Seven Million Sunflowers
A family's journey from war to a new life
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published:1st Feb '24
Should be back in stock very soon
The Kovalenko family's journey from war-torn Ukraine to England reveals the struggles and resilience of refugees. Seven Million Sunflowers captures their challenging new beginning.
In Seven Million Sunflowers, the Kovalenko family faces the harrowing realities of war as they flee their home in Kharkiv, Ukraine. On February 24, 2022, their lives are irrevocably changed when the Russian army invades, and their apartment is struck by a missile. Forced to take refuge in their basement for weeks, 15-year-old Kateryno, along with her mother and younger brother, makes the difficult decision to leave their homeland behind, joining the millions of Ukrainian refugees seeking safety and a new beginning.
Their journey leads them to England, where they are welcomed by the Hawkins family. However, the transition is anything but easy. The Kovalenkos must navigate the challenges of adapting to a new culture, language barriers, and the emotional scars left by their traumatic experiences. As they struggle to find their place in this foreign land, they also grapple with the memories of their past and the uncertainty of the future.
Seven Million Sunflowers is a poignant exploration of resilience, hope, and the complexities of displacement. It highlights the strength of familial bonds in the face of adversity and the power of community support in helping refugees rebuild their lives. Through Kateryno's eyes, readers witness the profound impact of war and the enduring spirit of those who seek solace and belonging in a world turned upside down.
This is an exercise in empathy that works hard to make readers empathetic too. * Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *
A memorable, moving, powerful book. * Irish Times *
This book stands as an empathetic reminder of how others can help * Irish Examiner *
Offers a relatable and empathetic glimpse into the struggles of teenage life amidst conflict, fear and dealing with the unknown. Perfect for KS3 and KS4 book clubs... highly recommended * School Reading List *
A deeply moving, truthful and compelling story * Armadillo Magazine *
Kat's voice - full of hope, fear, gratefulness, determination and love - is a reflection of the voice of many Ukrainian teenagers * Children's Books Ireland *
Highlighting a human side to the war, readers will empathise with Kat, leading to the realisation that the people displaced and harmed in terrible wars are no different to them * Children’s Books Ireland - Reading Together with Refugees guide *
Grounded in the harsh realities of conflict and the arduous journey toward healing... I found its narrative gripping and... moving * Your Elmbridge *
A grippingly unfolding domestic drama... the book’s two engaging narrators learn and teach the value of empathy with others * Sunday Times, Read Between the Lies, Children's Book of the Week *
This story about homelessness is truthful and compelling, and Duffy has a talent for imparting serious ideas entertainingly. * Sunday Times, Sofa Surfer, Children's Book of the Week *
Well-paced and highly engaging, readers will be surprised by more than one satisfying twist. * BookTrust, Read Between the Lies, Book of the Month *
ISBN: 9781800241732
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
320 pages