Hachette Childrens Group The Letter with the Golden Stamp.

by Onjali Q. Raúf

From Onjali Q. Rauf, author of The Boy at the Back of the Class , comes another incredible story, told with humour and heart. Touching on the challenges navigated by children caring for loved ones at home, this story brings into focus their hardships and worries, alongside the unexpected, invisible sources of kindness which can change their lives.'It's funny that I'm named after a movie star. If I ever became one, I would probably win every award on the planet, because I have to act every single day of my life.'10-year-old Audrey has a secret. A secret she's constantly afraid of social services finding out. So she has fine-tuned her life into becoming one of the best actresses on the planet. As soon as she steps out of the front door, the show is on, and all the world becomes her stage! No-one would ever guess that she is a nurse and doctor for her mam, the family food shopper (and sometimes shoplifter), a medicines collector, and even bedtime-reader for her younger siblings.But when Audrey's mam gets sicker, Audrey becomes determined to find a way of getting her to the best doctor in the best hospital in the country so that she can get better and they won't ever need to be apart and she won't have to worry anymore. The only problem is, it's a dream that will cost her thousands.As Audrey sets about trying to make her dream for her family come true with a plan that involves her precious stamp collection, an unsuspecting postal system, and a globally renowned philatelist, someone else on the street embarks on a secret mission of their own. One that will alter Audrey's life - and that of her family - forever.

Genres: Middle Grade, Childrens

Paperback

Published April 11, 2024

About the author

Onjali Q. Rauf is the founder of Making Herstory, an organisation mobilising men, women and children from all walks of life to tackle the abuse and trafficking of women and girls in the UK and beyond. In her spare time she delivers emergency aid convoys for refugee families surviving in Calais and Dunkirk, and supports interfaith projects.

Her first novel, The Boy at the Back of the Class, has sold over 100,000 copies and won multiple awards. Her second book, The Star Outside My Window, publishes in October 2019.

Reviews

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Beautifuly written and touching, but not without flaws. While highlighting the plight of young carers and the struggles they face every day, the narrative is diminished by holes in the plot that even a 9 year old would pick up on. Knowledge of safeguarding and child welfare is widespread (especially among those it's policies are intended to protect) so there's absolutely no way that the main character in the book would be in that situation for as long as she was. For starters, there's zero chance a nine year old would be allowed to take or collect two Early Years children to/from school. This alone took me out of the narrative from early on.
Maybe my job in education gives me a view that others may not have, but I know for certain that the pupils in my setting would struggle with the "artistic license" shown here.
There is a good story here, but this isn't as strong as Rauf's other novels.

[Rebecca Pickering · Rating 4 out of 5]

It wasn’t a patch on The Boy At The Back of The Class or The Star Outside My Window but it was still a lovely story. Mo is the best postman ever!! I love the community Audrey has around her. Onjali Rauf is outstanding for the way she writes innocently from the voice of a young person facing adult challenges; it’s really interesting to perceive these through the eyes of a child.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is yet another brilliant Middle Grade book from Onjali Q. Rauf.
The author, who wrote 'The Boy At the Back of the Class' (& other books,) has written about a young carer in this novel. I loved the main character, Audrey. I would definitely recommend this to middle grade readers, and also to teachers as a class reading book.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Helen Kingsley Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot more than I thought I would. Audrey’s character shone through and was my favourite thing about this book. The lack of safeguarding from all of the adults in this book was a big concern & I’d like to think that someone in Audrey’s position would get help a lot sooner than she did! Unfortunately, this did make a lot of the story quite unrealistic but enjoyable nonetheless.

[Jae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Stephen the Bookworm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Over the last few years Onjali Q Rauf has written some of the most original and popular children's stories- each with its own unique story reflecting the world of young people from all heritages in the UK today.

The Letter with the Golden Stamp is another winner with an incredibly powerful and important message- the hidden world of child carers.
Audrey is a carer for her mother who is gradually failing in her mobility ; she also cares for her two young siblings Peck( Gregory) and Kat ( Katherine Hepburn ). Mum is a fan of old movies- hence Audrey( Hepburn ).

A new neighbour moves in across the street and Audrey is convinced they are spying on her and the family so that her mum could be taken away; so begins a mystery as Kat and her two best friends Kavi and Inara try to find out who is the mysterious and elusive resident.

But the story takes a deeper turn when Audrey's mum's health worsens and she decides to try a contact her father who left the family home some years before to ask for financial help and then try to visit him. ; a multitude of problems and events then take place

The story is told through a recount as Audrey has to tell the story of her daily life and all that is happening to the police in Scotland Yard! Audrey lives in Wales. She reveals the challenges in her daily life as she has to bunk off school and even shoplift to survive.

The beauty of the story is how much it gradually builds up and really gets under your skin as a reader- clearly forcing acknowledgment and reflection towards the forgotten heroes- child carers.

Audrey, her family, friends, neighbours , Mo the Postman and Mrs Davies from the local shop are all warm hearted generous characters.
No denial but by the end of the book you are truly moved by Audrey's plight, the discovery of who is actually living across the road and the solidarity and love of neighbours and friends.

In a world that can seem very bleak at times, Onjali Q Rauf has highlighted the plight of the million young carers in the UK but with love, compassion and hope.

Highly recommended for upper KS2 readers/classes- a book I will be recommending to family, friends and colleagues in education

[whatbooknext · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audrey is a very busy nine-year-old. Before school she gets up, makes breakfast for herself and her twin siblings, helps get them ready for school, along with herself and checks on her mam. If Mam is having a Nightmare day, Audrey will rush the twins to school and rush home again to sit with her mum, by her bedside, ready to help in any way she can.

Mam didn’t use to have Nightmare days. In fact, Mam ran her own successful business, and was busy and happy in their household of three children and Audrey’s father. But when Mam started to get tired, and sore, and slowly lost all normal movement due to a terrible illness, their life fell apart, and with no other family – Audrey trying to hold everything together.

There are bright things in her life, like their kind and friendly postman Mo who brings Audrey stamps from all over the world. Mo always asks if everything is ok, and Audrey always tells him they’re fine. She never lets anyone know what’s going on behind their front door. She keeps her secret from Mo, her best friends Inara and Kavi, and her teachers at school.

Things get worse for Audrey when someone moves in across the street. Is it Them, coming to spy on her and her Mam? They are the people that split up families.

Soon things get so bad behind her own front door that the house across the road is the last thing on her mind. She has to get help for Mam and soon quickly hatches an outrageous plan. Stamps help trigger the idea, and also save her from terrible danger. Will she ever be able to sort out this horrible mess?


After finishing The Boy at the Back of the Class, I looked for more books by this author and found three more novels. This is the first I could get my hands (and eyes) on and I loved this story too. Learning that there are millions of Young Carers around the world like main character Audrey is a sobering fact. Many don’t ask for help, like in Audrey’s case, and the author herself experienced this when she was only 15 years old when her own father had an accident.

Audrey tells the story in her own words, and readers hear it second hand as she explains everything she has been through to a policewoman and a social worker. She ends up on a courageous adventure which breaks many rules, but she can’t see any other way to help her Mam.

I loved the way Audrey misunderstood or misinterpreted words, giving a light touch to a serious subject.

Another wonderful read by this author who has received a MBE in 2022 for her work with frontline refugee aid, women’s rights and services to literature.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally endearing, sob-inducing Young Carer story from a talented writer of child's-eye-view narrations.

I've been enamoured with Rauf's writing since her debut, saw the name here and clicked 'read'. And fell straight into another young person's story and life, with a few tears along the way.

Knowing the author has a 'young carer' background herself (written sensitively and thoughtfully about following the story) made this seem all the more real, though the premis itself is a little over-the-top to be real.

In a small town in Wales, Audrey regularly misses school to care for her mum, with degenerative osteoarthritis. Her dad has left her with two 4-year-old siblings and their good-days-bad-days mum. We only know this because Audrey is in Scotland Yard telling police officers about it, and about how she's ended up in their custody... and her story will become clearer as she tells it. In her own clear-eyed, innocent and yet wise beyond her years way.

Worried about social services spying on her family and splitting them up, Audrey is determined to find out if new neighbours and their suspicious lights/behaviour are watching her. But she also knows her family needs money, and her mum needs help... but how can a 9-year-old, with a stamp-collecting postman friend, two willing best friends and a determination to sort out her own problems possibly manage to juggle everything and give her family what they need?

This really did hit a nerve, Audrey is so wonderfully innocent - using a kitchen roll tube as a telescope, with her 'hypnosis' about the new neighbours being spies - yet she's also so magnificently managing so much without even acknowledging the effort. The police characters and adults around her show the reader this with their reactions to her, despite her lack of understanding of their emotions.

The story moves quickly to quite a daring segment when we find out exactly how our 9-year-old heroine managed to get from Wales to London... and we just hope all can be resolved for her.

Wonderful, wonderful writing and story. And thank you to Rauf for bringing Audrey and those like her to our attention.

For ages 7 and above. With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.

[Mili Das · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Letter With The Golden Stamp by Onjali Q Rauf

It's a story of 9 years old Audrey. Audrey's mother has advanced Osteoarthritis that's why she couldn't leave home, someday she can't even get out of her room and that's why Audrey's father left them. Peck and Kate her twin brother and sister, Audrey took all the responsibility of her family on her small shoulder. Audrey very efficiently took care of the twins and her mother's, she did all the house chores, she managed the financial struggle while buying groceries for home and she shows expertise in keeping everything as secret from her school friends and everyone she knows.

But you know time changes and Audrey feels despite her impeccable struggle everything will fall down soon. Audrey's mother's condition is getting worse day by day, Audrey needs more money to get adequate fecility for her mother, she needs to install a new automated wheelchair and other accessibility for her mother and for this she needs more money, which only her father can give. Audrey thinks she must write letter to his address but it returns with an undeliverable cross mark. After that Audrey comes up with a shockingly brilliant idea, but what could a 9 year old possibly make?

It's a poignant book that brings back positivity and hope in every heart. A YA story that infuses new energy to fight back for life...

The book gives us a message, this world is huge, a lot of people are living on the other side of the roads, all you have to do is ask for help and then you will definitely see the light of possibilities.

I love Audrey for her never bending attitude and the fun she gave me. Audrey is smart, witty and loves to watch mysteries so she is definitely interesting and intelligent and willing to do anything for her Mam. All she needs is her Tad (Dad), she needs to meet him and tell him about all this misfortunes. So Audrey finds out a way which is jaw-dropping, an extravaganza of adventure. I bet you can't guess what it is! To know what she did and how she gets all the help she needed, you have to read this book

[Nrlhakimin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firstly, what is a young carer?
A young carer is someone aged 5-18 who helps look after a person in need of daily assistance. These responsibilities can cause them to miss school and mature quickly, as they carry heavy responsibilities on their small shoulders.

This book tells the story of Audrey, a 9-year-old young carer, who faces significant challenges as she looks after her sick mother, who has osteoarthritis, and her two younger siblings. Told from Audrey’s point of view, her innocence and resilience in caring for her family will awe you.

Audrey realises she needs more money to care for her family and decides to find her lost father. Her letter to him is heart-wrenching as she lists all the things her mother needs, such as a wheelchair, an accessible bathroom, and handrails to help her mother walk. Amid her busy routine caring for others, Audrey becomes concerned with the house across the street, which she claims is full of spies. Are they really spies? Will Audrey get the help she needs?

I salute the author for addressing the important issue of young carers through this beautiful story. This book helps both children and adults see life from different perspectives, fostering not only gratitude but, most importantly, empathy.

Congratulations to the author for creating a book that sends a strong message of love and support for young carers. The author’s portrayal of Audrey’s life shines a light on the often overlooked struggles these children face. It serves as a powerful reminder of their strength and the need for society to recognise and support them.

Thank you, definitelybookskids , for the review copy. Discussing the issues raised in this book with Hassan has been enlightening and memorable moment for me, and hopefully to him as well. As an educator and a part of the community, this story reminds me to be more aware of young carers and to approach them with kindness and understanding. 🩷

[Julia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Letter With The Golden Stamp by Onjali Q Rauf is a powerful contemporary children’s novel. It is perfect for ages ten years and over. Whatever your age, this book will leave you full of admiration for the lead character nine year old Audrey.
The book is about a single parent family in Swansea. The mother is often bed-ridden with osteoarthritis, leaving Audrey to run the house, looking after her four year old twin siblings and mother who has more bad days than good. “Some days we used to have what Mam calls a Sunshine Day. That’s when her bones feel like there’s a strong bit of sun heating them all up, and she’s not in too much pain, and I can go to school without worrying.” Audrey continually worries that if the authorities know, then she and her siblings will be taken away. Audrey feels isolated as she cannot confide in anyone.
Just occasionally Audrey does ‘normal’ things. “I felt normal. Like I was doing something everyone else got to do every day but I never usually did.” Audrey worries, so her Mam doesn’t have to. “I have to make sure Mam doesn’t worry about things too much.”
Audrey searches for her Tad, believing that he could fix things for her. This search leads her to take drastic action.
The street is very much community-minded, led by postman Mo. He is an unsung hero, working behind the scenes.
The book is written in the first person from the point of view of Audrey. We get to know her intimately. She is very likable. She does what she does in order to support her family. She has a conscience and a kind heart.
I absolutely adored The Letter With The Golden Stamp. I think it should be part of the English curriculum. It would enable children to see that others have very different lives. It will make children think as they empathise with Audrey.
This is a very engaging and heartfelt read.

[Kirsten Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

This did bring tears to my eyes.
A poignant telling of a young carer and how she hides her secret. This is the reality for so many young people.

I was confused by some of the writing, but I didn't realise that Tad was the Welsh for Dad. This is a lovely way to weave the Welsh language into the story as it set in Wales.

There are a few safeguarding issues that I see others have mentioned - however Onjali is correct as these things can/do get missed. I think this story is very much an example of what could be happening - young carers who don't get the support they need do indeed find ways of hiding their situation so that no one knows. In this story there is a positive outcome and the reality is that this isn't always the case. It is a reminder to all about the importance of communication and how important a holistic approach is. Also this is a child's book so there is some artistic license to stretch reality. The "incident" is a perfect example of something that cannot in reality happen - however this allows the story to have that happy ending that is truly needed.

If you are not an adult reading this, then know it is a book that will build your empathy for those young carers who spend so much time looking after family as they have no one else. Also know that there are supports if you are in this situation or know someone who is. You are not alone.

[Varsha Seshan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Letter with the Golden Stamp by Onjali Q. Raúf is such a heartwarming story! As a lover of letters, I was drawn to the idea of a story about a special letter right away. With an enterprising protagonist at the centre, the book is completely unpredictable and utterly charming.

The book opens with Audrey sitting in a police station, sure that she has been arrested even though the adults around assure her that she has not. They just want to know her story. And as she tells her story, the reader keeps wondering, 'What did she actually do? How outlandish could her ideas get?' And the reveal doesn’t disappoint!

Stories with strong familial relationships and friendships always warm my heart. The desire to protect your family’s secrets is so strong! Reading about it makes my heart ache, even as it fills with the sweetness of childhood love.

Each character is loveable, from Audrey herself to her friends and well-wishers. My favourite has got to be the postman Mo, whom you want to hug tight!

In some ways, I probably enjoyed The Letter with the Golden Stamp more than the author’s more famous The Boy at the Back of the Class. Character, emotion, humour and story–this one has it all!

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Letter with the Golden Stamp

Another superb read from Onjali Q Rauf, The Letter with the Golden Stamp is the story of Audrey, a young carer for her mother who desperately just wants life to be easier for her family, while keeping the secret of what is going on.

It’s a beautifully touching story of friendship, kindness and fear. Her friendships are not just with her school best friends Kavi and Inara, but also with the adults in her life - Mo the postman, Mrs Davies at the shop, Mrs Lumley on her street and her teachers. The story showcases the secret fear Audrey has of ‘them’ - the people she worries will take her away from her mum, who she is convinced is watching her family from the house across the road.

The book is a wonderful adventure, I would highly recommend for anyone teaching or in contact with young carers, however I would think carefully about children reading if they are in a caring position as to whether it is a suitable read for each individual.

TW - parental separation, young caring, parental illness.

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Emma Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Letter With the Golden Stamp by Onjali Rauf centres around Audrey, a primary school girl who is a carer for her mum and twin brother, and sister. Audrey has a lot of responsibility for her family, making sure her mum takes her medication, shopping, and taking her brother and sister to school every day.
Whilst at school Audrey finds respite with her two young friends and when a new neighbour moves opposite the house, Audrey's life begins to change. Audrey is convinced that the neighbour is a spy and she sets out to find out exactly who they are - roping in the neighbours and particularly Mo the postman.
Onjali sensitively covers a subject which seldom is discussed - the responsibility of young carers - as she weaves her tale, it becomes apparent just how much work and pressure young carers have to deal with.

A detailed, well-written story which is sure to hook the reader in from the first page.

[Bookgirl888 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine being a young child with a very ill parent.  Imagine having 2 young siblings to look after.  Imagine taking on the running of the house by yourself. This is life for Audrey. She does it uncomplainingly and, it seems, happily. She just wants to have a life like all the other children in her class, but she doesn't. She knows the struggles her mum faces with her health so doesn't trouble her with worries about money. When Audrey hears the Dr talking to her mum, she realises things are worse than she thought. So she gets her friends to help her on an adventure that could help her mum, or so she thinks.  The ending is lovely. It didn't end like I thought it would, it was better! I'm not ashamed to say that I cried! 

[Simone McKenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really beautiful, heartwarming read that highlighted the very unsettling and distressing issues of young carers, with this young carer having only been 9, as well as the reality of disadvantaged families, including those with single parents who are too ill to work, and the reality of the political and economic climate.

It was pretty impressive as well the way literally most of the book was narrated in the police station interview, yet still managed to remain intriguing.

My only problem was after Audrey arrived as human mail in the centre and they all started chasing her and she kept managing to avoid them and caused them to be injuries, that whole scene just seemed a bit too cartoonish to me and just a bit out of place.

Otherwise very nice read.

[Serene In Wonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has all the charm, heart, humour and innocence of Onjali's middle grade novels and this time highlights the experience of young carers. The major downside to this (and previous books) is all the lying and sneaking out for Do Gooder schemes. While the main character in this seems to get consequences, her friend still lies for her after everything and she was pleased, which irked me. I would love these stories even more without that dishonesty.

Recommend for 8+ or read alouds for younger.

CONTENT:
Language: None
Romance: None
Holidays: Mentions of Christmas and presents. A birthday party.
Other: Lying to hide she cares for her mum. Lying and sneaking out to help her mum (consequences explained to her after).

[Denise Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read several of Onjali Q. Rauf’s other titles and loved them I was very excited to get my hands on her latest work and she did not disappoint! I am always impressed with how she manages to tell a story with serious themes which are easily digested by middle grade readers.

This is a wonderfully told story through the eyes of a child which is funny in places and will break your heart in others. It’s a story about family, friendship and the harsh realities of a child carer. There are thousands of children just like Audrey across the U.k and beyond and this story high lights the issues that arise and the importance of help from the community, family and friends that we may have around us.
I really can’t recommend this enough, If you have read and loved Boy at the Back of the Class then you will love this too and if you haven’t then what are you waiting for! Onjali Q Rauf is one of the best children’s writers out there today!

[Louise Wilford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many books by this author to my kids and we have always enjoyed them. This book is no different. It is about a girl, who has to be a carer for her mum, whose health is deteriorating, and her two siblings. Audrey, the main character, starts to suspect that her neighbour is a spy. My girl thought it was really clever how it was written, from Audreys point of view, telling a pair of policemen in a police station, about everything that has happened to her. Its a heart warming book, and you really feel for her and the turmoil she has been through and her courage. Fantastic plot twists and wonderful ending.

[Imogen Brand · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do love reading Onjali Q Rauf books from The Boy At The Back Of The Class I started collecting all of her books to read on blue days none of her books has disappointed me so far.

The Letter With The Golden Stamp even with the extra wait really made my day. Everything written through nine years old is so pure and innocent I can't help laughing at some of her Welsh Inquisition questions. Onjali writes brilliant through so many different perspectives it is hard not to be amazed by her imaginative story telling.

[Mrs Walsh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don’t care what anyone says, Onjali does not disappoint. First can I just say if I wore my teacher head then yes I can see some holes in the plot, but couldn’t we say that for most books. Onjali has yet again took a sensitive topic and brought it to the forefront. Using a story full of adventure she has managed to show the hard side of being a young carer. As always I shed a tear and just didn’t want it to end!

[Sarah Bruer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although written for middle grade readers, I found myself as drawn into Audrey’s story as the adults who are listening to it throughout the book. I laughed and cried while reading this beautiful story about the realities of life… challenging and beautiful. While it wouldn’t be the kind of story everyone would be looking for, it is one that many children need and that any adults working with children should also read.

[Isabel Mwangi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this book. It had really strong and sometimes sad things about it. But overall taught a really good lesson and helped understand something that is all around us but never fully acknowledged. Has a lot of things about Young Carers and people that work in the post/mail industry that often go unnoticed and unappreciated. I think this book would be suitable for ages 9-12 years olds. I also love the other books by the author!

[Amina S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read all of Onjali Q Rauf's books and have loved them all. This book was no exception. What I love the most about her books is the message behind them, and this book was about young carers and how they care for their family. I never realised how much work young carers actually do and what they may have to miss out on in order to care for their family, but this book gave me an insight on just how much they do and I really enjoyed reading it.

[კატო ჯოხაძე · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most heart-breaking, yet heart-warming stories I have ever read. Some might say that in the most developed countries, a child would never be allowed to take her siblings to kindergarten, but in another world—where the system fails to care for children or young adults—this is more than just a reality. This story perfectly captures the struggle, fear, and stress these children endure in order to somehow keep themselves and their loved ones from falling apart.

[karla_bookishlife · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet and moving story about a young girl who is a young carer, who overhears adult problems and tries to take those on herself in order to help her loved one. What ensues is an incredible adventure, an innocent one that ends up dangerous and affecting a large number of people. With good friends, the situation is contained and a plan for future is formed.

[Karen Knowlton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another beautiful book by Onjali Q Rauf. I adore her writing and the way she communicates such serious topics with compassion and integrity. After every one of her books (and at many points during reading) we have fantastic conversations and I can only hope that my boys are made more aware of the struggles people face (and how to help and understand) through books like this. Highly recommend.

[Orla Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely love this book it made me laugh, cry and feel all the emotions. I love how they all take so much care of eachother, it makes me want to live somewhere like that. I think it also brings attention to things like young carers.

[Erman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well-written. Emotional and compelling. It was a recommendation from a student who lavished praise for the book in her book report in class. She kindly lent me the book and I and my children loved it.