These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Sarah Hagger-Holt - Author
This is a relationship-led school story about two girls discovering that friendship, family and identity may be more complicated than they expected. Choir gives them a shared space while contrasting homes and difficult news test how they support one another.
AdoptionThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.FamilyThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.IdentityThe available evidence does not establish the book's treatment of this theme. See Confidence & Basis for the evidence gap.
Consider
Social conflictDiscrimination or prejudiceGrief and loss
Personalised Fit
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Ella and Ari discover that, despite being adopted into different families, they are biological sisters.AmbiguousAmbiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.Ambiguous: the book leaves its position open to more than one reasonable reading.
How the book presents it: The discovery is treated as emotionally disruptive and significant, while the girls respond differently; the book appears interested in negotiation rather than instant closeness.
Talk about: How do the sisters’ different reactions shape what they need from one another?
Family diversity and acceptance
Ari lives with two dads, while Ella lives with her mother and grandmother; the story also includes a character coming out.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The family forms are presented as part of the characters’ ordinary lives, with the story describing acceptance and learning to let go of preconceptions.
Talk about: When do family members accept difference, and when do their assumptions create tension?
Belonging through school and choir
Both girls feel alone when starting secondary school, then meet through choir and find it a supportive shared space.FavourableFavourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.Favourable: the book presents this theme approvingly or positively.
How the book presents it: The choir is portrayed as a constructive route into friendship and belonging, although the girls’ difficulties are not erased immediately.
Talk about: What might the school and choir offer someone who feels unable to settle in?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It may prompt thoughtful conversations about what makes a family, how adopted children may respond differently to shared discoveries, and how people can belong while holding conflicting feelings.
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What Deserves Attention
The story includes bullying linked to adoption, casual homophobia, panic attacks, impulsivity, a broken leg, school refusal and an older relative’s sudden illness, including references to Parkinson’s and strokes.
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A Conversation Worth Having
If a new family connection changed your understanding of yourself, what might help you respond? How could people respect different reactions without demanding immediate closeness?
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Reading Approach
Check in before reading if adoption, bullying, family illness or homophobia may feel personal. Pause after major revelations, and discuss whether the ending’s apparently neat resolutions feel convincing or leave questions unanswered.
Confidence & Basis
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
What remains unconfirmed
Adoption and sisterhood: The full development of their relationship and the ending are only partially described.
Family diversity and acceptance: The precise handling of the coming-out strand and negative reactions is not fully shown.
Belonging through school and choir: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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