These links show the original reading lists. Inclusion is not a guarantee of suitability for your child.
Malcolm Duffy - Author
This is a war-and-refugee coming-of-age novel: Kateryno leaves Kharkiv with her mother and brother, settles with a British host family, and navigates separation, new relationships and the emotional aftermath of invasion.
Kateryno’s family leaves Kharkiv, travels through several European countries and settles with a host family in Britain.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The story presents relocation through an individual family’s practical and emotional difficulties, including cultural adjustment and separation.
Talk about: How does the move affect Kateryno’s idea of belonging and safety?
War’s emotional aftermath
Kateryno deals with fear, loss and the psychological consequences of invasion while trying to begin a new life.Exploratory / explanatoryExploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.Exploratory / explanatory: the book explains or explores the subject without an established evaluative position.
How the book presents it: The book is described as emphasising the importance of seeking help and treating psychological effects as part of survival and recovery.
Talk about: What forms of support does Kateryno find, if any, and how does the story handle seeking help?
Growing relationships across cultures
New friendships and a romantic relationship develop as Kateryno adjusts to British life with her host family.MixedMixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.Mixed: the book presents both supportive and critical signals.
How the book presents it: Relationships appear to provide connection and complication, while observations about British customs add humour and warmth to the relocation story.
Talk about: How do cultural misunderstandings influence Kateryno’s friendships and romantic relationship?
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Why It May Be Worth Reading
It offers a personal lens on displacement rather than only describing global events, connecting refugee experiences with cultural difference, family separation, friendship, romance, fear, hope and possible routes towards healing.
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What Deserves Attention
The opening invasion sequence is described as particularly challenging. Expect references to a missile strike, weeks in a basement, leaving relatives behind, fear, loss, trauma and psychological distress, alongside humour and joyful moments.
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A Conversation Worth Having
How does Kateryno’s understanding of home, safety and responsibility change as she adjusts to Britain, and whether do the people around her help her speak about what she has experienced?
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Reading Approach
Consider reading alongside a willing adult, especially around the opening chapters. Pause after intense scenes, allow space for feelings, and discuss how humour, friendship and support sit alongside grief and fear.
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
Displacement and refuge: The full journey, ending and range of refugee experiences represented are not established.
War’s emotional aftermath: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
Growing relationships across cultures: Some details of this treatment remain unclear.
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