SuitabookFamily separation and longing
Gemma longs for her lost mother, while Mike has a secret about his missing mother; both are described as hurt by their pasts.
Loading your next page
Book details
Malorie Blackman - Author
This is a story about two children affected by maternal absence, whose connection brings their painful pasts into contact. Expect family-focused drama involving longing, secrecy and potentially strong feelings.
Book Brief
Sign in to see how this book fits your child and family preferences.
Sign in for personalised guidanceThis is a story about two children affected by maternal absence, whose connection brings their painful pasts into contact. Expect family-focused drama involving longing, secrecy and potentially strong feelings.
Gemma longs for her lost mother, while Mike has a secret about his missing mother; both are described as hurt by their pasts.
Mike is new to the area and hides a secret about his missing mother; he and Gemma become inextricably linked.
The central sensitivities are missing or lost mothers, longing, hurt connected with the past, family disruption and a secret. The phrase “explosive” signals heightened consequences.
This is a grounded book brief while Suitabook strengthens the analysis: the book’s treatment of its main themes is not yet firm enough; some draft conclusions still depend on unresolved evidence.
Limited information
Checked: 19 September 2026.
Anything not established here remains open; it is not being treated as absent or safe.
These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.