Beautiful, magical and moving, this is a SKELLIG for a new generation, from the author of THE BONE SPARROW, shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal 2017 and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize 2016.

Some stories need to be told... A moving, beautifully-written and poignant novel about child trafficking and the search for freedom.

Kept by a ruthless gang, three children manage to escape from slavery. But freedom isn't just waiting on the outside.

Separated, scared and looking after a small child, Esra will do whatever she can to reunite with her friend Miran, who was captured by the police - the police who she mustn't trust.

Hiding in the shadows of the forest, Esra is found by a local boy, a boy with his own story. Together they will create a man out of mud. A man who will come to life and lead them through a dark labyrinth of tunnels until they finally have the courage the step above ground. Until they finally have the courage to speak their story. Until they finally have the courage to be free.

About the Author
Zana Fraillon was born in Naarm (Melbourne) Australia but spent her early childhood in San Francisco. As a child Zana always had her head in a book. This could have been because she was 8 years-old before anyone realized that she was incredibly near-sighted and probably couldn't see anything further away than the words in a book. But regardless of its origins, her love of reading has remained central to her life and work. 'I grew up in a house that had a whole room full of books and comfy chairs and this was my favourite place to be.' Zana studied history at university before training to be a primary school teacher and both these passions influence her approach to writing. Through meticulous research she has also discovered that it is essential to eat copious amounts of chocolate in order to write anything at all. Zana has written two picture books for young children, a series for middle readers and a fictitious book for older readers based on research and recounts of survivors of the Forgotten Generation. She lives in Naarm with her three children, partner and two dogs and still always has her head in a book, despite now using glasses to see anything further away. When Zana isn't reading or writing, she likes to explore the museums and hidden passageways scattered across Naarm. They provide the same excitement as that moment before opening a new book - preparing to step into the unknown where a whole world of possibilities awaits.

Reviews
Outstanding . . . This is an important, heartbreaking book with frequent, unexpected humour, that everyone, whether teenager or adult, should read. * The Guardian on The Bone Sparrow *
A contender for the children's book of the year... It is a heartrending tale about how our stories make us, and also an angry polemic, vividly convincing in is detailed description of what it means for your home to be a tent in the dust behind a guarded fence. * The Sunday Times on The Bone Sparrow *
This is a tragic, beautifully crafted and wonderful book whose chirpy, stoic hero shames us all. I urge you to read it * The Independent on The Bone Sparrow *
A profoundly poignant novel * The Metro on The Bone Sparrow *
This is an extraordinarily powerful and beautifully written novel about child slavery. This is a gripping novel, and one which celebrates hope while taking us to the most painful places. Adults as well as older teenagers will find this an exceptional read. * The School Librarian *
The writing is beautiful and the message of survival and bravery a universal one * THE BOOKSELLER *
Think of it as a powerful polemic, yes, but also think of it as a story of the redeeming power of friendship and the vital nature of storytelling * The Bookbag *



Book Information
ISBN 9781510101586
Author Zana Fraillon
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Orion Children's Books
Publisher Hachette Children's Group
Weight(grams) 240g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 128mm * 24mm