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The Snow Angel
Lauren St John's stunning Christmas classic is about forgotten children, the power of nature to heal us and a girl who will climb mountains in search for a place to call home.
Growing up in vibrant, crowded Nairobi, Makena has only one dream: to climb Mount Kenya like her hero, her mountain guide father. But when her beautiful world is shattered, she finds that in the city's dark places there are a thousand ways to fall, each more deadly than any crevasse. In a world of strangers, does she dare trust Snow, whose ballet dreams are haunted by a past she's still running from? And is the sparkling fox friend or foe?
After a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands turns bad, Makena flees to the mountains. But will they betray her or be the making of her?
Growing up in vibrant, crowded Nairobi, Makena has only one dream: to climb Mount Kenya like her hero, her mountain guide father. But when her beautiful world is shattered, she finds that in the city's dark places there are a thousand ways to fall, each more deadly than any crevasse. In a world of strangers, does she dare trust Snow, whose ballet dreams are haunted by a past she's still running from? And is the sparkling fox friend or foe?
After a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands turns bad, Makena flees to the mountains. But will they betray her or be the making of her?
327 pages, Hardcover
First published October 5, 2017
6 people are currently reading
532 people want to read
About the author
Lauren St. John
75 books403 followersLauren St John grew up on a farm and game reserve in Africa, the inspiration for her acclaimed memoir, Rainbow's End, and her award-winning White Giraffe series for children. Dead Man's Cove, the first in her Laura Marlin mystery series, won the Blue Peter Book of the Year Award in 2011. Her bestselling One Dollar Horse trilogy for teenagers was followed by The Glory, a breathtaking YA adventure and romance about a long distance horse race across the American West. Formerly a sports and music journalist, Lauren is the author of Seve and Hardcore Troubador: the Life & Near Death of Steve Earle, a superb, gripping biography of an Americana legend. The Obituary Writer, her first adult novel, was published in 2014 and she is currently at work on her second. Both The White Giraffe and The Glory have been optioned for film.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
October 3, 2017
In brief - What a lovely tale. It's not perfect but it should bring a tear to the eye.
This is a story about Makena and her life, first in Africa and then in Scotland. Her father is a climbing guide and she loves the mountains and hopes one day to be a climber like her father. However events conspire against her and her life starts to unravel. This is Makena's story as she journeys through hard times.
I really liked Makena as a character. There is a real charm to her and I felt engaged with her as a character. Much of the description left me with a clear image of places and people too. I guess parts of the book are a little dark or even depressing however there is also joy and it is life affirming.
The last part of the book should bring a tear to the eye of any human being for my money. It is wonderfully warm and rich. I have a slight reservation about the timing in the book; the first two thirds goes at quite a slow pace (though certainly not too slowly) however the last third does feel rushed to me. I guess I'd have liked the book to be called "Silver Fox" or something similar but that doesn't affect this as a read at all.
It is a story for young adults however I certainly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to my grandchildren when they are a little older. I'm not sure the message has great depth but it does have charm, affection and resilience. I enjoyed it.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/snow-an...
This is a story about Makena and her life, first in Africa and then in Scotland. Her father is a climbing guide and she loves the mountains and hopes one day to be a climber like her father. However events conspire against her and her life starts to unravel. This is Makena's story as she journeys through hard times.
I really liked Makena as a character. There is a real charm to her and I felt engaged with her as a character. Much of the description left me with a clear image of places and people too. I guess parts of the book are a little dark or even depressing however there is also joy and it is life affirming.
The last part of the book should bring a tear to the eye of any human being for my money. It is wonderfully warm and rich. I have a slight reservation about the timing in the book; the first two thirds goes at quite a slow pace (though certainly not too slowly) however the last third does feel rushed to me. I guess I'd have liked the book to be called "Silver Fox" or something similar but that doesn't affect this as a read at all.
It is a story for young adults however I certainly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to my grandchildren when they are a little older. I'm not sure the message has great depth but it does have charm, affection and resilience. I enjoyed it.
Note - I received an advance digital copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair review
http://viewson.org.uk/fiction/snow-an...
July 20, 2017
When Makena's life gets shattered to pieces, the toughest thing for her is to regain the will to live, muster the courage to go on, and figure out a reason why. For the reader, it's the realization that her story is something far from fantasy, happening right now in different parts of the world, we're usually choosing to close our eyes to.
Her journey that takes her from Kenya to Scotland never ceases to amaze. Wonderful writing, superbly illustrated settings and gripping characters come together in a fascinating plot that blends the themes of family, friendship, survival, healing, courage, strength of mind, body and soul, and hope and positivity that never go out, not even in the darkest of places but rather always shine like the tail of a magical silver fox, miraculously appearing to protect and guide you.
Thought-provoking, beautiful, powerful and deeply moving at the same time, The Snow Angel is mesmerizing and it won't let you put it down. This is the kind of book I would gift to all the children I know.
And yes, this book will also make you cry. But in the end, it will leave you as warm as a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top!
"... climbing is like the journey of life. You start slowly. You try one way and if it doesn't work out or you meet some obstacles, you keep searching until you find another trail. There is always a second chance. If you keep on walking and keep on trying, you'll get there in the end."
**I received a free ARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
Her journey that takes her from Kenya to Scotland never ceases to amaze. Wonderful writing, superbly illustrated settings and gripping characters come together in a fascinating plot that blends the themes of family, friendship, survival, healing, courage, strength of mind, body and soul, and hope and positivity that never go out, not even in the darkest of places but rather always shine like the tail of a magical silver fox, miraculously appearing to protect and guide you.
Thought-provoking, beautiful, powerful and deeply moving at the same time, The Snow Angel is mesmerizing and it won't let you put it down. This is the kind of book I would gift to all the children I know.
And yes, this book will also make you cry. But in the end, it will leave you as warm as a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top!
"... climbing is like the journey of life. You start slowly. You try one way and if it doesn't work out or you meet some obstacles, you keep searching until you find another trail. There is always a second chance. If you keep on walking and keep on trying, you'll get there in the end."
**I received a free ARC of this book from the publishers via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.**
November 9, 2017
Received from NetGalley for review.
The Snow Angel is the perfect story for a cold, rainy day, where you can hide yourself away with a hot chocolate and a fluffy blanket, and delve into Makena’s world as she experiences heartbreak, magic, and miracles. Venture from Nigeria, with its chaotic streets, vibrant colours, and crime ridden slums, to the frigid Scottish Highlands. The messages of grief, hope, love, and family come through strongly in the story, and although Makena’s life takes a difficult turn, hope and love ultimately win out.
Makena, a young Nigerian girl, is obsessed with mountains and mountaineering – her father’s job as a mountain guide has always fascinated her and she dreams of climbing mountains with him. Her happy life is shattered, however, when her parents die and she finds herself abused, scared, and alone. Taking refuge into Mathare Slums become her only option, and we are given an insight into the very real problem of life is slums that many people around the world face. She finds herself in a dark place, wondering if she can trust Snow, the albino girl who befriends her, or the sparkling fox who seems to show up just in time. A series of events leads to her arrival in Scotland, another thing that just doesn’t seem to go right – except for the wild beauty of the mountains.
Although The Snow Angel deals with a lot of serious themes – forgotten children, poverty, death – it also showcases how magic can exist in the most unlikely places, and how nature can heal us when we are at our most broken. Despite her struggles, Makena always finds some inner strength and, helped along the way by a little bit of magic and some incredible people, she never gives up. That prevalent feeling of hope never disappears – your heart will break for Makena, but you’ll never stop rooting for her and hoping that things work out in the end. Could there be a better story to enjoy on a crisp, winter day in front of the fire?
The mountains were her friends.
The Snow Angel is the perfect story for a cold, rainy day, where you can hide yourself away with a hot chocolate and a fluffy blanket, and delve into Makena’s world as she experiences heartbreak, magic, and miracles. Venture from Nigeria, with its chaotic streets, vibrant colours, and crime ridden slums, to the frigid Scottish Highlands. The messages of grief, hope, love, and family come through strongly in the story, and although Makena’s life takes a difficult turn, hope and love ultimately win out.
‘Then you have to make it your mission to get another. Everyone has to have a mission. Without that, why would they get up in the morning – except to see the sunrise? That can be yours. One day you’ll fill a new jar with snow.’
Makena, a young Nigerian girl, is obsessed with mountains and mountaineering – her father’s job as a mountain guide has always fascinated her and she dreams of climbing mountains with him. Her happy life is shattered, however, when her parents die and she finds herself abused, scared, and alone. Taking refuge into Mathare Slums become her only option, and we are given an insight into the very real problem of life is slums that many people around the world face. She finds herself in a dark place, wondering if she can trust Snow, the albino girl who befriends her, or the sparkling fox who seems to show up just in time. A series of events leads to her arrival in Scotland, another thing that just doesn’t seem to go right – except for the wild beauty of the mountains.
But what the mountains of Scotland lacked in height, they made up for in windblasted ruggedness. The wildness of the crags and clouds that sent dragon-shadows swooping across the village set Makena’s skin tingling.
Although The Snow Angel deals with a lot of serious themes – forgotten children, poverty, death – it also showcases how magic can exist in the most unlikely places, and how nature can heal us when we are at our most broken. Despite her struggles, Makena always finds some inner strength and, helped along the way by a little bit of magic and some incredible people, she never gives up. That prevalent feeling of hope never disappears – your heart will break for Makena, but you’ll never stop rooting for her and hoping that things work out in the end. Could there be a better story to enjoy on a crisp, winter day in front of the fire?
April 3, 2018
With its eye-catching cover, title and illustrations within this novel was just asking for me to read it. As Makena’s story unfolded so did messages such as having hope, following your dreams, and finding beauty within the world no matter what your circumstances are. Despite the situation they found themselves in neither Makena nor her friend Snow gave up. I also appreciated the thoughtful messages Lauren St John has included for her readers at the end of the story.
November 24, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I read this a little while ago now but I remember it pretty well and I enjoyed it.
The characters were interesting, the story cute and SCOTLAND.
I liked the journey and often felt for the main character, I think I cried a bit at some point.
This was a perfectly cute winter story filled with twists and cuteness.
I read this a little while ago now but I remember it pretty well and I enjoyed it.
The characters were interesting, the story cute and SCOTLAND.
I liked the journey and often felt for the main character, I think I cried a bit at some point.
This was a perfectly cute winter story filled with twists and cuteness.
November 20, 2017
Everyone else seems to have loved this, but The Snow Angel is simply not for me. I read the first two chapters, but failed to be pulled in at all. St. John has made great use of descriptions to evoke the setting of Nairobi, but I did not feel at all connected to the characters; definitely not enough to warrant reading a full book to find out what would befall them, anyway.
February 12, 2023
4,5 ⭐️
Read
September 11, 2017A story which shows the gritty side of life, with beautiful messages of hope.
Lauren St John has clearly done her research. Whether we were in Kenya or Scotland, all the detail made me feel as if I was right there. I loved the comparison between the two countries, and how precious snow is to Makena. As well as being a lovely metaphor for her precious friendship, the idea of snow being almost mythological made it possible to imagine life in a warm climate.
Makena and Snow are great characters. Makena is quite rational, but wants to believe in miracles and fairytales. She’s a perfect friend for Snow, who searches every day for the beautiful things in live. Living in the slums only makes Snow more determined to appreciate small wonders. Snow wants to be a professional ballet dancer, and she refuses to give up on her dreams. There are some powerful messages in here, and it will make you reevaluate your own life.
There are some difficult themes, and you will reach for the tissues. I am glad Ebola has been recorded in a story – it is important for children to know these things happen in the world. What’s lovely is how none of the characters are drawn as victims: although the horrors of the slums aren’t shied away from, you don’t realise how much Makena has suffered until an aid worker comes in, and we see Makena through her eyes. None of the horrors Makena faces – from gang warfare, to famine, to the ‘reaper’ who snatches children from the slums – are shown gratuitously, or in a way which would upset young readers, but the fact these things happen is not shied away from or sugar-coated. Lauren St John has handled difficult themes in her writing before, and she always shows just enough to help her readers understand the situation.
The parts of the story which take place in Scotland are beautiful, and I love how the fox links the two sections together. Lauren St John’s novels are brilliant for animal lovers, and this is no exception. When Makena loses all other hope, she turns to animals, and to her beloved mountains.
Short but sweet. Look no further if you want a book with a real heart this Christmas.
Lauren St John has clearly done her research. Whether we were in Kenya or Scotland, all the detail made me feel as if I was right there. I loved the comparison between the two countries, and how precious snow is to Makena. As well as being a lovely metaphor for her precious friendship, the idea of snow being almost mythological made it possible to imagine life in a warm climate.
Makena and Snow are great characters. Makena is quite rational, but wants to believe in miracles and fairytales. She’s a perfect friend for Snow, who searches every day for the beautiful things in live. Living in the slums only makes Snow more determined to appreciate small wonders. Snow wants to be a professional ballet dancer, and she refuses to give up on her dreams. There are some powerful messages in here, and it will make you reevaluate your own life.
There are some difficult themes, and you will reach for the tissues. I am glad Ebola has been recorded in a story – it is important for children to know these things happen in the world. What’s lovely is how none of the characters are drawn as victims: although the horrors of the slums aren’t shied away from, you don’t realise how much Makena has suffered until an aid worker comes in, and we see Makena through her eyes. None of the horrors Makena faces – from gang warfare, to famine, to the ‘reaper’ who snatches children from the slums – are shown gratuitously, or in a way which would upset young readers, but the fact these things happen is not shied away from or sugar-coated. Lauren St John has handled difficult themes in her writing before, and she always shows just enough to help her readers understand the situation.
The parts of the story which take place in Scotland are beautiful, and I love how the fox links the two sections together. Lauren St John’s novels are brilliant for animal lovers, and this is no exception. When Makena loses all other hope, she turns to animals, and to her beloved mountains.
Short but sweet. Look no further if you want a book with a real heart this Christmas.
January 4, 2018
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Head of Zeus/Zephyr.
The Snow Angel is a beautifully told middle grade novel about an 11-year-old girl called Makena whose biggest dream is to reach the snow on top of Mount Kenya. When disaster strikes her family, Makena suddenly finds herself alone in the world and navigating the slums of Nairobi. Fate eventually brings her to Scotland as she heals her broken heart and through it all she's watched by a mysterious magical fox.
This was so much more evocative, emotional and lovely than I thought it would be but I was truly sucked into this story really quickly, and I felt for Makena so much in it. The story really made me think about some things that I haven't thought about before, or at least in a long time. I, like everyone at the time, was obviously freaked out about Ebola but I have been lucky to never really need to think about it since the initial scare. I never thought about the children left behind as orphans because of it, and also how it could hit extremely ordinary people just like myself and my family and not just those living in extreme poverty or aid workers.
I loved the bits about albinism in it as well through Makena's friendship with another girl called Snow. Snow talks about how she's in danger because she's an albino and I feel like it's really educational in a simple, not scary way for younger kids that might be reading this. This was full of really lovely female friendships, and obviously diverse characters. Lauren St John is not an author of colour but she did grow up in Zimbabwe so knows a lot about African culture. I feel like she really did justice to Kenya (as far as I can say with my limited knowledge of the country) and described it so well and vibrant.
The small bits of magical realism with the fox were few and in between but it worked really well in the story. Makena really needed to make her own way through her grief and loneliness and I feel like, as a reader, I was really with her through that journey. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
The Snow Angel is a beautifully told middle grade novel about an 11-year-old girl called Makena whose biggest dream is to reach the snow on top of Mount Kenya. When disaster strikes her family, Makena suddenly finds herself alone in the world and navigating the slums of Nairobi. Fate eventually brings her to Scotland as she heals her broken heart and through it all she's watched by a mysterious magical fox.
This was so much more evocative, emotional and lovely than I thought it would be but I was truly sucked into this story really quickly, and I felt for Makena so much in it. The story really made me think about some things that I haven't thought about before, or at least in a long time. I, like everyone at the time, was obviously freaked out about Ebola but I have been lucky to never really need to think about it since the initial scare. I never thought about the children left behind as orphans because of it, and also how it could hit extremely ordinary people just like myself and my family and not just those living in extreme poverty or aid workers.
I loved the bits about albinism in it as well through Makena's friendship with another girl called Snow. Snow talks about how she's in danger because she's an albino and I feel like it's really educational in a simple, not scary way for younger kids that might be reading this. This was full of really lovely female friendships, and obviously diverse characters. Lauren St John is not an author of colour but she did grow up in Zimbabwe so knows a lot about African culture. I feel like she really did justice to Kenya (as far as I can say with my limited knowledge of the country) and described it so well and vibrant.
The small bits of magical realism with the fox were few and in between but it worked really well in the story. Makena really needed to make her own way through her grief and loneliness and I feel like, as a reader, I was really with her through that journey. It was heartbreaking and beautiful all at the same time.
September 14, 2017
This was a sweet book that took you on a journey through the Kenyan mountains to the Scottish Highlands.
Makena is the twelve-year-old narrator of this novel, a girl born and raised in Africa. After a sudden disaster befalls Makena's family, she is left orphaned, alone and on the streets. She befriends other children in the slums and meets Diana, an albino girl who actually goes by the name Snow. This is a story about survival and hope. And then there's Helen, a woman who works for a charity, Hope 4 Africa, can she be the one to change Makena's life around?
It shows how lives are lived in Africa, and also makes note of the Ebola outbreak and other situations. I think it would be quite an informative book to read for younger readers. It's also emotional and heartfelt, and touching so overall, a nice read.
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
Makena is the twelve-year-old narrator of this novel, a girl born and raised in Africa. After a sudden disaster befalls Makena's family, she is left orphaned, alone and on the streets. She befriends other children in the slums and meets Diana, an albino girl who actually goes by the name Snow. This is a story about survival and hope. And then there's Helen, a woman who works for a charity, Hope 4 Africa, can she be the one to change Makena's life around?
It shows how lives are lived in Africa, and also makes note of the Ebola outbreak and other situations. I think it would be quite an informative book to read for younger readers. It's also emotional and heartfelt, and touching so overall, a nice read.
Received via Netgalley in exchange for a fair review
November 16, 2024
Misschien is het nog iets vroeg voor een kerstverhaal, toch heb ik ook in november genoten van dit bijzondere verhaal dat begint in bruisend Narobi en eindigt in het besneeuwde Schotland. Over de jonge Makena die niets liever wil dan bergen beklimmen met haar vader maar na de dood van haar ouders de toppen van de bergen niet meer kan zien.
De sneeuwengel is een verhaal dat zich afspeelt in de realiteit maar waar magie tussen de pagina’s aanwezig is. De laatste 100 bladzijdes en bepaalde wendingen in het verhaal vielen wat tegen, toch vond ik dit een mooi boek over hoop, vossen, veerkracht en vertrouwen in de mensen om je heen.
De sneeuwengel is een verhaal dat zich afspeelt in de realiteit maar waar magie tussen de pagina’s aanwezig is. De laatste 100 bladzijdes en bepaalde wendingen in het verhaal vielen wat tegen, toch vond ik dit een mooi boek over hoop, vossen, veerkracht en vertrouwen in de mensen om je heen.
July 19, 2018
This was a Christmas present - for me - from my granddaughter - to whom I had read several Lauren St John books over the past couple of years or so. A not very subtle hint, and our mutual enjoyment of these books reached a peak with this “lovely tale” as another reviewer described it. A great cast of characters, a moving plot, and lots of great detail made this a book both of us would recommend. It has a current overall rating of 4.18 which I think is about spot on,
December 9, 2018
This book is spectacular. It is filled with so much heart but also the realities of some people’s lives. I literally dreamed about the story last night that is how much it has spoken to me.
June 1, 2022
Possibly one of the only middle grade books that has made me cry.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
July 11, 2017
I loved this book. Although it started off a bit slow it was such a beautiful and moving story. I've never read a book like it.
January 2, 2018
Makena has loving parents and she has one dream for the future, to become a mountain guide just like her father. Makena lives in a nice part of Nairobi, she's happy and she does well in school. However, her life shatters in a few devastating days. Suddenly Makena has nowhere to go and nobody to turn to. She ends up in the slums where she meets Snow. Together with Snow she makes plans for the future, for a completely different path from the one she always thought she'd take. Will Makena ever be safe again? And what role does a stunning white fox play in the determination of her fate?
The Snow Angel is a beautiful story about love, loss and hope. Makena is a sweet, smart girl with a bright future ahead of her. My heart ached for everything she lost. She's incredibly strong and resilient and that makes her a true survivor. She handles the worst imaginable things in a dignified way and I greatly admired her spirit. I loved her friendship with Snow, which is precious and pure. I also liked the symbolism of the white fox and couldn't wait to find out more about it. They both give Makena the feeling she isn't alone and I absolutely adored that about the story.
Lauren St John has a gorgeous descriptive writing style that captivated me from the start. I love the way she tells her story, with warmth, empathy and honesty. I was moved to tears by some of the things Makena is going through. The Snow Angel is very special in many different ways. I enjoyed reading about Kenya and was thrilled that the story is set in this fascinating country. Lauren St John has written a truly magical book. I absolutely loved The Snow Angel, it's a fantastic story that I highly recommend.
The Snow Angel is a beautiful story about love, loss and hope. Makena is a sweet, smart girl with a bright future ahead of her. My heart ached for everything she lost. She's incredibly strong and resilient and that makes her a true survivor. She handles the worst imaginable things in a dignified way and I greatly admired her spirit. I loved her friendship with Snow, which is precious and pure. I also liked the symbolism of the white fox and couldn't wait to find out more about it. They both give Makena the feeling she isn't alone and I absolutely adored that about the story.
Lauren St John has a gorgeous descriptive writing style that captivated me from the start. I love the way she tells her story, with warmth, empathy and honesty. I was moved to tears by some of the things Makena is going through. The Snow Angel is very special in many different ways. I enjoyed reading about Kenya and was thrilled that the story is set in this fascinating country. Lauren St John has written a truly magical book. I absolutely loved The Snow Angel, it's a fantastic story that I highly recommend.
October 5, 2017
This book evoked so, so much emotion within me; the writing was of an brilliant standard & I adored the main character, Makena! She was such a strong girl with so much courage & hope, which was lovely to see.
The book also covered some themes that we don't see a lot of in books, like extreme poverty, & had a black protagonist as well as an Albino character & a disabled character! And of course there were FOXES, so that made me especially happy. It would make such an adorable Christmas film ❄️
Extended Review: https://writingwolves.wordpress.com/2...
The book also covered some themes that we don't see a lot of in books, like extreme poverty, & had a black protagonist as well as an Albino character & a disabled character! And of course there were FOXES, so that made me especially happy. It would make such an adorable Christmas film ❄️
Extended Review: https://writingwolves.wordpress.com/2...
April 20, 2019
This was pretty good for what it was, and the first thing that springs to mind is how beautiful this book is. That’s because I picked up the hardback edition with illustrations by Catherine Hyde, and she did a great job of capturing the story through the visuals she created. She just nailed the vibe, you know?
I also like how Lauren St. John’s books have a theme of animal conservation, with this one covering foxes and having a vegetarian protagonist. It also touched on the Ebola virus and the plight of orphans and albinos in third-world countries. That, combined with the fact that it’s a children’s book, made it a good one to give to kids to help to expand their horizons and to be more empathetic.
I started out reading this as one of my bedtime books, because I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. But as an adult, I whizzed through the pages and pretty quickly ended up getting into the story, at which point I switched it out and made it my main book. It was a good decision.
Lauren St. John is an underrated writer in my opinion, purely because the books that she writes seem so much better than some of the other children’s books that end up taking the headlines. I also appreciate that she highlights these causes, and that she also followed the story up with a short note that explained what people can do to get involved.
In all then, I’m glad that I read this, and if I ever have kids then I can imagine reading it to them too. It’s one of those books that adults can enjoy just as much as children, and while there were a few clichés here and there, they worked in the context of a middle grade book. Happy reading.
I also like how Lauren St. John’s books have a theme of animal conservation, with this one covering foxes and having a vegetarian protagonist. It also touched on the Ebola virus and the plight of orphans and albinos in third-world countries. That, combined with the fact that it’s a children’s book, made it a good one to give to kids to help to expand their horizons and to be more empathetic.
I started out reading this as one of my bedtime books, because I didn’t think I was going to enjoy it as much as I did. But as an adult, I whizzed through the pages and pretty quickly ended up getting into the story, at which point I switched it out and made it my main book. It was a good decision.
Lauren St. John is an underrated writer in my opinion, purely because the books that she writes seem so much better than some of the other children’s books that end up taking the headlines. I also appreciate that she highlights these causes, and that she also followed the story up with a short note that explained what people can do to get involved.
In all then, I’m glad that I read this, and if I ever have kids then I can imagine reading it to them too. It’s one of those books that adults can enjoy just as much as children, and while there were a few clichés here and there, they worked in the context of a middle grade book. Happy reading.
November 10, 2017
Climbing is like the journey of life. You start slowly. You try one way and if it doesn't work out or you meet some obstacles, you keep searching until you find another trail. There js always a second chance. If you keep on walking and keep on trying, you'll get there in the end.
What a beautiful, hopeful story!
It deals with some pretty horrible things happening to our main character Makena who goes from a secure childhood with loving parents to rock bottom in the slums of Nairobi. The constants in her life are the mountains and a mysterious fox who seems to show up when she needs it most. I liked the pervasive messages of believing in your dreams and overcoming problems one step at a time. Makena is also a strong, yet sympathetic character who takes complete control of her own destiny - despite everything that she goes through, she is not a passive onlooker to events nor does she ever choose to give up.
The sun doesn't care whether it's shining on Mathare Valley or some gold skyscraper in the USA. It always brings its best costume to the party. Some sunrises take your breath away more than others but no two are the same. It's like the dawn is saying, "If I can be bothered to show up and treat each morning as if it's a fresh start, so can you."
(Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus-Zephyr for my e-review copy)
What a beautiful, hopeful story!
It deals with some pretty horrible things happening to our main character Makena who goes from a secure childhood with loving parents to rock bottom in the slums of Nairobi. The constants in her life are the mountains and a mysterious fox who seems to show up when she needs it most. I liked the pervasive messages of believing in your dreams and overcoming problems one step at a time. Makena is also a strong, yet sympathetic character who takes complete control of her own destiny - despite everything that she goes through, she is not a passive onlooker to events nor does she ever choose to give up.
The sun doesn't care whether it's shining on Mathare Valley or some gold skyscraper in the USA. It always brings its best costume to the party. Some sunrises take your breath away more than others but no two are the same. It's like the dawn is saying, "If I can be bothered to show up and treat each morning as if it's a fresh start, so can you."
(Thank you to Netgalley and Head of Zeus-Zephyr for my e-review copy)
December 17, 2019
I devoured this over two evenings and it's not like me to read in this fashion anymore. So, thank you Lauren St John! Enriched through Catherine Hyde's scratching illustrations, it tells the story of Makena, a twelve year old Kenyan who suffers a fateful catastrophe and has her life pulled from under her. Not wanting to spoil the story, I will draw parallels to both Sky Hawk and A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars.
What is clear is that St. John has done a lot of research and sought the advice of experts in the field to write this book well and with truth. It is a story about grief, about injustice, manipulation of governments and the ability of the many to turn a blind eye to the misfortune of the few but it is also a story of strength and hope and it delivers a most satisfying ending too.
What is clear is that St. John has done a lot of research and sought the advice of experts in the field to write this book well and with truth. It is a story about grief, about injustice, manipulation of governments and the ability of the many to turn a blind eye to the misfortune of the few but it is also a story of strength and hope and it delivers a most satisfying ending too.
September 24, 2017
This is the tale of a young girl called Makena who lives in Nairobi, The story starts by portraying the close relationship between her and her parents, especially her father who shares her love of mountains, Tragedy soon strikes as Ebola kills both of her parents. Makena goes to live with her uncle and his wife but is thrown out by the aunt who is clearly a selfish person married to a weak man, From there, things go from bad to worse for Makena who ends up living in the slums and eventually being rescued by a charity who relocate her to Scotland.
I liked the way the mountains, snow and the silver fox linked the two countries and demonstrated that all humans are the same, some of us born to a great deal more privilege than others. The part in the slum was challenging, depicting both evil men and great friendship that can bring happiness even when life is grim.
Thanks for Netgalley for the advance copy.
I liked the way the mountains, snow and the silver fox linked the two countries and demonstrated that all humans are the same, some of us born to a great deal more privilege than others. The part in the slum was challenging, depicting both evil men and great friendship that can bring happiness even when life is grim.
Thanks for Netgalley for the advance copy.
January 17, 2018
3* review for The Snow Angel by Lauren St. John. I received this in December and decided to read it as part of my Christmas reading and am so pleased I did because the story and message is lovely and left a warm glow after I finished it.
The story is about a little girl called Makena whose one dream is to climb Mount Kenya like her mountain guide father who gave her a most precious gift of a jar of snow from a Glacier. But when her world is shattered, she finds herself set adrift in a world that is not as magical as she believed it to be. She goes to stay with an Aunt and Uncle but is banished when they believe she brought sickness into their home. She remembers a lullaby her late mother sang her "O my Lord, sometimes i feel like a motherless child a long long way from home" and realises that she is now the motherless child making her way in the slums of Nairobi where she encounters an albino girl called Snow, who teaches her to find magic moments in every day you are alive.
The only beam of light for her to cling onto is the sparkling fox she saw when climbing mountains with her father which had banished the gloom one night and given her back her joy. The same fox with water diamonds in it's whiskers now seems to appear when she needs help or comfort and she sees it as a angel friend. After a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands, Makena again takes comfort from the mountains and begins a new life with a new family, but never loses her faith that magical things can and do happen and spirits are healing us and guiding us home.
Although this felt like a Christmas story, Lauren St. John also added a touch of fantasy into it and the underlying spiritual message was subtle enough to entwine with the story and not dominate it. Makena is a little girl you instantly fall in love with and i suffered with her on her journey and was urging her to keep going and look for the dawn after the darkest hours. The slums of Nairobi and the mountains of the Scottish Highlands and Mount Everest were described beautifully and I could well imagine myself there with her. In addition, the illustrations on the front and back cover by Catherine Hyde are beautiful.
The story is about a little girl called Makena whose one dream is to climb Mount Kenya like her mountain guide father who gave her a most precious gift of a jar of snow from a Glacier. But when her world is shattered, she finds herself set adrift in a world that is not as magical as she believed it to be. She goes to stay with an Aunt and Uncle but is banished when they believe she brought sickness into their home. She remembers a lullaby her late mother sang her "O my Lord, sometimes i feel like a motherless child a long long way from home" and realises that she is now the motherless child making her way in the slums of Nairobi where she encounters an albino girl called Snow, who teaches her to find magic moments in every day you are alive.
The only beam of light for her to cling onto is the sparkling fox she saw when climbing mountains with her father which had banished the gloom one night and given her back her joy. The same fox with water diamonds in it's whiskers now seems to appear when she needs help or comfort and she sees it as a angel friend. After a fresh start in the Scottish Highlands, Makena again takes comfort from the mountains and begins a new life with a new family, but never loses her faith that magical things can and do happen and spirits are healing us and guiding us home.
Although this felt like a Christmas story, Lauren St. John also added a touch of fantasy into it and the underlying spiritual message was subtle enough to entwine with the story and not dominate it. Makena is a little girl you instantly fall in love with and i suffered with her on her journey and was urging her to keep going and look for the dawn after the darkest hours. The slums of Nairobi and the mountains of the Scottish Highlands and Mount Everest were described beautifully and I could well imagine myself there with her. In addition, the illustrations on the front and back cover by Catherine Hyde are beautiful.
March 10, 2018
What a way to kick off my reading year the Snow Angel was! I`ve been a huge fan of Lauren`s work for years, and I thought this book was reminiscent of the White Giraffe series due to it having the same setting, but was also unique enough to stand out and feel very different. It is about Makena, who lives with her parents in South Africa until tragedy strikes and her life changes forever. From cruel relatives, to life in a slum, to having to begin again in Scotland, my heart was absolutely breaking for Makena during this book, and I cried more than once reading it. However, there are some beautiful, joyful moments too, such as the concept of having three magical moments every day, the friendship of Makena and Snow, and both when Makena discovers the foxes, and the mountains, of her new home. I also thought the ending was perfect for the story, and I very much recommend this if you enjoy contemporary MG with a hint of adventure. 4.5/5
March 21, 2019
Wow! I loved this book! I was drawn to it because in the blurb, I thought the mountain-climbing main character sounded gutsy and awesome. She was - but not just because of her fearless mountaineering! In fact, the mountains were largely just a backdrop to 12-year-old Makena's shattered life, after the Ebola virus killed both of her parents. The story of the lost child's life in the Nairobi slums was both fascinating and heartbreaking. I am grateful to Lauren St. John for bringing the tragic reality of these stories to my attention and to the attention of all the young readers who can not fail to have their horizons broadened by this book! I have to admit, I found this story hard at times , but the glorious ending was a joy and, call me impressionable if you like, but now I not only want to climb Mount Kenya, but I also want to BE Helen, the British traveller who set up the charity Hearts4Africa. Inspiring stuff!
August 29, 2017
This was a beautiful book which I accessed through NetGalley, and which was full of hope even in the midst of poverty, illness, death and tragedy. The attention to detail in the settings of Africa and of Scotland created a vivid picture in my mind, and I genuinely felt able to imagine I was there, which is one of the many reasons I would love to use this in class with my students. In addition, the book deals with some serious and thought-provoking issues such as difference, equality, albinism, corruption, poverty in a thoughtful, balanced way which is age appropriate yet 'real', and I found this to be incredibly appealing. Threaded through all this was a recurring feeling of joy and anticipation, and just a really good story. I would highly recommend this book.
December 19, 2025
I'm not much of a reviewer myself, however...
July 2, 2017
I actually just read this all in one go... I adored it! I felt it started off a tiny bit slow and I wasn't sure but maybe twenty pages in I was hooked. Such a beautiful story, and so sad as well.
February 12, 2019
Makena's dreams are shattered when her parents die in an Ebola outbreak. She had dreamed of becoming a mountain guide like her father in Kenya, but ends up on the streets and in the slums. After being rescued, suffering from cholera she is taken to an orphanage - and then to Scotland.
It is a harrowing tale of disappointment and survival - in vile conditions, and heartbreaking circumstances.
I found the first few chapters rather slow and tedious, but the action is much improved as the book progresses - to such a degree that the Scotland section seems rather hurried.
well worth ploughing through the first few chapters though!
It is a harrowing tale of disappointment and survival - in vile conditions, and heartbreaking circumstances.
I found the first few chapters rather slow and tedious, but the action is much improved as the book progresses - to such a degree that the Scotland section seems rather hurried.
well worth ploughing through the first few chapters though!
December 14, 2019
Makena lives in Nairobi with her beloved Baba, an experienced mountain guide and her doting Mama. But after disaster tears her family apart her life changes completely. Makena has to survive alone in the terrifying slums with other forgotten and unloved children.
From the freezing top of Mount Kenya to the rugged hills of the Scottish Highlands this beautiful story plunges you into the world of mountain climbing and its effect on the soul.
With entrancing illustrations by Catherine Hyde this story is about the healing powers of nature, even in the darkest of times.
From the freezing top of Mount Kenya to the rugged hills of the Scottish Highlands this beautiful story plunges you into the world of mountain climbing and its effect on the soul.
With entrancing illustrations by Catherine Hyde this story is about the healing powers of nature, even in the darkest of times.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2020
I loved this book. Makena is another beautifully drawn heroine from Lauren St John. I love these brave but vulnerable girls she creates and wish I'd had these books when I was young. Pictures of Kenya in quite unsparing reality contrast with the magical beauty of the country, especially mountains.
Like another reviewer, I do think it went too fast towards the end. I wanted to linger in Scotland more. And not keen on the title. But I loved the relationships, the animals and touch of magic too.
Like another reviewer, I do think it went too fast towards the end. I wanted to linger in Scotland more. And not keen on the title. But I loved the relationships, the animals and touch of magic too.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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