A Pocketful Of Stars by Aisha Bushby

The Blurb On The Back:

This place is magic … but it’s not the sort of magic that comes from wands and spells …

Safiya and her mum rarely see eye to eye. But when her mum falls ill, something mysterious happens. Saff finds herself transported back in tie to her mum’s childhood home in Kuwait. And it becomes clear that this isn’t just a magical place: it’s a game. As Saff figures out how to play the game, she realises that opening her heart to the past is the key to changing her future …

( The Review (Cut For Spoilers): )

The Verdict:

Aisha Bushby’s debut fantasy novel for children aged 10+ is a sensitive story about regret, guilt and dealing with a parent who you feel doesn’t understand you that doesn’t patronise readers and doesn’t offer a trite happy ending. I liked the way Bushby brings in the Kuwait setting and the subplot involving Safiya’s deteriorating relationship with her best friend is well drawn such that I’ll definitely read her next book.

Thanks to the Amazon Vine Programme for the review copy of this book.