Out Of Bounds: Seven Stories Of Conflict And Hope

Out of Bounds is historical fiction for junior high students. The thought-provoking tales are set simply, providing for easy comprehension. Each character is given a distinct, notable personality. Although their names may be foreign for some readers, the identifiable traits set each person apart. While these short stories seems like a fairly simple, straightforward read, there are moving messages on and between the pages. With each chapter, the reader learns of that year’s new government laws for segregating whites, blacks, Indians, and "coloreds." With each major, shocking event, the reader easily picks up on the prejudices and racism. However, also after each chapter, some main points of the subject remain hidden, leaving the reader an unanswered question sometimes without a correct answer. This aspect drew me deep into the book. I often found myself rereading some passages to hopefully better understand the situations. On the whole, I found Out of Bounds a very satisfying read; much like a book I would enjoy borrowing from the library.

This is an excellent and informative collection of stories. One has to be horrified by the gratuitous pain and suffering foisted upon people of color by apartheid. More remarkable is the courage, determination, and graciousness that people of color demonstrated in restoring freedom to their homeland.