Synopses & Reviews
This is the story of a young Rwandan refugee now living in the U.K. Christophe is having trouble getting used to his new school, new language and new life. Life has been very lonely for him. Most of all he misses his grandfather who they had to leave behind. His teacher persuades Christophe to share his story with his classmates, so he tells them of the terrifying day the soldiers came to his house and killed his baby brother. The spoken story fills the air and his classmates are spellbound. But when his teacher asks him to write it down and read it out in assembly, Christophe is horrified. You lose the fire from a story once you write it down! But with the help of his new friends, his family, and the memory of his beloved grandfather, Christophe finds a way to break through the barriers and to share his story with everyone.
Review
"Christophe wandered up and down by the railings. All around him, there were children laughing, jumping, and shrieking with excitement.They all had someone to play with except him. If only he were back on the side of the mountain looking after Babis two goats!"
— from the book
About the Author
Nicki Cornwell has previously worked as a social worker, a teacher and a university lecturer. She now divides her time as an author and French language interpreter. Her other title for Frances Lincoln is Armel's Revenge. She lives in Walthamstow, London. Karin Littlewood studied Graphic Design at the University of Northumbria, followed by an MA in illustration at Manchester Metropolitan University. She has worked in editorial, packaging, design, and advertising, as well as publishing. Her work has been nominated for the Kate Greenaway Medal three times. She lives in Central London.