SuitabookSecrets
Jacqueline Wilson
- Reading
- Consider reading alongside the child rather than treating the hiding plan as a model to copy. Pause around fear, secrecy and adult responsibility, and invite reactions without demanding personal disclosure.
- Themes
- Friendship across unequal circumstances: India and Treasure become friends despite living in very different homes and having contrasting relationships with adults. The book presents this favourably.
- Secrets and unreliable adults: India keeps a journal, Treasure hides from her stepfather, and both girls are affected by adults who fail to provide dependable care. Secrecy is shown as part of children’s response to what is unknown or unsafe, but hiding also creates a situation with serious practical uncertainty.
- Theme in context: India imitates Anne Frank’s diary-writing and uses the idea of Anne Frank’s hiding place when arranging Treasure’s attic refuge. The book leaves its stance open to more than one reading.
- Worth knowing
- Treasure’s fear of a violent stepfather, running away and hiding create the clearest points for attention. India’s loneliness, neglect and intense need for friendship also bring emotional vulnerability into the story.