Goodreads Review:
The host of The Daily Show, Trevor Noah, tells the story of growing up half black, half white in South Africa under and after apartheid in this young readers' adaptation of his bestselling adult memoir Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood.

Trevor Noah shares his story of growing up in South Africa, with a black South African mother and a white European father at a time when it was against the law for a mixed-race child like him to exist. But he did exist--and from the beginning, the often-misbehaved Trevor used his smarts and humor to navigate a harsh life under a racist government.

Really excellent autobiography— not only are the stories compelling, but the context is very thoughtfully explored. Funny, heartbreaking, surprising — just like with his stand up humor, he has a lot to say that makes you think about the world.

Addresses racism, identity, domestic violence, apartheid, poverty, and hope. Gorgeous. ( )

Comedian Trevor Noah chronicles his life growing up in South Africa as a "colored person". His mother was black and his father was white. Under apartheid, it was illegal for white and non white people to marry (his parents never married) and it was illegal to be born out of a relationship between white and non white persons. Noah's mother did her best to raise her son under very difficult circumstances. She was hardworking, religious and taught Trevor to think for himself. ( )

An engaging read that weaves the history of South Africa with Trevor Noah's personal story. At times the narrative seemed to double back on each other. However, it was entertaining even when recounting shocking or harrowing events. It didn't give insight into the transition between Trevor after high school hanging in the hood to his journey to become a comedian. This book was more focused on his coming of age from youth through teen age years. Definitely worth the read. (3.75)
Marked this quote, "I was wanted. Being chosen is the greatest gift you can give to another human being." (115) ( )

*****Excellent biography, history lesson, and love letter to his family. A page-turner with lots of humor even as it tells about life in South Africa under Apartheid. I listened to the adult version of this book and couldn’t tell too much of a difference between that and this young people’s edition. But listening to Trevor Noah read it with his command of many African languages was amazing. ( )