After Life

Cycling home after school one day, Amber Crane notices a few things are different; however, nothing prepares her for the shock of her mother screaming in horror when she sees her. Amber should be dead. Victim of a hit-and-run seven years ago, her death sent shockwaves of grief through her family and friends, impacting even those who barely knew her. So how is it possible that she has returned- and why?

‘After Life’ is a very powerful and thought-provoking novel, exploring ideas around grief, love and how one person can affect others in varying ways.

Told from differing view points through shifting time frames, the story builds the picture of what happened to Amber, her relationships when alive and the aftermath of her death, exploring range of ways people respond to and cope with (or not) surviving someone they knew, particularly one so young. There is much to absorb here. Her parents’ relationship- a love-at-first-sight dream match- cannot withstand the loss of their child; nor can the close bond of her mother and aunt. The building of the back story here through the time shifts and differing viewpoints emphasises the weight of what is lost. Similarly, it allows the reader to learn that not all in Amber’s life was as she thought it was, meaning her loss is weighted with guilt and regret for others who knew her.

There is so much to this moving story, but one of the most powerful elements for me is how Amber’s sister, Melissa, has kept her relationship with her sister alive after death by continuing to have conversations with her, nurturing her love for her and finding comfort in this way.

A beautiful book- have tissues at the ready!

After Life

Gayle Forman

Hot Key ISBN: 978-1471418310

The After School Crime Club

Willow was very close to her Nana so having friends of her own age never really mattered, but when her grandmother dies, it feels as if the one person who really knew her has gone. The fact that her mum is clearing out Nana’s house and refusing to visit the grave is making things worse and to top it all, Willow is having to attend an after school club at the local bookshop to support her learning. Keen to please her mother by making some friends her own age, Willow decides to try and fit in with the others, particularly Tay Wilding who Willow finds fascinating. Soon, Willow finds herself accepting dares which she becomes increasingly uncomfortable with…

Gripping from the outset, ‘The After School Crime Club’ is a story which will resonate with many readers. Willow is at a point in her life where she feels adrift. The loss of her Nana hits her hard, robbing her of the one person she felt truly at ease with. Her mother is also struggling, leaving Willow feeling unable to share her emotions with those closest to her and with a huge void in her life . At a time when she is most vulnerable, Willow is thrust into a new situation- that of the after school revision club where she is keen to try to fit in.

The story is skilfully told as Willow faces personal dilemmas posed by the challenges she is set, at first trying to justify things or brush them off as unimportant and the reader feels great empathy as Willow tries to reconcile herself to the dares, their consequences and the friendship tightrope she finds herself walking. Trying to fill the gaps in her life, Willow soon realises that she is not being true to herself and emerges stronger and wiser. There is so much to reflect on here as Willow’s experiences of loss, loneliness and the desire to fit in are sure to echo those of readers and the uplifting, thoughtful conclusion is sure to offer comfort and courage to many.

Brilliant read!

The After School Crime Club

Hayley Webster

Nosy Crow ISBN: 978-1788006064

Wild Song

Things are changing in Luki’s village; the ways and beliefs of the occupying Americans are creeping into everyday life. One thing which has not changed, however, is the ancients’ expectations for a young woman. Caught hunting once too often, Luki is told she should marry her friend, Samkad. Determined to be free, Luki decides to take an offer to go to America to be part of the World Fair in St Louis. However, it soon becomes obvious that this wonderful adventure is not all it promised to be and she finds herself living in little more than a human zoo where the ‘Igorot’ are seen as savages, exhibits to be gawped at. Will she ever be able to find her way home?

Returning to the characters of Candy’s previous novel, ‘Bone Talk’, ‘Wild Song’ is an incredible book. Although not a sequel as such, it continues the stories of Samkad and Luki, highlighting how the lives of the Bontok people were affected by the Philippine-American War.

Once again, Candy Gourlay skilfully weaves historical figures and events into her narrative, creating a powerful story which depicts the shameful event which was the St Louis’ World Fair. The contemptuous treatment of human beings, the lack of respect for, and understanding of, cultural differences and callous exploitation is both shocking and uncomfortable to read- particularly when it is remembered that these attitudes and behaviours are hallmarks of any country guilty of colonisation.

Vividly told, the action is seen through the eyes of Luki, recalled as if she is speaking to her deceased mother, offering a very personal, immediate feel to the story. The reader shares her frustration with the ancients and the expectations placed upon her because she is a woman, and watches as the realisation dawns on her that Truman Hunt is manipulative and has little care for those he has persuaded to travel to America for the Fair. As she experiences loss, humiliation, fear and prejudice, her belief in herself and the ways of her people, their traditions and customs emerges stronger than ever.

‘Wild Song’ is a powerful, poignant and moving story which, like its characters, is unforgettable. Essential reading!

Wild Song Candy Gourlay

David Fickling Books ISBN: 978-1788452076

You can read my review of ‘Bone Talk’ here.

The Laugh

Once there was a lady who had the loveliest laugh in the world.

This lady’s laugh takes many forms from quiet giggles to explosive belly laughs. Her laughter is contagious, creating many special moments shared with a little girl. One day, however, she becomes ill, and although she can’t laugh, there is still a smile in her eyes. When she dies, it seems the laughter has gone with her and the little girl is left with a huge hole in the world where it had been…

Both poignant and up-lifting, ‘The Laugh’ is a gorgeous celebration of a special relationship. Although never specified, the lady and child appear to be mother and daughter and though both pictures and words, their relationship is beautifully captured. The little girl looks in adoration at the lady as they are shown sharing many joyful moments together and the mother cocoons her child in love. The little girl associates the sound of laughter in all its forms with the lady, reflecting the happiness they find together. Although a father figure is also included- and there is no doubt that they are a loving family together- it is the special bond between mother and daughter which is celebrated here.

And then comes the loss. Her decline is captured simply and powerfully and the spread showing father and child clinging to each other by the empty bed speaks volumes, evoking empathy and, perhaps, encouraging discussion. In the days that follow, they make an effort to continue with their lives, but the book acknowledges that the joy seems to have left them: they can’t…won’t…don’t want to or know how to move on with their lives whilst everyone around them seems to be doing just that, but the story ends with a ray of hope. One day, something happens and quite spontaneously, laughter returns. It is perfect for acknowledging the grief of loss whilst showing that it is natural to be able to continue and be happy again afterwards. Reassuring and heartfelt, it reminds the reader that we never truly lose the ones we love.

The Laugh

Fay Evans, illustrated by Ayse Klinge

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740825

Wild

After the death of his father, Jack struggles to cope. He resents how busy his mother is at work, keenly feeling the loss of the person who he believes knew him the best. Everything has changed and Jack finds himself under the influence of a new group of ‘friends’ who lead him to do things which he knows are wrong and everything starts to spiral out of control. When his mother suggests that he join her on a trip to the rainforest, Jack agrees. He finds himself launched into a completely different world where it seems his mother has another life with friends-like-family that Jack knew nothing about and a passion for saving the rainforest from loggers who are encroaching on the indigenous people’s land. As they travel through the unfamiliar and unpredictable rainforest, Jack begins to find himself once more…

Ele Fountain is an incredible author whose writing truly transports the reader to the world of her books, immersing them in the life of her characters. In ‘Wild’, she presents Jack, whose raw grief can be felt in his every action whilst he himself is trying to quash his emotions and escape the reality of life without his father. His sense of isolation from his mother and his resentment of her for not being his father- the person he made plans with, the one who he talked with all the time- is palpable as he tries to close himself off from her. The one thing that he still feels a passion for- street art- seems to be the very thing that will tempt him down a darker path. As a parent, I feel for his mother; as a mother, I feel for Jack.

As the story moves to the rainforest, all the beauty and dangers of this remote location are vividly described. Conservation issues and respect for the indigenous people are skilfully woven into the fabric of the tale, creating greater impact as the reader, through Jack’s eyes and experience, becomes invested in this unique place. The story would make an excellent text to use at the heart of learning in English with much to discuss and explore for reading, writing and discussion as well as offering satisfying cross curricular possibilities.

One NOT to miss- publishing 4th May 2023.

Wild Ele Fountain

Pushkin Press ISBN: 978-1782693840

Bigfoot Mountain

Living in the remote North American mountains, Minnie and her step father, Dan, are struggling to come to terms with the loss of Minnie’s mother. One day, she and her friend, Billy, discover some mysterious footprints -giant footprints- on a mountainside trail which Minnie is determined to investigate. Meanwhile, Kaayii, a young Sasquatch, and his clan have been driven across the mountain by forest fires. As their worlds collide, they must seek to understand one another as they find a way forward.

There are many things to love about this story. Full of beautiful descriptions of the landscape and nature, the book is a real love letter to the wild- perfect for sharing with children and encouraging their curiosity in the environment and all its wonders.

It is not surprising, therefore, that living in harmony with the natural world and considering the impact of human actions on the environment are central ideas to the story. Switching between the Sasquatch and human viewpoints, the reader can readily empathise with all the characters, absorbing the environmental ‘message’ which is skilfully embedded at the heart of the story.

Children (and adults!) might also be inspired to find out more about Sasquatch (See my Q and A with Roderick for suggestions of where to start!) or the remote setting of the story. ‘Bigfoot Mountain’ would make an excellent guided reading test, offering a compelling story with plenty to enjoy and discuss, research opportunities and lots of inspiration for children’s own writing.

Bigfoot Mountain Roderick O’Grady

Firefly Press ISBN: 978-1913102418

You can read my interview with Roderick O’Grady here.

Dadaji’s Paintbrush

In a tiny Indian village, a boy lives with his grandfather, Dadaji. Together, they fill the house with paintings and joy as they share their lives. Then, Dadaji dies, leaving the boy his best paintbrush, but the boy’s grief is too raw for him to even look at it and he puts it away. Months pass, until one day, a small girl appears at his door, asking the boy to teach her how to paint. Initially, he refuses, but the girl persists and as they look at Dadaji’s paintings, the boy remembers and reaches for Dadaji’s paintbrush once more.

He knows in his heart that his grandfather will always be with him.

This beautiful story celebrates the tenderness and depth of the loving relationship between grandparent and grandchild. Dadaji encouraged his grandson to develop his love of art, patiently guiding and supporting him in his endeavors, offering him the time and attention he needed to flourish. When Dadaji dies, his loss is keenly felt and the boy struggles with his bereavement until he recognises the legacy Dadaji has left and that his grandfather touched many lives through his art work, inspiring the boy to follow in his footsteps. It is a deeply poignant story, offering comfort to those who need it and encouraging empathy for those who have lost a loved one.

The illustrations are stunning. Gentle pastel tones and soft lines capture the devotion between the two and add a memory-like quality to the pictures. Each spread demands savouring, encouraging the reader to notice details about the setting, Dadaji’s work, the village children…as the illustrations work in perfect harmony with the text.

‘Dadaji’s Paintbrush’ is a very special and moving story for many reasons. One to return to again and again.

Dadaji’s Paintbrush Rashmi Sirdeshpande, illustrated by Ruchi Mhasane

Andersen Press ISBN: 978-1839131394