Abela

Berlie Doherty

"Be strong, my Abela."
These are the last words of Abela's mother in their HIV/Aids stricken African village, where it seems that to live or to die, to be sick or to be healthy, is just a matter of chance. It takes all Abela's strength to survive her Uncle Thomas's scheming to get to Europe, but what will be her fate as an illegal immigrant?
"I don't want a sister or brother," thinks Rosa in England, when her mother tells her that she wants to adopt a child. Could these two girls ever become sisters? Is there room in Rosa's family for an African orphan haunted by lions? Is there room in their hearts?

Abela is a powerful and moving story influenced by a visit to Africa, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author Berlie Doherty writing at her very best.

Reviews

"An involving, moving and, above all, relevant novel that ought to be in every school library in the land and put into the hands of as many children as possible."
Adele Geras - Guardian

"Excellent . . . what could be an unbearably sad tale is made compulsively readable by a writer of grace and skill."
Nicholas Tucker - Independent

"A very moving book and highly recommended."
Birmingham Post

"The strength of the story is the author's empathy with all her characters, and her skill in engaging the reader with their feelings"
Books for Keeps

"Well-written, with very real characters, this latest Doherty title is a heart-breaking yet ultimately hopeful examination of HIV/Aids, child trafficking and adoption. (SEASON HIGHLIGHT)"
The Bookseller