Synopses & Reviews
Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic, and outspoken family in which 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. An incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance of life and death, but keeps the celebration of friendship, culture, and life at its heart.
Review
"This is a gentle coming-of-age story built around a heartbreaking event. Mira, a compelling narrator with an artist's eye for detail, benefits from a lifetime surrounded by people who love her. Her story resonates with truth (despite the secrets) and joy (despite the sorrow)." Booklist, September 1, 2013
Review
"Readers will enjoy watching Mira gather strength through writing in her diary and confronting her fears." Publishers Weekly, August 2, 2013
Review
"The story is told in Mira's voice, and readers will be affected by her growing awareness and sophisticated, often philosophical musings about religion, family, and growing up. . ." School Library Journal, October 1, 2013
Review
"Puberty, first love and a grandparent's death figure in this gentle coming-of-age debut from the U.K., winner of Waterstone's Children's Book Prize in 2011." Kirkus Reviews, July 15, 2013
Synopsis
A month in the journal of twelve-year-old Londoner Mira as she deals with her grandmother's terminal illness and develops a relationship with a classmate with a war-torn past.
About the Author
Sita Brahmachari was born in England to an Indian doctor form Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She lives and works in North London with her husband, three children, and a temperamental cat. This is her first novel.