Description

*Sita Brahmachari is a World Book Day author for 2021 with gorgeous short story, The River Whale!*

Two children must risk everything to escape their fate and find the impossible . . . bold adventure, timely climate change themes and breathtaking writing, from award-winning author Sita Brahmachari.

‘Lavishly written and full of love of the natural world.’ – Sunday Times

Shifa and her brother, Themba, live in Kairos City with their father, Nabil. The few live in luxury, whilst the millions like them crowd together in compounds, surviving on meagre rations and governed by Freedom Fields – the organisation that looks after you, as long as you opt in.

The bees have long disappeared; instead children must labour on farms, pollinating crops by hand so that the nation can eat. The farm Shifa and Themba are sent to is hard and cruel. Themba won’t survive there and Shifa comes up with a plan to break them out. But they have no idea where they are – their only guide is a map drawn from the ramblings of a stranger.

The journey ahead is fraught with danger, but Shifa is strong and knows to listen to her instincts – to let love guide them home. The freedom of a nation depends on it . . .

Endorsed by Amnesty International.

Publisher Review

Sita Brahmachari has such a loving touch with the way she delicately and compassionately picks her way through experiences, families and relationships * Jamila Gavin on Jasmine Skies * A beautifully written book about family, friendship, grief and hope which made me laugh and cry sometimes at the same time * Anthony Browne, former Children's Laureate, on Artichoke Hearts * 'Sita Brahmachari has a great gift of understanding for the confusions and loneliness of adolescents and their need to be gently nurtured and cherished' * Julia Eccleshare *