The story is mainly about Anna and Ben,Anna's younger brother,who is the main reason for the changes she encounters in her life.Ben, who is suffering from Hydrocephalus;severe mental and physical disability,brings a joy to Anna's life which is undescribable. Anna,who loves Ben dearly,becomes more mature and aware of people's attitudes towards the disabled as time passes.In growing up,she also learns to understand her younger sister,Katy,whom she once thought of as absolutely horrible,better.Besides the emphasis on the disabled,the story also focuses on family and friendship ties as well as rivalry,school life and infatuation;which is more or less a part of evryone's daily life........
I think that Elizabeth Laird has done a marvellous job by carving out this beautifully,heart-warming,tear-filled and touching novel which has certainly has proven itself to be worthy of being Highly Commended for the 1989 Carnegie medal and shortlisted for the Children's Book Award.