The Doughnut Club
by Kristina Rahim
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Pub Date 8 May 2025 | Archive Date 15 May 2025
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Description
"A poignant, joyful, and warm-hearted celebration of family, friendship, and the things which make us all unique." - Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even
Donor conceived Quinn loves her family, but she often feels the odd one out. Not only because she’s the only one with red hair and green eyes, but because she would rather be quietly drawing than surfing or rock-climbing or whatever mad activity her mums and brother Olly might like to do on holiday.
But when Quinn’s mums tell her and Olly they have sixteen donor siblings, Quinn is really excited. Maybe one of them will be more like her! The only problem is her parents want them to wait until they are older to contact anyone.
As she tries to secretly find out more, Quinn starts to lose sight of what really important – especially when she starts to believe her worst enemy could be one of her siblings! Can she find a way back to her family, whilst finding a way to tell them how she really feels?
Sprinkled with humour and warmth, this uplifting debut will encourage every reader to be true to themselves. Perfect for readers age 9+, it’s a deliciously delightful celebration of creativity, of family and friends, of belonging and – of course – of doughnuts!
Advance Praise
"A poignant, joyful, and warm-hearted celebration of family, friendship, and the things which make us all unique." - Simon James Green, author of Noah Can’t Even
"Kristina’s writing shines with genuine care, an effortlessly light touch, and gentle humour, making this story eminently accessible for young readers" - Harry Woodgate, Waterstones Prize winning creator of Grandad's Camper
“A warm, inclusive and captivating story that celebrates different families and explores what it means to fit in. Heartwarming and relatable. I loved it.” - Jen Carney, author of The Accidental Diary of B.U.G.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781805133667 |
| PRICE | £7.99 (GBP) |
| PAGES | 288 |
Available on NetGalley
Featured Reviews
Cait P, Reviewer
Through an insightful snapshot of the everyday interactions between Quinn, her brother Olly, their Mama and Mum, Kristina Rahim examines what it means to be related to someone genetically and what it takes to make a family. This book has plenty of intrigue which keep the pages turning and ends with a satisfying heartfelt conclusion. A joy to read as well as being a vital book which examines some of the complexities that the growing number of donor born children may face.
Margaret P, Librarian
Quinn and her brother have always known that they are donor conceived, but when their mothers tell them that there are 16 other siblings, Quinn longs to find out if there are any like her, i.e. quiet and artistic, not sporty. What a great story that blends a very serious matter with a lot of humour and empathy. The author deal with a topic that is not often written about, but which should be more widely known about. A great KS2 read.
Marion M, Reviewer
What a lovely book for middle stage readers. I really enjoyed the story and was pleased the potentially expected ending wasn't wrapped up in a bow as other may have been tempted to provide. Gently thought provoking and a light examination of familial love and bonds. Will read again with my daughter. Thank you for my ARC - review is my own.
Henrietta E, Librarian
Lovely book, pitched really well for younger readers, exploring the experience of being a donor-conceived child. Both the brother-sister relationship, and the children's relationship with their mums, were convincing and sweet. The enemy to friend sub-plot worked well. I thought this book highlighted an area which is seldom discussed so accessibly, and will be buying it for our school library.
Claire H, Reviewer
A sweetly characterized coming-of-age story exploring themes of identity and belonging from the fresh perspective of donor families. A great read for 8+.
Sarah Todd T, Reviewer
Absolutely WONDERFUL!
Donor conceived Quinn often feels like the odd-one-out as an artistic dreamer in her surf-loving family. So when her mums announce on their annual seaside holidy that she and her brother Olly have sixteen half-siblings she feels the pull to find out more about her other family. Could there be someone out there who is more like her?
Quinn's search leads her to forget for a while what is important to her as she weaves a web of lies, steals her mums' credit card and sneaks off to meet with a potential new sibling, all while battling the fear that one of her half-siblings may actually be her worst enemy!
Set against the background of a traditional British seaside holiday, this is a great read. Quinn's gradual sink into bad behaviour is thoroughly believable and there is real emotional depth in her struggles to find a place in the family she loves while wondering if there is other family out there who might help her work out who she is.
A wonderful story about family, belonging, misunderstandings and the value of honesty and openness of heart.
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