Artichoke Hearts Award-winning author/illustrator

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where 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. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers – like those of an artichoke – around his heart. As As Mira begins to plumb the depths of secrecy and grief, she will also start to embrace the wondrous and often mystical world around her…

• Winner of the Waterstone’s Children’s Book Prize 2011

• A frank and insightful novel written with great sensitivity

• Explores grief and the delicate balance of life and death

• The first book in a trilogy about Mira and her family