The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

Twelve year old Nyla lives with her mum and her grandma. Grandma Farida sometimes goes ‘time-travelling’ due to her Alzheimer’s and with mum working two jobs, much of the caring falls to Nyla, but this is a house full of love so she doesn’t mind. Nyla has been told that her dad died when she was 4, but when her grandma insists she saw him at the supermarket, Nyla is left wondering whether this is Grandma’s ‘magic memory’ or whether there are secrets to be uncovered. As she tries to find the truth about her family, Nyla learns much about herself as the past catches up with the present.

Told in verse, this is such a powerful, emotive story. Nyla is a delightful character whose relationship with her grandmother is captured with such warmth and love. As with many children, Nyla plays a key role as carer, willingly looking after her grandmother whilst her mother has to work. Her love for the person her grandmother was, and is, shines through, creating some deeply poignant moments, encouraging empathy for their situation.

Nyla finds herself on a quest to find out about her father, partly due to the promise she makes to Grandma Farida and partly due to her own desire to discover more about who she is. She is supported in her search by her best friend, Jess, who has no filter and although very dear to Nyla and her family, can overstep boundaries and speak without thinking, highlighting how even the best intentioned people can make thoughtless, clumsy comments which are hurtful. Nyla also has to deal with the overtly offensive behaviour of Harry, another pupil at her school, who seems to single her out and target her for his bullying.

The story works so well as a verse novel, sensitively exploring Nyla’s emotions as events unfold. I don’t want to say too much more about the plot for fear of giving things away for those who have not read it yet- and I do recommend that everyone does! It is truly captivating!

The Stories Grandma Forgot (and How I Found Them)

Nadine Aisha Jassat, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Orion ISBN: 978-1510111578

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri

There was no better smell in the world than Ajee’s cook-up rice.

Faruq longs to be a chef when he grows up, but his family expect him to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a doctor. However, Mrs Joseph from next door offers to teach him to cook, starting with lime cookies ‘cause they easy peasy’. Every day, he slips through the fence and learns to cook, learning about new ingredients including the wiri wiri pepper and how to handle it carefully. When Ajee falls ill one day, Faruq decides to prepare lunch for his family. Cooking for his family fills Faruq’s heart with love and opens his family’s eyes to a different plan for his future.

This lovely story is a real celebration of family, food - and the importance of following your dreams. Faruq has a real passion for cooking and it is a joy to see him helping Ajee in the kitchen, preparing food for his family. His question, ‘Why can’t boys learn to cook?’ offers an excellent starting point for discussion about finding and developing passions and pursuits which follow interests regardless of pressure or influence to the contrary.

The story is rich in family love and a real celebration of Guyanese culture, even including a recipe for lime cookies- a treat which just begs to be baked and enjoyed and spreading Faruq’s joy in cooking! The illustrations are bright, colourful and engaging, showing the joys of cooking, eating and family life- all the ingredients needed to accompany this delicious story!

Faruq and the Wiri Wiri: A Celebration of family and food!

Sophia Payne, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Templar ISBN: 978-1800782624

The Secret Sunshine Project

Shortly after the death of their father, Bea, Riley and their mum leave their home in London to stay with their Gran in the country. Last summer, after Riley had come out as gay, the family had had the best day ever at London Pride and memories of this special, colourful day make their current situation seem all the more bleak. As Bea makes new friends, she is concerned by her sister’s sadness and decides to create an event that will put the smile back on her face. However, the village is dominated by the unpleasant Rita Ruckus who is determined that nothing will get in the way of her summer fete…particularly not Bea’s Secret Sunshine Project.

‘The Secret Sunshine Project’ is a delightful story of kindness, love and courage. Bea’s family is close knit, loving and supportive and this shines through in the way in which they throw themselves into the Pride celebrations to support Riley. The joyful descriptions of these celebrations, full of colour, excitement and laughter, are wonderful to read and create a stark contrast to everyone’s emotions following the death of their father. The story clearly shows how grief affects different people in different ways and how people cope with the overwhelming emotions it causes. Bea feels she has to be strong for others, Riley becomes withdrawn and angry and mum struggling to help them whilst coping herself.

The story overflows with fabulous characters- each worth a mention! Bea is just delightful and her devotion to her sister, whilst coping with her own grief, is beautifully captured. Although her summer plans have been ruined, she is determined to make the best of her new situation and bring happiness to others. Gran is the best ever- such a strong, determined woman with such pizazz and such heart- I’d love to have her on my side in an argument!

Understanding and acceptance are strong themes through the book and its positive ending leaves the reader with a real feel-good factor and plenty of hope for the future. Sandhya Prabhat’s fabulous illustrations capture the mood and heart of the story perfectly with the cover illustration being a personal favourite.

A fabulous book for sharing for so many reasons, ‘The Secret Sunshine Project’ is a brilliant story full of a few tears and lots of love and laughter!

The Secret Sunshine Project

Benjamin Dean, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1398517875

Originally reviewed for Reading Zone