This little gem is about two girls growing up in the Ivory Coast in the 1970s.  Both are making the choice as to how they will secure their future.  Aya, who chooses education and for whom the book is named, is not the main character.  Instead the plot follows her friend Adjoua while Aya watches, sometimes criticizing, and sometimes attempting to help, from the sidelines.  Adjoua has chosen marriage to the son of a rich man as her way out.  We watch with Aya as Adjoua carefully lays a trap and snares the rich son and with Aya we are left wondering who was really caught in the trap.  This book is rich in nuances and the lives and culture of these two African girls.  It is beautiful and worth reading.

Violence: A beating, a father beats his daughter

Sexualized violence: None

Gender: Depicts the uncertain negotiation of relations between the sexes.

Bechdel’s law:

Depiction of Minorities: Depicts a cross-section of socio-economic statuses.

Recommended by: Betty’s mom.

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