My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece
by Annabel Pitcher
A collarbone, two ribs, a bit of skull, and a little toe.
Jamie becomes friends with the clever and effervescent Sunya. But Sunya is a Muslim, and, as Jamie’s dad constantly reminds him, “Muslims killed your sister.” Jamie’s mother has abandoned him, his father is sinking into alcoholism, and he’s bullied at school -- when it seems things can’t get worse, Jamie endures a personal tragedy that puts the previous five years in perspective while finally offering some solace.
(Summary borrowed and adapted from Booklist review)
REVIEWS...
"A striking debut. Realistic, gritty, and uplifting." --Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Straddles the fine line between funny and tragic." --Booklist (starred review)
"Compelling and believable [...] by turns heartbreaking and hysterically funny [...] This is an important book that could be used in classes and book-discussion groups. Don't let it fall through the cracks." --School Library Journal (starred review)
"It lives off the page. It has a warmth you can bask in; an honesty you can cut with a knife." --The Guardian UK
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