In this courageous and beautiful book, Miss South Africa, Shudufhadzo Musida, tells the story of her childhood as an outgoing young girl in a small rural village where she is surrounded by her loving extended family.
However, her life changes dramatically when her mother gets a new job and they move to Mpumalanga. It is at her new school that Shudu has her first experience of being bullied by her classmates.
In this touching book read how Shudu overcomes the bullying and all the emotions that go along with it, growing into a confidant young girl and then an adult, who has learned to love herself.
‘The one lesson I learned is that when something bad is happening to you it is important to speak to an adult that you trust about it. This could be a parent, a family member, a teacher, or an elder. Remember that being bullied is not your fault. There is nothing wrong with you. Nobody should have to go through what I went through.’ – SHUDUFHADZO MUSIDA
She also took to Instagram to celebrate the launch of the book saying : "There are some moments in your life which you dream about but then to see it in real life, something tangible, something to hold. Now, that is something!
I am filled with so much pride and joy to present this book authored by myself with beautiful illustrations by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne.
A piece of my heart captured on a page, written especially for kids. A story of struggles and hope. Of falling down and getting back up and of the incredible journey we call life!
I hope that through my story you will find comfort in the fact that you are not alone, that you matter, that the world needs you! None of us are perfect, we were never meant to be and that’s what makes us so special."
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Published in partnership with Miss South Africa, the book is available in Afrikaans (Shudu Vind Haar Sprankel), English (Shudu Finds Her Magic), Sesotho (Shudu O Sibolla Boikgetho ba hae), Venda (Shudu u wana Vhu?olo Hawe), Xhosa (uShudu u Fumanisa ukuba UnoMlingo) and Zulu (uShudu Uthola Umlingo Wakhe).
The Miss South Africa Organisation and Jacana Media want Musida’s book to be made available to children around the country. It is to this end that for every book sold, one will be donated to Childline South Africa and The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG). Copies will also be given to literacy organizations like Biblionef which donate books to schools and libraries to help foster a love of reading.
