Reviewed by Rama Gaind.
By Ondine Sherman, Pantera Press, $17.99.
An act of kindness can sometimes change the world.
Friendship can be found in the unlikeliest of places. After her mother’s untimely death, 15-year-old Sky leaves her city life to move in with her Aunt Paula and Uncle David in a small Australian town.
When her mum was alive, Sky knew who she was: she was kind-hearted and full of a passion for justice, especially the rights of animals. She was also a vegan whose hero was Jane Goodall. Until recently she preferred the company of dogs to boys.
While grieving the loss of her mother, moving away from home not only involves a big adjustment, but it’s also overwhelming. It’s not easy being a vegan and trying to fit in to her new home. Her aunt has forgotten she doesn’t eat meat and Sky is desperately lonely without her mother and friends. It seems the only way to fit in and make friends is to pretend to be someone she’s not.
When Sky starts to investigate the local chicken farm for a school project, the cruelty she witnesses goes to the very heart of who she is. She knows she has to do something, but what? Can one single act really make a difference?
As she struggles between her desire to belong, and her desire to remain true to her values, can Sky find the true courage it takes to stand up for what she believes in and be true to herself?
Sky explores so many important issues for teens: the value of family and navigating friendships yet staying true to your values, along with respecting animals and the environment and looking at ways young people can contribute to change.
Australian author Ondine Sherman, who has been a life-long animal advocate, is passionate about promoting respect and compassion for all creatures. She is the co-founder and managing director of Voiceless, the animal protection institute.
Drawing on her own work in animal protection, Ondine has beautifully written this special book that is sure to connect with young readers seeking to find their place in the world.
