Vicky has always felt responsible for her mentally disabled twin sister, Rhianna, and their feisty little brother, Jamie. So when the foster care system threatens to split them up, they all run away together, heading for a distant relative’s home. After a difficult journey, they arrive only to find strangers living there. With nowhere else to go, they hide in a cave, and must survive by their wits. By the end of their adventure, Vicky is surprised to find that the sister she thought she was protecting is the one who saves her. This touching, funny, fast-paced novel was short listed for the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize. Vicky and Rhianna’s engaging dual-perspective narration offers a refreshing view of people with disabilities, and their wild adventure and fierce family bond will resonate with readers.
- ISBN: 9780399256165
- Author: Summers, Laura
- Published: 2011 , Penguin
- Themes: Acceptance, Adventure, bullying, change, Death, Disability, Family, Foster Homes, Friendship, journeys, overcome, Siblings
- Descriptors: England (UK), Intermediate (ages 9-14), Realistic Fiction
- No. of pages: 117
After reading this novel, I was struck with several questions and made strong connections. The sisters and brother in this story undertake a desperate journey in order to not be sent to separate foster homes. I wondered, what are the journeys, metaphorical and actual, that we take with our own families? On our mutual journeys, how are our perceived roles different? Vicky in this story thinks she is taking care of her learning disabled twin and younger brother. But, how are they caring for her? One of the strengths of this book is the way each sister tells the story in alternating chapters. Seeing the different perspectives offered in the novel, made me wonder how would different members of our family tell about our journey? We have been on a journey together, but how would our accounts differ? How would knowing the different perspectives of each person change or influence each of our understanding? This novel provoked my thinking. Isn’t that what a good book should do?