It is 1941 and neutral Iran is taken over by the Anglo-Soviet alliance. At this little-known moment of history, Daniel Nayeri sets The Teacher of Nomad Land (Levine Querido). When siblings Babak and Sana become orphans, they set off on a Silver Sword-style journey. Their father was a teacher, and by following his example and teaching Farsi, as well as sharing food, the siblings befriend others, including a Polish-Jewish boy. A moving celebration of the peace-making power of translation. Age 11 up.
Ethereal trees, with faces in their twisty bark, debate who should be leader in Who Will Rule the Trees? by Eric A Kimmel (Kar-Ben). Though the olive is not the tallest, strongest, most beautiful or producer of the tastiest fruit, it has a superpower none of the others can match. Inspired by creation midrashim, this atmospheric book glows with Alette Straathof’s colourfully layered landscapes. A great conversation-starter for ages four to seven.
A Poem for Every Question by Brian Bilston (Red Shed) ingeniously combines scientific facts with playful poetry. Queries range from child-pleasers such as “Can poo heat a home?” to discussion-starters such as “What is the difference between an emigrant and an immigrant?”, as well as many on animals, weather and space. Bilston’s sparky humour is well matched by Joe Berger’s jovial illustrations. An educational joy. Age six up.
E Lockhart’s We Fell Apart (Hot Key Books) begins five days after the events in her brat-summer thriller We Were Liars and contains spoilers for it. But this is a standalone YA novel – and a tour de force. Rich but unloved Matilda, daughter of neglectful Isadora Hirschel Klein, arrives at a turreted Gothic castle to stay with her estranged father, painter Kingsley Cello, who depicts real people in mythological settings. No sign of Cello – instead there are three boys – one mesmerising, one nasty, one welcoming – and a witchy house-mother who spirits away phones and laptops. A 21st-century fairy tale, with dark secrets at its heart. Spellbinding. Age 12 up.
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