Overview

Past and present are woven into this novel set in contemporary times and WWII Poland. Based on a real life story about friendship and endurance in the darkest situation. Ewa's debut novel The Mystery of the Colour Thief was shortlisted for the Waterstone's Childrens Prize 2019 and longlisted for the Branford Boase Award. Kat is a 12-year-old girl who loves working on her super-heroine comic, Girl 38 – the girl she longs to be like. But she's not brave, or fearless. At school, Gem is no longer her 'best friend'. And at home Kat is lonely while her parents are busy working long hours. She's even a bit afraid of her elderly neighbour, Ania. But when Ania has an accident Kat surprises herself by rushing to the rescue – just like Girl 38. Their unlikely friendship blossoms, and with it Kat's determination, as Ania reveals the haunting story behind the portrait of a girl she's left unfinished. Inspired by Ania – her daring leap to freedom and her search for her lost friend, Mila, who was taken away by soldiers to a 'walled village' at the outbreak of WWII – Kat unravels the mystery of the girl in the painting and finds a happy ending for Girl 38.

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9781786698988

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Reviews

'Reading this sweetly told morality tale is to return temporarily to the world of children's fiction fifty years ago ... There is always room for novels like this concentrating on the theme of moral growth while also telling a good story' Boosk for Keeps. 'With convincingly drawn characters, relatable issues and important values at its heart, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read' Books for Topics. 'Strong and impactful writing packaged in a simple story with mirrored events and clever plot turns. It implores us to use our time thoughtfully. And what better way than to read this novel' Minerva Reads. 'Strong themes of bullying, friendship and difference, but the author's light touch balances the deeper issues with a lot of heart' BookTrust. 'Both here and in her debut (The Mystery of the Colour Thief) Jozefkowicz shows empathy for her young heroines, exploring key themes of friendship, family and finding yourself with compassion and optimism' The Bookseller, Editor's Pick. 'Eloquently explores what friendship really means and what sacrifices and acts of courage need to be made when you truly care about someone, regardless of age or time ... A thought-provoking read ... Although this is a short novel, its impact is strong' Just Imagine. 'A compassionate tale of friendship and family' i newspaper. 'Second-time author Ewa Jozefkowicz packs not one but two stories within a story' Observer, Books of the Month.

Second-time author Ewa Jozefkowicz packs not one but two stories within a story * Observer, Books of the Month * A compassionate tale of friendship and family * i newspaper * Eloquently explores what friendship really means and what sacrifices and acts of courage need to be made when you truly care about someone, regardless of age or time... A thought-provoking read... Although this is a short novel, its impact is strong' * Just Imagine * Both here and in her debut (The Mystery of the Colour Thief) Jozefkowicz shows empathy for her young heroines, exploring key themes of friendship, family and finding yourself with compassion and optimism' * The Bookseller, Editor's Pick * Strong themes of bullying, friendship and difference, but the author's light touch balances the deeper issues with a lot of heart * BookTrust * Strong and impactful writing packaged in a simple story with mirrored events and clever plot turns. It implores us to use our time thoughtfully. And what better way than to read this novel * Minerva Reads * With convincingly drawn characters, relatable issues and important values at its heart, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read * Books for Topics * Reading this sweetly told morality tale is to return temporarily to the world of children's fiction fifty years ago... There is always room for novels like this concentrating on the theme of moral growth while also telling a good story' * Books for Keeps * Two beautiful and thoughtful stories woven into one story of friendship, family and finding yourself * TripFiction. *

Author Information

Ewa Jozefkowicz grew up in Ealing, and studied English Literature at UCL. Her debut novel The Mystery of the Colour Thief was published by Zephyr in 2018. Ewa lives in Highbury, north London, with her husband and twin daughters, Magda and Julia.

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