Coltan, or blue gold, is a rare mineral used in making cell phones and computers. Across continents, the lives of three teen girls are affected by the blue gold trade. Sylvies family had to flee the Democratic Republic of the Congo after her father was killed by a rogue militia gang in the conflict for control of coltan. The refugee camp where she now lives is deplorable, and Sylvie yearns for a way outto save not only herself, but her remaining family. Laiping labors in a Chinese factory, soldering components for cell phones. She had left her small village to make her fortune, but the factory conditions are crushing, and the constant pressure to send money home adds to her misery. Yet when Laiping tries to improve her situation, she sees what happens to those who dare question the electronics companys policies. Fiona is a North American girl who, in one thoughtless moment, takes a picture on her cell phone she comes to regret. In the aftermath, she learns not only about trust and being true to oneself, but the importance of fighting for what is right. All three teens are unexpectedly linked by these events.

Stewart, Elizabeth (Elizabeth Mary), author; Robertson, Pam, editor

Toronto ; New York ; Vancouver: Annick Press

Canada - English Language, Canada

Jan 09, 2014

2014-02-18

US, 2014

obscured text on back cover

296 pages ; 20 cm
Coltan, or "blue gold," is a rare mineral used in making cell phones and computers. Across continents, the lives of three teen girls are affected by the "blue gold" trade. Sylvie's family had to flee the Democratic Republic of the Congo after her father was killed by a rogue militia gang in the conflict for control of coltan. The refugee camp where she now lives is deplorable, and Sylvie yearns for a way out -- to save not only herself, but her remaining family
"Edited by Pam Robertson"--Title page verso
Includes bibliographical references (page 297)

2023-06-28