

Themes around family, work, young people, studies, opportunities and attitudes towards women.

Not appropriate for younger students, mature content (sexual relationships with 19-20 year olds).

However this is not graphic and not shown in the images, just behind the scenes.

It’s about choosing your own path.

Family troubles: Father is cheating.

Important to talk about context: what the world was like in the 1970s, talk about social values, and note that Côte d’Ivoire has evolved since then. (students might be a bit judgemental about some aspects)

It does not feel dated. Very colorful, does not feel like it’s taking place in the 70s.

Students might relate to it (how their parents grew up).

Aya is a hard-working student, wants to be a doctor, wants to do things differently from her friends. Another young man who does not have a job or interests fixes up his life so he can get together with Aya.

There are success stories - important to note how to address the stories in the book and make sure not to reinforce negative stereotypes.

Great to address intercultural competence because it highlights different worldviews - explain this to students. 

Classroom use:

• Relatable to older students

• Important to explain difference now in Côte d'Ivoire and Canada

• Lexique of vocabulary from Côte d'Ivoire.