Book Info

Children's Author 'Like-for-Like' recommendations

Synopsis

Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke - around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her. An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture - and life.

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Reviews

'These particular artichoke hearts have been marinated in some powerful ingredients'
Mary Hoffman
'Young readers who have experienced bereavement will find this novel touches them on many levels while for others, it may help them reflect on a subject many find it hard to think about, let alone discuss, and feel less afraid'
booksforkeeps
.co.uk 'A beautiful book! It all had such a true ring to it ... involving and moving
Jamila Gavin
'A welter of emotions engulf Mira in this touching pre-teen story about secrets and how to keep them and share them. Mira tells her story with appealing directness'
Julia Eccleshare, lovereading
.com 'Artichoke Hearts is a novel about many things: love, loss, acceptance, family, friendship ... [it] draws on real life in a way that makes you think it could be talking about your friends or relatives. It really is a special book, and it's one that will stay with me for a very long time
Jenny, wondrousreads
.com Artichoke Hearts won the 2011 Waterstone's Children's Book Prize and has been longlisted for the Carnegie Medal. It has also been shortlisted for the Redbridge Children's Book Award, the Berkshire Book Award, the Romantic Novel Award (young adult category), Peters Book of the Year, the Fabulous Awards for Books and the Ealing Readers Award.

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About The Author

Sita was born in Derby in 1966, to an Indian doctor from Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Arts Education. Her many projects and writing commissions have been produced in theatres, universities, schools and community groups throughout Britain and America. Artichoke Hearts is her first novel for children. Sita lives and works in North London with her husband, three children and a temperamental cat.

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