The Girl Who Smiled Beads: A Story of War and What Comes After

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2018

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The Girl Who Smiled Beads

Genre: Nonfiction; Memoir; Autobiography
Originally Published: 2018
Reading Level/Interest: Lexile HL800L; College/Adult
Structure/Length: The memoir is divided into several chapters that alternate between Wamariya's experiences in Rwanda and her life in the United States; approximately 288 pages; audiobook length varies by edition.
Central Concern: The Girl Who Smiled Beads recounts Clemantine Wamariya’s harrowing experience of the Rwandan genocide and her subsequent journey as a refugee. At six years old, Wamariya and her sister fled Rwanda, spending the next six years migrating through seven African countries, searching for safety. The memoir vividly portrays the impact of war and displacement, delving into themes of identity, resilience, and the search for belonging. Wamariya also reflects on her life after moving to the United States, exploring how her past experiences continue to shape her understanding of herself and the world around her.
Potential Sensitivity Issues: Graphic descriptions of violence and war; themes of trauma and loss; depictions of the harsh realities faced by refugees.

Clemantine Wamariya, Author

Bio: Born 1988 in Rwanda; human rights advocate; became a refugee during the Rwandan genocide; granted asylum in the United States in 2000; graduated from Yale University; has worked to raise awareness about genocide and refugee issues.
Other Works: The Girl Who Smiled Beads is Wamariya's debut and primary work, detailing her personal journey and advocacy.