BY HATTIE WALES (aged 11)

 

Exquisite, colourful and a perfect teenage read for Valentine’s Day.

Jasmine Skies is a beautiful story about a girl called Mira Levenson who goes to meet the other half of her family in Kolkata. Her mother ‘lost touch’ with her cousin, Anjali, years before and Mira wants to know why. She stays with Anjali and Priya, her daughter, for three weeks, and begins to realise that there is a lot more to her family than she thought.

When Mira meets Janu, Priya’s brother, she feels an instant connection. He becomes Mira’s guide and Mira soon seems to know the city inside out. However, she misses home and her boyfriend Jide and begins to feel guilty about the feelings she has for Janu.

Mira realises that there is a mystery behind her family and beloved grandfather, and with Janu and Priya’s help she sets out to solve it.

I was gripped by this beautiful story and its plot, it was almost impossible to put down. The sights and smells of Kolkata come alive in the book, and the characters feel real.

It was funny, sad, beautifully written and I would recommend this book to all girls, (and adults)!

 

This book was published by Macmillan Children's Books and is available to buy for £5.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.