An inspiring and compelling memoir from a young woman who lost her
childhood to slavery--and built a new life grounded in determination and
justice.
When Shyima Hall was eight years old, her impoverished parents sold her
to pay a debt. Two years later, the wealthy family she was sold to moved
to Orange County, California, and smuggled her with them. Shyima served
the family eighteen hours a day, seven days a week until she was twelve.
That's when an anonymous call from a neighbor brought about the end of
Shyima's servitude--but her journey to true freedom was far from over.
A volunteer at her local police department since she was a teenager,
Shyima is passionate about helping to rescue others who are in bondage.
Now a US citizen, she regularly speaks out about human trafficking and
intends to one day become an immigration officer. In Hidden Girl,
Shyima "commands unfailing interest, sympathy, and respect" (Publishers
Weekly), candidly reveals how she overcame her harrowing circumstances,
and brings vital awareness to a timely and relevant topic.