Artichoke Hearts

Twelve-year-old Mira comes from a chaotic, artistic and outspoken family where it's not always easy to be heard. As her beloved Nana Josie's health declines, Mira begins to discover the secrets of those around her, and also starts to keep some of her own. She is drawn to mysterious Jide, a boy who is clearly hiding a troubled past and has grown hardened layers - like those of an artichoke - around his heart. As Mira is experiencing grief for the first time, she is also discovering the wondrous and often mystical world around her.

The artichoke charm Nana Josie gives to Mira travels with Mira and her family across continents through two further Carnegie nominated and award winning novels Jasmine Skies and Tender Earth which was honoured by the International Board of Books for young people.

Winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize, Artichoke Hearts by Sita Brahmachari is an incredibly insightful, honest novel exploring the delicate balance, and often injustice, of life and death - but at its heart is a celebration of friendship, culture, and life.

If you have a book club in your school, there is an excellent 10 week study resource on Artichoke Hearts created by Book Clubs In Schools.