Review
From the Spinal Injuries Association U.K:
Hazel is a former occupational therapist who worked in London and the Netherlands before she retired. She has written for pleasure since her early teens but it is only now she has ventured into print with her first novel for young people.
The book is about Lula, an 11-year-old spinal cord injured girl, who has to cope with quite a lot in her non-disabled world. Not only does she have to adjust to life after her accident, but she is badly bullied by a girl at school.
As there are so few books written that feature wheelchair users, SIA staff were keen to read and review this book. We also thought we should ask a couple of children for their viewpoint!
As adult readers we found Lula just too perfect and too mature for an 11 year old. She copes with everything so well, gets her own back on the school bully without doing anything despicable herself and is secure in her faith, her life and her emotions. Very irritating!
Our nine-year-old reviewer loved the story but needed help to read it as the language is quite adult.
The story is not gloomy; in fact it's funny and quite exciting at times as Lula develops a great relationship with her neighbour, Mr. Humming, who has a range of magical items and skills which he is happy to share with her. This magic helps Lula to outwit her enemies and have some adventures along the way.
We think the addition of some professional illustrations throughout the book, would enhance the story considerably and help target the appropriate age group.
There is definitely a place in children's literature for a novel like this, giving strong and positive role models to other SCI children and if any reader of `Forward' has a child of the appropriate age we would encourage you to get a copy. -- `Forward' magazine, April 2010
Product Description
Lula's an exceptionally talented girl who is into everything. She is especially good at sports and longs to be brilliant at all she does. Unfortunately, she is reckless about her own safety. While trying her hand at something new, she has a nasty accident and becomes disabled. Despite being in a wheelchair, Lula's pluck, strength of character and faith help her to make a remarkable recovery. When Lula warns a lonely and eccentric old man that the school bully and her gang are about to plunder his garden shed, he lends her something with an extraordinary power. Lula and the bully find themselves thrown together in a magical land where there's no end of suspense and excitement. But will they ever get home again? For more interesting information, see the Lula website: www.lularocket.com Also available as an E-book. This funny, magical and inspiring adventure story is written by an occupational therapist. Lula is a fantastic role-model. Very exciting - this book is a really good read!