Cover Design by Anna Morrison
Published by Neem Tree Press
Norah’s Ark is a powerful, empathetic story told from the dual viewpoint of two children from very different worlds who find each other when they are both in need of friendship. This is a story that captured my heart and, I must admit at times, broke it a little. Whilst there are some very difficult issues addressed, there is also a real sense of hope and love woven throughout that makes this an uplifting, heart-warming read. This is a story that will stay with me, and is one I cannot recommend highly enough for homes and schools.
When Norah’s father loses his job, and is unable to afford the rent on their house, they are made homeless and rely on temporary accommodation, food banks and benefits to just about get by. Norah suffers dreadful bullying at school, and her only friends are the animals she brings home and those she finds to look after, including a nest of motherless baby birds who she shares her food with. When she visits the nest, she discovers that it has been taken by a boy who lives in a big house with a large garden and a treehouse, and she is determined to get them back …
Adam has spent a lot of time in hospital and is now recovering from leukaemia, is being home-schooled, and is confined to his home and garden by his anxious, over-protective mother who has given up her job to look after him. When he visits his treehouse to feed the birds, he is met with an angry girl who accuses him of stealing them from her.
And so, these two children are brought together through their shared love of animals and nature. Despite the protective shells that they have placed around themselves, they take the first tentative steps towards friendship by working together to release the birds. Can they overcome their fear of rejection to find a friendship based on trust, honesty and openness?
This is a wonderfully empathetic story that really opens up so much opportunity for discussion with children around issues such as poverty, homelessness, climate change, animal welfare and illness. This is a story that I have no doubt will resonate with some young readers and will encourage empathy in others through giving an opportunity to talk about these issues.
This is also a story with an intriguing family mystery, with danger and with secrets and, as I read it, I loved the dawning realisation of how apt the title is!
I loved that the story was told from the dual viewpoint of Norah and Adam as it gives a genuine insight into their lives told through their authentic voices. I think what really shines through for me is how these children have so much taken from them, yet they have the capacity for so much love and hope, and give so much through their kindness and resilience. They are both faced with the consequences of a parent’s fear of losing them and not being open with them, something that impacts on their emotional wellbeing, yet both show courage in challenging that fear and making a positive difference in the lives of their families.
Norah’s Ark is a beautifully written, heart-warming story of family and friendship, a story of love and hope in the face of adversity, that is a must-read for both children and adults.
20% of the author royalties for this novel will be donated to Shelter.
Thank you so much to Dave at The Write Reads for inviting me to be part of this blog tour, and to the publishers, Neem Tree Press, for sending me a copy of this wonderful book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Do check out the other stops on the Blog Tour:
Book Craic 