Thursday, March 7, 2013

My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece by Annabel Pitcher -- OPTIONAL

Pitcher, Annabel My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, 211 pgs. Little, Brown Books, August 2012. 

Language: PG (6 swears, 0 'f'); Mature Content: PG; Violence: G

Ten year old Jamie's older sister Rose was killed in a terrorist attack five years previous, and his parents haven't recovered. His mom walked out on the family, and his alcoholic father moves Jamie and his older sister Jasmine from London to the country. Jamie doesn't remember Rose, but her ashes live on the mantelpiece. 

This is a sweet, touching story. There is humor, but also so much sadness. Not only is he struggling with his mom's abandonment and his dad drinking, he also struggles at school with making a friend and getting bullied. 

Though I did really enjoy it and think it is masterfully written, I don't see it having a wide appeal with kids. 

MS, EL OPTIONAL Rebekah, public librarian 

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