Ideal for those captivated by personal stories of resilience and humor, It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime appeals to fans of Becoming by Michelle Obama and The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. Readers who appreciate insightful, yet entertaining narratives about overcoming adversity and navigating cultural complexities will enjoy this memoir.

Trevor Noah's It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime is praised for its engaging storytelling and humor while tackling serious issues of apartheid in South Africa. Reviewers appreciate Noah's nuanced perspective on race and identity. However, some critics feel the transitions between anecdotes can be abrupt. Overall, it's an inspiring and informative read suitable for teens and adults alike.

It’s Trevor Noah: Born a Crime chronicles Trevor Noah's experiences growing up in apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa as the mixed-race child of a Black Xhosa mother and a white Swiss German father. The memoir blends humorous anecdotes with serious themes of racism, identity crises, and domestic violence, depicting Noah's journey from a boy navigating racial prejudices to a young adult seeking to break free from the cycles of crime and violence.

Humorous / Informative / Emotional / Bittersweet / Inspiring

- It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime is an adaptation of Trevor Noah's original memoir, Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, tailored specifically for young readers.
- The book’s title refers to Trevor Noah being born to a Black mother and a White father in apartheid South Africa, where such a union was legally punishable.
- Trevor Noah uses humor throughout the book to address challenging topics, reflecting his career as a stand-up comedian and host of The Daily Show.

**Trevor Noah**  
The author and central character of the memoir, whose experiences growing up as a mixed-race child in apartheid South Africa highlight the complexities of racial identity and systemic poverty. His mischievous nature and ingenuity are evident through various anecdotes shared throughout the book.

**Patricia Nombuyiselo Noah**  
Trevor's mother, who plays a key role in shaping his worldview and character, instilling values of resilience and independence. Her defiance of apartheid laws and determined spirit significantly impact Trevor's upbringing.

**Robert**  
Trevor Noah's father, a reserved and supportive figure who maintains a relationship with Trevor despite the challenges posed by the apartheid system. His periodic presence and the scrapbook he keeps reflect his quiet pride and love for Trevor.

**Abel**  
Patricia's later husband and a significant antagonist, whose volatile behavior and troubled relationship with Patricia and Trevor introduce themes of domestic tension. His unpredictable temperament and struggles with alcohol form a critical part of the narrative.

Trevor Noah

Middle grade

Autobiography / Memoir

Nonfiction

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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Summary and Study Guide

Background

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Chapters 1-4

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Part 1, Chapters 1-4 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 5-8

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Part 1, Chapters 5-8 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 9-13

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Part 2, Chapters 9-13 Summary & Analysis

Part 3, Chapters 14-17

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Part 3, Chapters 14-17 Summary & Analysis

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Key Figures

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Key Figures

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Themes

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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Index of Terms

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Important Quotes

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Important Quotes

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It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Essay Topics

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime Further Reading & Resources

It's Trevor Noah: Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood

Before You Read

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