Whitney’s Kiss | Onne Vegter | Voices in Africa

Whitney’s stomach was turning and her breathing became faster — what did he have in mind? She so badly wanted to be kissed. And Lucky was so good-looking, so popular. She loved being seen with him and being wanted by him. She said nothing, and just waited on his next move…

Whitney’s first kiss is an experience she will never forget. The innocence of childhood is replaced with the fire of youth — the romance, the excitement, and the passion. It all seems so perfect. But her favourite teacher, Mrs Pillay, warns her that there is another side to the thrill of teenage life.

Thirteen-year-old Whitney soon encounters this other side first hand — the pain of loss, the stab of betrayal, and the bitterness of rejection. She comes face to face with the reality of HIV and AIDS, and finds herself having to make some difficult and life-changing decisions.

Set in the township of Thembalethu in the Western Cape, Whitney’s Kiss is a moving and inspiring novel that takes us to the heart of the most real issues young people in Southern Africa face every day. Whitney’s journey is one we all have to make — the journey into the soul, where we decide what is truly important to us and which values to live by.

Key Themes

• First love and teenage relationships — the excitement, romance, and complexity of first love and the emotional landscape of teenage life
• HIV and AIDS awareness — a powerful and sensitive portrayal of the realities of HIV and AIDS for young people in Southern Africa
• Loss, betrayal and resilience — Whitney’s journey through pain and rejection, and her growth through adversity
• Values and life choices — the importance of making thoughtful, values-driven decisions in the face of peer pressure and life’s challenges
• South African township life — an authentic and compassionate portrayal of life in Thembalethu, Western Cape, and the issues facing South African youth

Educational Use

Teachers can use Whitney’s Kiss as part of an HIV/AIDS and Teenage Pregnancy Prevention education programme. The novel’s message of hope, understanding, and prevention speaks clearly and powerfully to those most at risk — our youth. It is a valuable classroom resource for Life Orientation, English, and related subjects at secondary school level.

Author: Onne Vegter
Publisher: Voices in Africa
Format: Print
Suitable for: Secondary school learners (Life Orientation, English)
ISBN: 9780620318396