Hi everyone, I hope you are all having a good summer so far. I’m finally enjoying an English summer myself. This week’s children’s title is one I read several years ago and it had quite an impact on me. Sita Brahmachari is an interesting author who has impressed me so I hope you enjoy this lovely story of hers.
Title: Red leaves
Author: Sita Brahmachari
Publication details: Macmillan Children’s Books; London, 2014
ISBN: 9781447262985 (Paperback)
What this book is about: Aisha is a thirteen-year-old refugee living in London with a foster family after leaving her war-torn homeland. When her foster mother announces that a new family has been found for her, Aisha is devastated. Feeling abandoned, Aisha runs away into the nearby woods. Not too far away from Aisha, Zak is struggling to cope with his parents’ divorce. While living in a near-building site until their new house is refurbished, he discovers a piece of rubble with the original builder’s signature and starts researching into the history behind his home. He finds a connection to an old air raid shelter in the same woods. Iona’s family fell apart long ago, shattering her dreams and forcing her to live on the streets. In an ancient city wood, these three separate lives become entwined… But when they all feel so lost, how will they ever find their way home?
My review: I really loved this book!! Featuring some serious topics in racism, divorce, and child abuse, the overall story we are given is quite a charming one. You can’t help but get drawn into the lives of the tweens, and follow them as their paths converge. I really felt for young Aisha, a refugee from Somalia, trying to make it in a foreign land. The other characters in the community play a vital role in giving the story the many layers and create a wholesome image. I found this a charming read, commenting on many aspects of life young children have to face in this modern world of ours. A little guidance will be needed for younger readers.
My rating: 4 ⭐
Miss Mahee's Library of Reads 