During the Rwandan genocide, five-year-old Emma hides behind an armchair. From he hiding place, she hears the murder of her mother. When silence fills the home, Emma is able to escape and hide in the bush. She observes an old Hutu woman and decides to approach her for food. The old woman risks her own life when she takes Emma into her home. After the war ends, the two women settle into a routine and continue to live together. Rwanda establishes the Gacaca courts in villages where victims can face their tormentors to seek justice. Emma seeks friendship with Ndoli, another victim of the genocide. Sitting outside the Gacaca court, Ndoli and Emma listen to the victims tell their stories. With the help of an elderly man whose job is to help young child survivors Ndoli and Emma start the healing process.

English language arts grade 6 (2009) This resource has also been recommended to support the social studies curriculum at the Middle level.