Dustbin Baby

Jacqueline Wilson is the diva of dynamic writing for children, and in Dustbin Baby--possibly her best book since The Illustrated Mum--she proves yet again that she is a force to be reckoned with. April Showers (so called because of her birth date, April 1, and her tendency to burst into tears at the drop of a hat) was unceremoniously dumped in a rubbish bin when she was only a few hours old. Her young life has passed by in a blur of ever-changing foster homes but as she enters her teens she decides it is time to find out the truth about her real family. As ever, Wilson breaks through the barriers and brings one of her trademark feisty females to life in an original, unforgettable and often very funny story that is sure to make you weep. She tackles the big emotional issues with one foot firmly on the ground, allowing her characters to thrive against a backdrop of sadness. But she never lapses into melodrama or schmaltz and ultimately showers the reader with an overwhelming feeling of hope. The story is suitable for ages nine and above and running time is three hours and 15 minutes. --Susan Harrison