Across the sand-swept desert, a dangerous quest to trap international thieves…
Ayisha and Ahmed know there is trouble. Something is not right with this American archeologist and his wife. Supposedly tourists. Why are they so interested in the ancient manuscripts of Timbuktu? Could they really be plotting to steal some? Well, they are more than old manuscripts to Ayisha and Ahmed – they are a rich part of their own heritage. No way are the two teens going to let this happen! They risk everything to stop them, embarking on a desperate quest that takes them across the Sahara Desert, through deadly heat, a sweeping sandstorm and finally to the port city of Korioume to confront and trap the wily thieves – and save three treasures of Timbuktu.
Ahmed jumped to his feet, stepping out from behind the termite mound to look where Ayisha was pointing. A sudden ominous silence filled the air. The sky started to turn dark, like the sun had set, but both knew that was not possible. A harmattan dust storm was on its way. One never knew when such a storm would start, for their onsets were sudden and raging.
A cloud of dust was building, eating the sky as it moved forward. The sun, still a distance from setting, was blotted out by the massive red wall of spiraling dust. Ahmed's white pants began to whip about as he reached for his sister's hand. "Stay standing," he shouted. "If we are seated we shall be covered with sand and no one will find us ever again."
The Children’s Africana Book Awards Committee has named Trouble in Timbuktu a 2010 Honor Book for Older Readers. The award will be presented in Washington, DC this November at the National Museum of African Art.
Photo: Market at the port city of Korioume.
Photo: Back street traffic, Timbuktu, past Sankoro Mosque.
Photo: Tuareg men riding on camels.
Award-winning books for children and young adults.
The Children’s Africana Book Awards Committee has named Trouble in Timbuktu a 2010 Honor Book for Older Readers. The award will be presented in Washington, DC this November at the National Museum of African Art.
