Thirteen-year-old Rachel Sheridan’s father, a missionary physician, and her mother, a teacher, who cared for the Kikuyu and Masai in Tumaini (East Africa), die from influenza in 1919. Rachel is taken in by her unpleasant neighbors, the Pritchards, whose daughter, Valerie, has also died. They force Rachel to visit Valerie’s grandfather in England—masquerading as Valerie— to secure his estate for them. But Rachel bonds with Valerie’s grandfather, eventually tells the truth about her identity, works toward becoming a doc tor, and returns to Tumaini to rebuild the hospital. Whelan’s research notes and a bibliography are provided. 2000 National Book Award (Young People’s Literature) for Homeless Bird . hc

Historical fiction with a wicked twist.

Listening for Lions is a breathtaking story of tragedy, deception, and triumph against all odds. National Book Award-winning author Gloria Whelan sets this richly historical coming-of-age adventure in British East Africa in the year 1918.

This irresistible novel entangles an orphaned girl in a deceit-filled plot. Young Rachel Sheridan is made to leave her beloved Africa for England, where she must pose as the deceased daughter of a nefarious couple in an effort to gain them an enormous inheritance. Her irrepressible spirit and extraordinary wit turn her from victim to heroine in a surprising and empowering tale of a remarkable young woman.