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Is it appropriate for 9th graders, or is it better suited for 10th?

Also, how much time did you have to spend filling in background information regarding South Africa, apartheid, the tribal systems, the languages and the mines?

I am teaching 9th grade Pre-AP next year and am considering this as one of the novels they should read. Thanks in advance for any and all input! :)

If this is for Pre-AP, I would say that your 9th graders can handle it.  As far as background knowledge, put that on their plates.  Make them responsible for learning this. One way I like to do it is to assign particular students to become the "experts" on that topic.  Whenever a question comes up during the reading, that student(s) would be the go-to guy or gal.  It gives them a little pride, and they will remember the information better and for a longer period of time.  If anything isn't covered, you can always fill them in on the overlooked and important factors.

Good Luck!

I am in AP and we are just now reading it in 10th grade.  I am finding it rather difficult, compared to other books we have read-Lord of the Flies, Siddhartha.  I think that it is a little too challenging for typical Pre-AP 9th graders to handle.

I teach this novel to 10th graders, although I believe it is more suited for juniors or seniors.  This novel has the ability to spark excellent discussion; however, I have found that the sophomores tend to get bored before they have taken the opportunity to try and appreciate the literature.  I spend a lot of time trying to capture their interest, but it doesn't always go well.  I think this is a great book to use for honors level classes since there are many complicated themes.