No Laughter Here

About this book

In this groundbreaking novel Coretta Scott King Award winner Rita Williams-Garcia uses her vividly realistic voice to highlight an often taboo practice that affects millions of girls around the world every year and to explore a perspective not often depicted in YA fiction. Even though they were born in different countries Akilah and Victoria are true best friends. But Victoria has been acting strange ever since she returned from her summer in Nigeria where she had a special coming-of-age ceremony. Why does proud Victoria named for a queen slouch at her desk and answer the teachers questions in a whisper? And why wont she laugh with Akilah anymore? Akilahs name means "intelligent " and she is determined to find out whats wrong. But when she learns the terrible secret Victoria is hiding she suddenly has even more questions. The only problem is they might not be the kind that have answers. Previously available only as an ebook this remarkable novel is now back in print!