I didn't finish the book, I stopped after 15%. I did enjoy the bit of it that I read, I just couldn't gel with the writing style

A 384 page middle grade story about a girl finding her voice, while solving a town mystery, one artistic clue at a time. I sought out this book, not only to get lost in the adventure, but primarily, because of the author's name and the character's name in the title. While a few Urdu food words find there way in, there is no Islam (or desi culture) in the book aside from Muslamic sounding names: Rumana, Idris and Zahra Al-Tayeb, Noor. Idris and his family from Sudan might or might not be Muslim, it does mention that his mother, Hawa, wears a head wrap, but that could just as easily be culture or fashion. And through the lens of an Islamic school librarian, the book while well-written and engaging, does come with a few Islamic flags that adults should know about before deciding if the book is appropriate or not for the 8-11 year old readers in their care. There is a piano that features heavily in the story and the music that comes from it, there is also little art sculptures in human form that are being made from newspaper, there is a lesbian couple that run the local bakery, and a bookstore owner writing a gay romance.
The surface story is the adventure of solving the clues and protagonist trusting people after being let down by those that she thought would stand up for her, but the book has layers of finding your story and truth and the voice to speak up for yourself. It also has commentary on racism, and bullying coming from adults, being a good friend, forgiveness, fact checking, and family, both biological and found.
Extra bonus was Idris: a confident, pump-wearing-type one diabetic-checking-in-with-Hawa kid.

This is a lyrical story about a young girl's coming of age, and how she faces an unexpected challenge. Estie has always got along well with her mother, a single parent from an immigrant community, until an incident at school rocks the foundations of their relationship.

Her mother's failure to understand what is happening, and the lack of a father figure in her life, leads to a situation where Estie goes to stay with her Aunt Rumana, her mother's estranged sister in Brunstane. There she slowly learns to trust again and to rebuild her sense of home through participating in a most unexpected and mysterious quest.

This is a warm, insightful story about family, found family, and the importance of being open to the happy surprises life can offer.

As most great verse novels are, this one is filled with BIG emotions. Estie has a lot going on - moving to Scotland is just one of the things she has to contend with, the other is the relationship with her mum. But as things unravel, feelings get bigger and Estie has a lot to deal with.
Beautifully written.
Emma Perry

In the highly competitive world of children’s books Estie Noor stands out - being right at the top. What a cracking story to engage and pull the readers in. The characters in particular are outstanding: developing, changing and letting us see more of their personalities as the story goes on. An absolutely inspirational piece of writing that will have kids smuggling the torches for after lights out reading.

I first discovered this author when I read The Stories Grandma Forgot (and how I found them) several months ago. It was an absolute page turner, a story of hope, heart and family. It was also told in verse, something I have come to appreciate and respect as an art form and incredible way to tell a story.
Spotting Estie Noor on Netgalley, I immediately requested and once downloaded, it was near on impossible to stop reading. Estie has been expelled from school but it hasn’t strengthened her or her relationship with her mum. It has pushed her truth and her voice deep inside. When she is sent to live with her Aunt Ru for the summer, Estie begins to heal and to discover more about herself.

She also learns more about her mum and aunt, fiery sisters who grew up together in a town that adored them. Estie finds a new home and begins to find ways to share her voice and truth. She and new friend Idris, also discover a mystery to be solved. Discovering an intricate paper castle, the pair discover a clue that leads them to a story, a truth needing to be told.

The community around this story is welcoming, diverse, inclusive and they form a family. When secrets are discovered, truths revealed and artists vindicated, the Noor family can finally reunite.

Verse novels have this power to hit right to the heart of the story. Characters are fully formed and share their traits while the plot unfolds quickly and with power. Verse novels are an absolute must for my reading diet and I truly hope for more from Nadine. She writes with a truth about heritage, family and having a voice. I love her style, characters and use of language.

If you haven’t yet discovered the talents of Nadine, then I urge you to visit your local library or bookstore.

Estie has been expelled from school, which would be bad enough, but her mum doesn't even want to hear her side of what happened. Estie goes to stay with Aunt Ru, her mum's sister, who she barely knows, in Brunstane, Scotland. Estie begins to get to know some of the people in her aunt's close-knit community and reluctantly begins to help with preparations for the annual art fair. She meets a local boy of her age, Idris, and together, they discover a mystery, revealing the untold story of a Brunstane resident.

I really enjoyed this story. I liked the variety of the characters, especially Idris and Aunt Ru - I think everyone would benefit from having their own Aunt Ru! Some of the characters, I felt I'd like to know more about (Holly, Zahra and Marve for starters) so I am really hoping that the author plans to revisit Brunstane in the future!

Our Year 6s are particularly enjoying books in verse at the moment and I am looking forward to sharing this one with them.

Written in verse, this mystery novel shows the importance of finding your voice and finding the truth.

Estie Noor is sent to Scotland to stay with her Aunt Ru, after being expelled from school. Feeling angry and hurt that no one has listened to her side of the story, Estie attempts to bury the truth about what actually happened in the run up to Mr Morton accusing her of wrong doing. But, with the help of her new friend Idris and a mystery they both uncover and solve, Estie finds a way to tell her story and be heard.

A beautifully set story of friendship, family and finding your voice, and, yourself. The stories scene setting and character descriptions create a small town that the reader feels part of, as the story develops. Who wouldn’t want to live in Brunstane, with its friendly bookshop, cafe, Historical castle and waterfall. A lovely read, that will inspire readers to find their own voice.

Thank you to Net Galley and Hachettekids for the opportunity to read The Hidden Story of Estie Noor prior to its release.