Tender Earth

by Sita Brahmachari

Laila Levenson has always been the baby of the family, but now with her older siblings, Mira and Krish, leaving home just as she starts secondary school, everything feels like it's changing... can the reappearance of Nana Josie's Protest Book and the spirit it releases in Laila, her friends and her local community, help her find her own voice and discover what she truly believes in?

A powerful chime rings through Laila's mind, guiding her to walk the footsteps of the past on her way to discover her own future.

Genres: Young Adult

432 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2017

About the author

Sita was born in Derby in 1966, to an Indian doctor from Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Arts Education. Her many projects and writing commissions have been produced in theatres, universities, schools and community groups throughout Britain and America. ARTICHOKE HEARTS is her first novel for young people. Sita lives and works in North London with her husband, three children and a temperamental cat.

Reviews

[Zoe · Rating 3 out of 5]

One to suggest to fans of Jacqueline Wilson who would enjoy something with a bit more social and contemporary bite, this is a story of one 12 year old's wakening of her political conscience. I'll certainly be encouraging my daughters to read this, a tool in their belts for charting the news they hear everyday. Full of diverse characters (each and every single character might, on their own, in another book be seen as an inclusion of diversity) the cast of Tender Earth explores all different sorts of ways of living, beliefs and yet how we can come together whatever our differences to stand up for a common humanity. The slow start might be something readers who come to this having read the other books in the series before hand don't stumble over. I'm glad I persevered.

[Lenka Hudec · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked that the author wrote this book about more difficult topics that are often not covered. The story was very informative for me and I recommend reading it to all teenagers. The only thing that bothered me about the story was that it was stretched out in some places and the plot developed quite slowly.

[bryony ˢ · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was so good!! it represents growing up so well, definitely something id recommend!

[Rina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender EarthINSANE BOOK.
coming of age book #1!!!!!!
This book follows the story of Laila Levenson whose older siblings have just moved out of home. As the only child left she faces struggles in her new secondary school eith her old friends and new friends alike. She battles equality and makes some new friends along the way. this book is an easy read that i would recommend to anyone aged 10+. if you enjoyed this you would probably enjoy the two other books in this trilogy (artichoke hearts and jasmine skies) my favorite being jasmine skies!! any other questions on this book feel free to ask!!

[Nikki Donovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so of our time tackling so many issues that young adolescents are experiencing right now. It is said that history repeats itself and this book clearly demonstrates that bigotism, racism and discrimination are never far away and constantly need to be highlighted and tackled before even any small progress can be made. But to quote the cliche ...Mighty oaks from little acorns grow. The story will touch people from all generations and walks of life with the issues in the story being treated sensitively and with compassion. Tender Earth should be included on reading lists, especially for young teens, as it is inspirational. I throughly recommend it.

[Isobel Ramsden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story follows eleven-year-old Laila as she starts secondary school and adjusts to lots of other new changes in her life. You'll feel really part of Laila's family by the end - Laila's relationships with family and friends are central to the book, especially to her old friend from primary school, Kez, and her new friend from secondary, Pari. Human rights and activism are another important theme of the book as Laila finds out about her Nana Josie's passion for campaigning and discovers causes that she herself would like to defend. This book draws you in with its engaging characters and the friendship dilemmas Laila faces are sensitively portrayed.

[Prabir KC · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was really good. Absolutely relevant. Great story about young teenagers. It is set in multi cultural London, with a link to Kolkata. Lots to learn about modern Jewish culture and also the issues of refugees from war torn Iraq and foreign visitors facing racism. It also mentions Bhopal- which I just visited

[Seath Tankard-Crook · Rating 2 out of 5]

Really didn't like this. Found it patronising, with every character a stereotype. Also, the usual problem that modern editors do not appear to have any sway over successful authors. this could have been a third of the length without losing much. Even more annoyingly, despite being so long, there were key parts of the plot left hanging and not explored properly.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This gorgeous book is one of the most moving and uplifting I’ve read in a long time. It brought me to tears - but also to smiles - many times for its tender and inspiring story of a 12 year old London girl appreciating, protecting and inspiring the diverse community she lives in.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish I liked the characters more.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

Carnegie Long List that didn't make the short list.

It was well meaning. It was too long. It felt manipulative.

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO good. It's a book for young readers, but it has a message for all readers!

[Seawood · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review to follow

[Fleur Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at chapter 5. Personally, I didn't like the writing style. I was really drawn towards it because of the whole 'protesting' thing and it definitely had potential.

[Rachael Outwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartfelt story of a young girl

Excellent story with a foot in the modern world. Enlightening and heartfelt this book delves into racism, religion and the coming together of communities.

[Amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

definitely good for a younger reader, but doesn’t quite translate for an older reader

[Stephanie Hooper · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit slow to get going, but I like the message and ideas within the story.

[Eva Jayalal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not going to lie Layla pmo heavily i want to know what’s happening w Mira and Jide!

[Sarah Tate · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a children's book.

Sometimes we say that a book is a children's book because it's stupid or trite. Tender Earth is neither, and actually attempts to deliver a serious message, yet its focus on preteen and school drama made it a bore to finish as an adult. My students admitted to crying while reading it, but I found it heavy-handed and emotionally manipulative.

Despite that, this book has merits. Sita Brahmachari is skilled at developing characters who children feel they can relate to; characters that represent them. It is, however, far too long, making it an intimidating read for a lot of the children who should be reading it; it could have benefited from some heavy editing of the first half, and wouldn't miss the loss of a few extraneous characters.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring