Seven Million Sunflowers

Description: Escaping war is only half the battle as the Kovalenko family swap Ukrainian dangers for life with a British family.

15-year-old Kateryno and her family live in Kharkiv. Their lives are shattered when on February 24th 2022 the Russian army invades. Their apartment block is struck by a missile. After weeks living in their basement, Kateryno, her mother, and brother, decide to leave, joining seven million Ukrainian refugees. They come to England and meet their host family, the Hawkins. But their new beginning brings a whole new set of problems.

Review:

This is an exercise in empathy that works hard to make readers empathetic too. * Sunday Times, Children's Book of the Week *

A memorable, moving, powerful book. * Irish Times *

This book stands as an empathetic reminder of how others can help * Irish Examiner *

Offers a relatable and empathetic glimpse into the struggles of teenage life amidst conflict, fear and dealing with the unknown. Perfect for KS3 and KS4 book clubs... highly recommended * School Reading List *

A deeply moving, truthful and compelling story * Armadillo Magazine *

Kat's voice - full of hope, fear, gratefulness, determination and love - is a reflection of the voice of many Ukrainian teenagers * Children's Books Ireland *

Highlighting a human side to the war, readers will empathise with Kat, leading to the realisation that the people displaced and harmed in terrible wars are no different to them * Children's Books Ireland - Reading Together with Refugees guide *

Grounded in the harsh realities of conflict and the arduous journey toward healing... I found its narrative gripping and... moving * Your Elmbridge *

A grippingly unfolding domestic drama... the book's two engaging narrators learn and teach the value of empathy with others * Sunday Times, Read Between the Lies, Children's Book of the Week *

This story about homelessness is truthful and compelling, and Duffy has a talent for imparting serious ideas entertainingly. * Sunday Times, Sofa Surfer, Children's Book of the Week *

Well-paced and highly engaging, readers will be surprised by more than one satisfying twist. * BookTrust, Read Between the Lies, Book of the Month *

Author Biography: Geordie Malcolm Duffy now lives in Surrey. His debut, Me Mam. Me Dad. Me. was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Book Prize, and, alongside Sofa Surfer and Read Between the Lies, has won and been shortlisted for multiple regional awards. All four of his books have been Sunday Times Children's Books of the Week.