My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece, by Annabel Pitcher
Wow. This book was heavy. And I don't mean heavy as in that feeling you get after you watch The Biggest Loser, but heavy in the sense that it covers a lot different and controversial topics that are often silenced in today's society. The terrorist attacks in England on October 7 created a similar mentality about Muslims that much of America has held since September 11, 2001. The renewed sense of "patriotism" that Jamie's dad holds for the United Kingdom is exactly what we have seen on our homefront. While it is cringing to read how Jamie's dad talks about and treats Muslims, his ideas and actions are unfortunately held by many people throughout the Western world--or at least those that have been victims of terrorist attacks. And it is unfortunate that the children of such prejudice parents--such as Jamie and Jas--are subjected to such a mentality. The fact that Jamie is fearful of becoming friends with Sunya because he is worried about how his dad might react reveals just how much parents influence their children's choices.
This book also revealed an interesting account of how different people handle death. Jamie, who was only 5 at the time of Rose's death, never showed any sign of grief. Because he was so young when she passed, Jamie only knows Rose from stories his family shares and pictures from his father's photo album. For his father, however, Rose's death destroyed him. It is the reason why he drinks; it is the reason why he moved; it is the reason why his wife left him; it is the reason why he is prejudice towards Muslims; it is the reason why--if I may be so bold--he is a shitty dad. At only 15, Jas now has to take on the parental role for her younger brother and forever live in the shadow of her deceased twin. Death is a peculiar thing. There's no book or class or film that prepares a person for such a tragedy, especially when it involves the murder of an innocent child. I think Annabel Pitcher did a wonderful job of showing her readers just how differently people may react to death, which is something that I rarely see in books or in the media.
While the topics were certainly heavy, I think this book could bring some relatable and understandable insights for middle school students because it is told from Jamie's 10-year-old perspective. Students would be able to witness multiple controversial subjects without being bombarded with gruesome and tragic details, images, ect (like the ones shown on TV every September 11). I feel rather sinister saying I really enjoyed reading this book, but I appreciated how the writer integrated such heavy topics, so that they are presented in a way that is relatable and approachable for young adults.
