Tender Earth Award-winning author/illustrator

Ever been surrounded by people, but still felt all alone? That’s how Laila is feeling right now. Her two oldest siblings, Mira and Krish, are leaving home. The place isn’t really empty, but it sure feels like it. And just to rub it in, her best friend, Kez, is drifting away now that they’ve started secondary school. Nobody wants to be a loner. But that’s just how things roll when people go, and there’s no one to fill their place. Or is it? What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. For Laila, standing alone (for a bit) might also mean finding her voice, and getting to know her true self…

• A gorgeous new novel from the world of Artichoke Hearts

• A coming-of-age story about adapting to a world of changes

• Artichoke Hearts won the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize

• Sita Brahmachari’s books include Jasmine Skies and Red Leaves