Lily Alone
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
Interest age: 10+
Reading age: 10+
Published by Doubleday Children's Books, 2011
About this book
Lily's self-centred young mother jets off to a holiday in Spain with her new boyfriend. Lily and her three younger siblings are carelessly left behind.
Responsible Lily takes on the task of feeding and amusing the family while trying to keep their plight a secret from her school, neighbours and social services.
Desperate for a solution, Lily decides to take the children camping in the park for a few days. However, an accident requiring a visit to the hospital unravels all Lily's plans and leads to police intervention and foster care.
With overtones of an abusive step parent and an ending that suggests an uncertain future for our heroine and her family, this is an unsettling and thought-provoking story.
About the author
About the illustrator
What to read next
We know that children can get hooked on a favourite book series or author and struggle to find something they love as much, but we’re here to help.
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We know it's so easy to get attached to a favourite author, and when their books are as good as Jacqueline Wilson's, it's no surprise that some children feel like they'll never find anything they love as much. But we've got some recommendations about great stories they can try next - and we want to hear your ideas too!
More books like this
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The Suitcase Kid
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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The Illustrated Mum
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
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Kiss
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
11 to 14 years
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Opal Plumstead
by Jacqueline Wilson, illustrated by Nick Sharratt
9 to 14 years
Lists of recommended reads
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Books about siblings for children 8+
Siblings can be annoying, a responsibility, and the best person to team up with – or all of those things at once! These thrilling books are all about brothers and sisters.
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Books set in flats and tower blocks for children 8+
Stories can happen everywhere and anywhere – in fantasy worlds, in space, at school and in someone's home. Here are some thrilling adventures for children aged 8+ where the main character lives in a flat or tower block.