Every Cloud

This is the story of Amy who goes, with her mum and brothers, to stay with her grandparents. Gran has fallen and is on crutches and Pops is becoming more forgetful and they need some help while Gran recovers. Amy isn't happy that all of her plans for the summer have had to change. On top of this, Amy's family has recently moved house and so Amy now won't be going to the same secondary school as her friends.

I really enjoyed this book and already know which children at school will want to read it first when I get a hard copy. The characters were believable and all very distinctive. I felt that there was a strong message throughout, of the importance of being yourself and giving people a chance. I would love for there to be a sequel, partly to hear how the characters deal with the different changes faced by the end of the book but mostly because I'd like to know more about Cassie's story. She seems so unlike her friends and I think it would be interesting to learn more about her.

Every cloud has a sliver lining and when you think that the world is totally against you. Things will turn around and soon everything will come up roses for you. You just have to hang in there. This book shows that this can happen. I loved the story of this book. How if you just keep going and Hanh in there everything will be ok.

Amy is leaving Y6 and ready to start high school with her friends. The only problem is they had to move house earlier this year and it puts them outside the catchment area. When they have to go and spend the first two weeks of the summer holidays with their grandparents, Amy is angry because she won’t be able to spend this precious time with her friends.

At her grandparents’ house she meets Jay who is going to the school Amy will be forced at attend. As their friendship blossoms, she realises that making new friends isn’t always a bad thing.

This is a delightful book dealing with friendship, change, a stammer and dementia. I really liked that there was so much going on with each of the characters. No-one’s story was straightforward which highlights the fact that parental decisions can be complex and sacrifices had to be made by everyone in order to do the right thing for the family as a whole. Mum was managing Amy’s needs whilst looking after her brothers and supporting her ageing parents, doing a great job of juggling it all and showing the complexities of being an adult.

This story works on so many levels and would be ideal for anyone about to make the transition from primary to secondary.

I received a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This is such a good book for children, it is well written with a great storyline and characters that are well developed and relatable. Above all else it highlights how important it is to just be you, be true to yourself and opening yourself up to people, places and opportunities. I really enjoyed it.