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Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah

A non-fiction life following Trevor Noah throughout his life. It starts with his vivid descriptions of childhood, with a focus on Aparthied's effects on his younger years. We get to take a glimpse at his family life and dynamics and what growing up in South Africa during the latter 20th century encompassed. He shares short stories that all build up to display why he now is the way he is, all coming together to display his personality and characteristics. 

While some autobiographies and non-fiction novels can fall short, this was far from that. Noah's funny and entertaining stories with a mix of the easy to read and fast-paced writing made for a very enjoyable book. This story touched on many important issues that were occurring in South Africa at the time of Noah's childhood, educating the people who chose to read this book. This novel will one day be a classic autobiography because of the themes touched upon, hence why I recommend Born a Crime: Stories From a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah, greatly. 

Reviewed by R.B., Grade 11
Montrose Library 
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Melissa said…
This memoir is about Trevor Noah's life as he grew up as the son of a Black Xhosa mother and a Swiss father during apartheid. During apartheid, it was illegal for people to have mixed children, hence the title of the book. He recounts his challenges with factors of racial identity, poverty, and his relationship with his fiercely loving mother. Through his vivid storytelling and comedic voice, he expressed his trouble with fitting in with his peers and the systemic racism in South Africa.

Reviewed by AN, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
This book was extremely special and unique. I had always known of the comedian Trevor Noah, but I had never learned about the trials of hardship he went through growing up. It was a fascinating perspective to learn from, and the comedic nature of the book was fun and witty. This book made me think about how significant Nelson Mandela's revolution was and how people in different countries lived. I am thankful for the systems in America and our fight for justice. Everyone deserves to be included.
March 14, 2025 at 3:51 PM
Anonymous said…
Born a Crime is a book by Trevor Noah where he talks about his childhood in South Africa. Trevor was born to a Black mom and a White dad during apartheid, which was a time when people were separated based on their race. His parents' relationship was illegal, and Trevor’s very birth was considered a crime. In the book, Trevor shares funny and serious stories about how hard it was growing up as a mixed-race kid who didn’t belong to one group. He talks about the tough situations he faced, like bein

I really liked this book. My classmates and I read this last semester of 10th grade and it was really interesting. I learned how it was to be an African during Apartheid.

Reviewed by T.U, Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
May 30, 2025 at 5:01 PM
Anonymous said…
Comedian Trevor Noah details his experience growing up in South Africa, during its time of apartheid. Using both intensely emotional and hilariously flippant language, Trevor retells the events most prevalent from his childhood, ranging from his funniest moments with friends all the way to his most traumatic memories. Going from school to school, town to town, there's a lot to go around. This memoir will bring out laughter and tears all the same, leaving one both satisfied and hungry for more.

Reading this book was an intense experience, to say the least. I learned all sorts of new vocabulary, and learned what apartheid actually was. Educational books are usually pretty boring, but the addition of unique storytelling and humor made me unable to put it down. Tough subjects like those discussed in the book are usually difficult for me to read about, but it was written in a way that I could process it steadily. All in all, finishing the book was sad (as with all books) but a great read!

Reviewed by Zooey S., Grade 10
Glendale Central Library
September 12, 2025 at 5:15 PM
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