By Cath Howe (author)
"A sensitive and perceptive story of a family crisis and the deep impact it has upon their daughter"
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There can be no doubt that Cath Howe’s teaching experience contributes to her ability to create such nuanced and believably real children in her stories and when she places them in difficult circumstances, the way in which they cope and learn and grow from their experiences has an undeniable aura of truth. The reader can empathise and learn alongside the characters they quickly become so grippingly concerned about.
It can also be rare to find such multifaceted adult characters in children’s fiction. It is so important for children to understand that adults are not perfect, can make mistakes but can also learn from them.
Ren's home has burnt down, and her family have lost everything. They move in with her stern grandmother whose house rules are very different, and her parents are so wrapped up in insurance claims and trying to save their business that nobody notices how much Ren and her little brother are struggling. We see how Ren’s distress provokes her to steal precious things from other people but although she feels compelled to do it, she is simultaneously wracked by guilt.
The story’s other narrator is a wonderful character called Caspar who talks and thinks and shares just a little more than is normal, which can be exasperating but his good intentions can never be doubted. Caspar is on the trail of the missing objects but also wants to help Ren. Is it possible to do both?
This would make an excellent class read because of the complex moral choices and social issues the characters have to navigate and will really stimulate discussion. Like all her novels this is a primary library must-have.
A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania, by the bestselling author of Ella on the Outside.
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A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania, by the bestselling author of Ella on the Outside .
Ren's family lose their home in a fire. They're living with her grandmother now and things are a bit tense. Ren lost her collection of things, her clothes; her brother lost his little bear and is inconsolable. So Ren starts replacing things with other people's possessions. They've got loads of stuff, after all. But she gets caught and has to strike a terrifying deal to avoid detection...
The Editor at Nosy Crow says: “Cath Howe writes books that deal with real-life issues with huge skill and great heart. This is another page-turner where you watch things unfold with a sense of dread but also great hope that things will be well in the end. A brilliant writer!”
Praise for Cath Howe;
“Howe poignantly chronicles Ella’s struggle with anxiety and self-esteem and is excellent on friendship dynamics and making the right choices.” The Observer
“[Howe’s] eye for nuanced relationships and authentic voices is very much in evidence here. Great for readers of Jacqueline Wilson.” The Bookseller
“Thoughtful book full of well-drawn, mixed-up humans!” EmpathyLab, Read for Empathy 2022 Collection
“A beautifully written book tackling bullying and loneliness with a story that is full of empathy and heart.” iNews
Cath Howe is a children's author and teacher in South West London. Cath runs workshops in schools on everything to do with writing and performing.
Two Is a Crowd is her sixth novel following the highly acclaimed Ella on the Outside, How to be Me, Not My Fault, The Insiders and My Life on Fire .
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A tense, page-turning story that sensitively deals with themes of family upheaval and kleptomania, by the bestselling author of Ella on the Outside. Ren's family lose their home in a fire.
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed My Life on Fire and determined it is suitable for children aged 9-12 years old
My Life on Fire features in the following genres: Featured Books for 11+ readers, Recommendations, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Featured Books for 9+ readers
Paperback. £7.19, down from the £7.99 cover price. In Stock.
My Life on Fire was written by Cath Howe and published by Nosy Crow Ltd
My Life on Fire has 269 pages
£7.19, reduced from £7.99. In Stock.
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