Little Bits of Sky

A beautifully written story about two children trying to find their way in a world that's grey and cold, and what happens when the sky turns blue.

It's 1987 and Ira and Zac are being uprooted once again, this time to Skilly House, a home for social care children. Their lives over the next few years are beautifully realised amongst the antipathy of the authorities, the drama of the poll tax riots and the moments of peace and hope Ira finds at Skilly and further afield.

Winner of the Student Vote, UKLA Book Award 2017

Winner of the Warwickshire Schools Book Award 2017

Shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2017

Nominated for the 2017 CILIP Carnegie Medal

I've put this story together from the diaries I kept when Zac and I were children. I wrote them because I felt we were almost invisible and I wanted to make sure our story was told, and also in the hope that life would get better for the small unloved girl that was me, and my even smaller unloved brother. And if life didn't get better or at least more interesting I was going to make it up - to put in witches and castles and rides in fast cars. But I didn't need to. Life got exciting all by itself...

It's 1987 and Ira and Zac are being uprooted once again, this time to Skilly House, a home for social care children. Their lives over the next few years are beautifully realised amongst the antipathy of the authorities, the drama of the poll tax riots and the moments of peace and hope Ira finds at Skilly and further afield. This is a memorable and moving tale about growing up, making friends and finding a home.

Featuring a brand new short story, 'Glenda'.

"This remarkable debut novel reads as if written by an experienced children's author at the height of her powers. The story of looked-after siblings of 9 and 11, it is reminiscent of Jacqueline Wilson in its subject and Sharon Creech in its style and generosity of spirit. Instantly engaging, and sustaining emotional involvement throughout... this is an uplifting and convincing evocation of time and place, of two vivid young lives, and of the hope that kindness can offer. It is a gentle story, although sad things happen (expect tears), and it tells us clearly how the feelings of adults and children can be complicated." - The Sunday Times, Children's...