When the Storm Comes

About this book

Amaryllis, or Mali for short, struggles with confidence at school – not least because of his unusual name. Then a new pupil, Shiyoon, joins his class, and the two quickly become best friends. 

But just as Mali begins to find his voice, Shiyoon has to move again, and Mali’s self-esteem sinks to an all-time low.  

Mali’s teacher sees the challenges he is facing and invites him to join a book club with three other students who don’t quite fit in: brash and angry Petey, shy Fara, and model student Jonesy. But at their first meeting, a storm that has been raging for days turns into a flood, trapping the children and their teacher in school with no hope of rescue. 

Only by joining together and working through their differences can the band of misfits escape the school and find help. 

Polly Ho-Yen delivers a powerful story which is propelled by a rising sense of jeopardy and tension. Each of the characters' stories are shaped expertly and their anxieties and emotional backgrounds are sensitively explored.  

A brilliant choice for topics of friendship and individuality, and for introducing themes of climate change. 

About the author