I think the Victorians invented new ways of seeing – the microscope and the kaleidoscope for example.

The star of this novel is undoubtedly Zillah’s vivid and vibrant description of Papua New Guinea; I could feel the heat of the sun and the sand in my toes as she painted such a stunning background to this story of friendship, grief and acceptance. Slowly they share their experiences of loss, and work together to help Maple’s father on his personal quest to find out an ancient secret. This story doesn’t shy away from the complexity of emotions that are experienced by both girls as they suffer the pain of grief at the loss of loved ones. Exasperated by her selfish and short-sighted views of the world, and her lack of appreciation for her island, Blue Wing struggles to connect with Maple. There were lines here that felt that they'd been lifted straight from my heart, told in a compelling voice that leaps off the page.Cleverly told, with gentle humour and understanding, this is ultimately a story of strength – the strength to fight for what you want, the strength to stand up for yourself and your friends, the strength to accept change and, most importantly, the strength to survive loss and grief and all the emotions they bring with them. That is, until she discovers that they may have more in common than she first thought, beginning a voyage of self-discovery for both girls as they uncover secrets hidden by the tide for decades. Theirs is not an easy path, but they learn to travel it together as their friendship and trust in each other grows, and as they learn valuable lessons relating to forgiveness and acceptance. The stories we heard around the cooking fires changed all the time, depending on the personality of the speaker; and the version that received the most claps and cheers was the one that endured. The Extraordinary Colours of Auden Dare, her last book, is one of my absolute favourite novels of all time.

When two Americans arrive on the island – Professor Atlas Hamelin and his daughter Maple – Blue Wing is charged with looking after the prickly and infuriating Maple. Their clash of cultures and frosty relationship eventually gives way to a sisterly bond as the two learn about each other’s suffering and seek to forgive themselves for the death of loved ones that they feel responsible for. To inspire pupils to discover more books they will enjoy our Young Readers book lists are full of ideas and suggestions, including a special What should I read next?But the promise of treasure and adventure becomes too strong and they set out together on a journey to the bottom of the ocean where they confront their fears and discover their courage and, ultimately, their loyalty to one another.

This is an incredibly moving story that left me in floods of tears, but it also left me filled with hope and reassurance. Capturing loads of content especially for children, this is a home where kids can engage with videos, watch interviews, read book reviews from their peers, and enjoy tons of activities and competitions. Together they set out to discover the truth and in doing so we see both families taken on a journey through loss, grief, anger, acceptance, change, sadness and strength. And it’s one that I know will be both a source of comfort and a popular read for lots of young (and not so young!As they arrive, she spies on them and talks to Chimera – the daughter of a witch doctor, who lives outside of the village – telling her of her resentment.