The Home Child: from the Forward Prize-winning author of Black Country

Based on a true story, "The Kids Home" is a novel in verse by Liz Berry that follows Eliza Showell, a twelve-year-old British girl who is sent to rural Nova Scotia as a Home Child in 1908. The book explores her experiences in a new world, where ordinary things become treasures, and the wild beauty of Cape Breton is her only solace.

Format: Hardback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 02 March 2023
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

A captivating novel in verse, inspired by a remarkable true story, delves into the life of a young child who finds herself far from home. Written by the acclaimed poet Liz Berry, this poignant tale unfolds against the backdrop of a long-standing injustice.

Set in 1908, the story follows Eliza Showell, a twelve-year-old orphan, as she embarks on a journey from the impoverished slums of the Black Country to the rural province of Nova Scotia. Trapped in an unfamiliar world, she is a Home Child, one of thousands of British children sent to Canada to serve as indentured farm laborers and domestic servants.

In Nova Scotia, Eliza's perspective on life undergoes a transformative shift. She discovers the beauty in ordinary things, such as a red ribbon, the gentle touch of a foal's mane, and the joy of hearing her name spoken by someone else. The rugged landscapes of Cape Breton become her sole source of solace, offering her a temporary escape from the harsh realities of her new existence.

However, when a fellow Home Child, a young boy named John, arrives at the farm, everything changes. Their connection ignites a spark of hope and companionship in Eliza's heart, providing her with a sense of belonging that she had never experienced before. Through their shared experiences and the bond they form, Eliza learns to embrace the fullness of her life and the power of resilience.

Liz Berry's masterful storytelling and poetic language bring Eliza's journey to life, capturing the raw emotions and experiences of a child who has been forced to navigate the complexities of a foreign land. This novel in verse is a profound act of witness to a historical injustice, offering a poignant reflection on the lives of those who were displaced and marginalized.

With its stunning imagery, evocative prose, and unforgettable characters, "The Kids Home" has been recognized with numerous accolades. It has been shortlisted for the Writers Prize for Poetry 2024, a testament to its literary excellence.

In conclusion, "The Kids Home" is a captivating novel in verse that offers a profound exploration of the human spirit and the resilience of the human heart. Through the eyes of Eliza Showell, we witness the power of love, friendship, and the pursuit of a better life, even in the face of adversity. This book is a testament to the enduring legacy of the Home Children and the resilience of the human spirit.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 205 x 142 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781784742683