Mirabelle says “It’s amazed me at how much I can relate to the book with starting a new school in a new place. The book is a real mix of the magical realism element and real, contemporary issues, and also touches on immigration and the meaning of home. She’s still writing stories and though she doesn’t teach now, she still visit schools … only now they’re all over the country.

Children begin by forming plot predictions based on the front cover before looking at specific vocabulary in context.We also said it should pay him compensation for the distress and inconvenience he’d experienced because of its refusal to help with his repatriation. I love the pervasive warmth in this book, even as Leelu faces the challenges of fitting in to a new country and a new school as her family unravels around her. The prose, imagery and writing style is completely gorgeous, and the ending was perfect (I was in tears). When you look at small pieces of moss, and beautiful leaves so intricate and delicate they ARE things of wonder with hidden magical powers.

Full of friendship, family and magic, this stunning novel by Polly Ho-Yen, author of Boy in the Tower (shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award) and Where Monsters Lie, is a must-read for 9-12 readers. In this case, we agreed with the treating doctor's assessment of the risks in flying Carl home, set against the risks associated with carrying out his operation in West Africa.

Polly's books have been great for stretching the boundaries of what she's prepared to read without overwhelming her with the grittiness of life. He asked for help in arranging his flight home but the insurer said that flying was too risky for him. He reminded me a little bit of Skellig - not in his mannerisms, but more because of the impact he has.

I love the fact that she doesn't shy away from difficult topics and knows that children want to be told the truth, although it doesn't hurt to add a little sprinkle of magic to the mix! Full of friendship, family and magic, this stunning novel by Polly Ho-Yen, author of Boy in the Tower (shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize and the Blue Peter Book Award) and Where Monsters Lie , is a must-read for 9-12 readers. Children will summarise sections of the story and complete an emotions graph for the main character, as well as comparing themes arising through the text as a whole. Carl argued the insurer's insistence on a written report was unreasonable as the doctor's view was that it was in his best interests to be repatriated. Working in publishing obviously helped me to understand the process and where publishers are coming from.Feeling lost and alone in a strange new city, Leelu wishes she could fly away back home – her real home where her dad is, thousands of miles away. Finance is provided by PayPal Credit (a trading name of PayPal UK Ltd, Whittaker House, Whittaker Avenue, Richmond-Upon-Thames, Surrey, United Kingdom, TW9 1EH).

So many of the children that I used to teach when I taught in a primary school sneak into my writing. But Leelu is not alone; someone is leaving her gifts outside her house - wonders, which give her curious magical powers. This resources will encourage and support pupils to explore unknown vocabulary, classify tiered vocabulary independently, explore the wider application of newly acquired vocabulary and enhance classroom vocabulary display which ultimately leads to improved retention. The story is an emotional one and there are many opportunities for discussion which may lead onto deeper PSHCE sessions.We chose this book for a Literary Leaf as it is a beautiful book which introduces the power of symbols to the children.