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.

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

- A Girl Named Disaster by Nancy Farmer was a Newbery Honor Book in 1997, recognizing it as a distinguished contribution to American literature for children.
- Nancy Farmer drew on her own experiences from living in Mozambique and Zimbabwe to authentically depict the cultural and geographical setting in the book.
- The novel won the Smarties Book Prize in 1996, awarded by the British magazine The Bookseller to outstanding children's books.

**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.

**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.

Nancy Farmer

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