The second book in my Summer Reading Challenge is 'The Closest Thing to Flying' by Gill Lewis. I picked this book up by chance at work and was delighted that a random choice lead to such a wonderful reading experience. A gripping and emotive story, which packs in a vibrant mix of history and contemporary issues in a hugely relatable manner for young readers. 
The Closest Thing to Flying tells the compelling story of two girls growing up a century apart. In modern day London Semira, a refugee from Eritrea, buys an old hat at a market and concealed with it she finds Henrietta's diary written 100 years before.
As Semira escapes into the diary, events in her own life mirror those experienced by Henrietta as both girls find themselves striving for different freedoms. Henrietta finds her stifling life a barrier to her entry into the world of women's suffrage and animal rights. Semira lives under the shadow of an insecure immigration status and the control of a man who professes to protect her and her mother.
As Semira establishes herself at school, she makes new friends and through one of these friendships discovers a love of cycling. The bicycle is traditionally a symbol of female independence (a characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th century 'New Woman' where a female cyclist could easily travel without a chaperone) and also proves to be a turning point to Henrietta who makes use of a 'new safety bicycle'. A skillful mix of such items, as well as real events and historical figures, such as the founder of the RSPB Emily Williamson, make for a rich read with plenty of inspiration for interest and further research.
Through these two parallel storylines, tricky concepts such as seeking refuge and the exploitation of human trafficking are sensitively introduced to the reader. Semira's toxic 'stepfather' Robel is responsible for much of the cruelty that occurs in the story; but he is counter balanced by Graham, the kind hearted, cake baking, bicycle maintaining step-father of Semira's pal Patrick. Patrick and his family are a crucial cog in Semira and her mother's journey to safety.
'The Closest Thing to Flying' would be a brilliant next step, or alternative read, for fans of Jacqueline Wilson and Michael Morpurgo. It is the perfect book for confident readers aged 11 onwards and would provide some fascinating discussion and inspiration for readers in Key Stage 3. Keep your eye out for references to birds and bicycles!
An 1890s bike with an 1890s rider...
Comments
Post a Comment