What This Book Is About
Ten-year-old Audrey has become the world's best actress—not on stage, but in real life. Ever since her mum left six months ago, Audrey has been her dad's sole carer, managing his severe illness while pretending to the outside world that everything is fine. She cooks, cleans, forges permission slips, and smiles through it all, terrified that social services will find out and take her away from the only family she has left.
Then a mysterious letter arrives with a golden stamp, offering Audrey a chance to get her father the specialist treatment he desperately needs. But the cost is thousands of pounds, and Audrey is ten. From the bestselling author of The Boy at the Back of the Class, this is a story about young carers, invisible kindness, and the extraordinary lengths children go to for the people they love. Onjali Q. Rauf draws on real stories from young carer charities across the UK, making this novel both deeply moving and urgently important.
Available at Popular bookstores, Kinokuniya, and the Singapore National Library.
Why UWC Chose This Book
UWC's service-learning programme encourages students to look beyond their own privileges and understand the lives of others. This book opens a window into the world of young carers—children who shoulder adult responsibilities that most of their classmates cannot imagine. In Singapore, where domestic helpers are common and conversations about caregiving rarely include children, this story is a powerful prompt for empathy and awareness.
The accessible, warm prose is perfect for building reading confidence at the A2-B1 level, while the emotionally complex themes give students plenty to discuss and write about. Teachers can connect Audrey's story to UWC's values of compassion, service, and community responsibility, making it an ideal text for both English class and personal development sessions.
Reading Level Guide
Too challenging at A1. The emotional vocabulary and length require at least A2 reading skills.
The sweet spot. Warm, conversational language that A2 readers can follow, with enough depth to stretch into B1.
A quick, heartfelt read at B2. Great for emotional vocabulary building and discussion practice.
Other UWC Recommended Books for This Grade
Not sure if this book is right for your child? Take our free 30-minute English assessment to find their CEFR level, then choose books that match.