Garden of the Lost and Abandoned

The problem by most lights is overwhelming: at least 5,000 children live on the streets of Uganda’s capital city of Kampala. Some forget the names of their villages. The youngest may not know the names of their parents. But Gladys Kalibbala—part journalist, part detective, part Good Samaritan—does not hesitate to dive into difficult or even dangerous situations to aid a child. Author of a newspaper column called “Lost and Abandoned,” she is a resource that police and others turn to when they stumble across a stranded kid with a hidden history. Jessica Yu delivers an acutely observed story of this hardnosed and warmhearted woman, the children she helps, and the twists of fate they experience together. The subplot of Gladys’s garden—her precarious dream of providing a home and livelihood for her vulnerable charges—adds fascinating depth. Garden of the Lost and Abandoned chronicles one woman’s altruism, both ordinary and extraordinary, in a way that is impossible to forget, and impossible not to take to heart. Follow Gladys into the streets, police stations, and remote villages of Uganda as she fights for the forgotten. An Inspiring True Story: Meet Gladys Kalibbala, a journalist and detective who uses her newspaper column, "Lost and Abandoned," to reunite families and save the children no one else is looking for. Immersive Reporting: From the chaotic streets of Kampala to remote villages, author Jessica Yu provides a vivid, on-the-ground look at the daily struggle and resilience of those living on the margins. A Story of Hope and Perseverance: Discover the power of one person’s refusal to give up, as Gladys fights bureaucracy, poverty, and indifference to build a garden—and a future—for her vulnerable charges. Social Justice in Action: A must-read for anyone interested in humanitarian work, this biography offers a powerful and unforgettable look at what it truly means to make a difference in the world.

The problem by most lights is overwhelming: at least 5,000 children live on the streets of Uganda’s capital city of Kampala. Some forget the names of their villages. The youngest may not know the names of their parents. But Gladys Kalibbala—part journalist, part detective, part Good Samaritan—does not hesitate to dive into difficult or even dangerous situations to aid a child. Author of a newspaper column called “Lost and Abandoned,” she is a resource that police and others turn to when they stumble across a stranded kid with a hidden history. Jessica Yu delivers an acutely observed story of this hard-nosed and warm-hearted woman, the children she helps, and her precarious dream of providing a home and livelihood for her vulnerable charges. Garden of the Lost and Abandoned chronicles one woman’s altruism, both ordinary and extraordinary, in a way that is impossible to forget, and impossible not to take to heart. “This beautiful, unforgettable story will break your heart and then leave you awed by the human capacity for kindness.” — Imbolo Mbue, author of Behold the Dreamers “[Yu] reminds us that it’s possible to make the world a better place one child at a time.” — Paul Tough, author of How Children Succeed “This heartfelt book should be on a list of the best uplifting true stories.” — Shelf Awareness “Jessica Yu’s compelling writing and her filmmaker’s eye paint a vivid picture of urban Kampala and allow us to walk in Gladys’s shoes . . . Garden of the Lost and Abandoned renews my faith in humanity.” — Abraham Verghese, author of Cutting for Stone