The Library of Lost Stories

About this book

It's December 1976 in the Welsh Valleys and Noni and her dad are struggling to make ends meet. Dad just sits in his chair, while Noni tries to hide the reality of their situation from nosy neighbours. But the bailiffs are about to come knocking again... and there's a scary old witch on the hill. Noni has to do something to change the situation. Can Noni and her new friend Becca help reinvigorate Dad - and perhaps the whole town? And how will a revamped library van help?  

This is a celebration of community, of storytelling and of the courage and persistence of children. Noni is a young carer determined to help her dad, while feeling like a misfit and being a loner. She gradually reaches out to make new friends, and boldly faces her fears, and in doing so makes a difference to many lives. Although it's set in 1976, there are details here of both poverty and worry about parents that, sadly, may resonate with today's readers in similar situations now. These details should provoke empathy in those lucky not to experience that themselves. There are themes of bereavement - Mum died some time ago - and the tricky nature of learning to be a good friend. However, it is not a sad read - it's full of warmth and life and the quiet joy to be found in true friendship and a supportive community. Moving and uplifting, this is also an ode to the particularly Welsh tradition of storytelling, emphasising how everyone's stories deserve to be heard. Beautiful.