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The Girl with Space in Her Heart
Mabel has a suitcase full of worries – it turned up just after her dad disappeared and before her mum started dating Gavin. She worries about big things and little things and shoves them into her suitcase until it’s so full it might explode... Fourth title from critically-acclaimed author of A Boy Called Hope and The Boy Who Sailed the Ocean in an Armchair (shortlisted for the Blue Peter Book Award 2015) and Just Call Me Spaghetti-Hoop Boy. Thought-provoking, heartwarming and laugh-out-loud funny. Perfect for fans of Jacqueline Wilson, Annabel Pitcher and Frank Cottrell Boyce. Author information: Lara Williamson was born and studied in Northern Ireland before moving to London. After working at magazines including ELLE and New Woman, Lara became Beauty Editor at J17. She now writes full-time and lives with her family in London.
320 pages, Paperback
Published January 21, 2020
35 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Lara Williamson
8 books93 followersLara Williamson is currently attached to her computer keyboard in London. Before this she studied Fashion Design and was attached to a sewing machine in Northern Ireland. Her début MG novel A BOY CALLED HOPE will come out on March 1st 2014. Meanwhile, she is spelling out exciting words in potato alphabet shapes, looking at Uranus, thinking of zombie dogs and counting the days until she can tell everyone she is a proper author.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
December 28, 2019
A heartbreaking MG read about family relationships, secrets and the Classic 'what if' situation. Main character Mabel is one day told by her older sister Topaz that she feels their Mum's boyfriend isn't being loyal to them. In fact, quite the opposite. Mabel isn't so sure but agrees to take part in spying on his movements, while still trying to come to terms with her biological Dad walking out on the family years back. Loved the Astronomy representation and array of characters. I'm a grown adult reading this book and really felt emotional by the end. Good pacing!
May 26, 2020
This is a really sweet heartwarming middle grade book about space but also mental health.
I haven't heard many people talk about this book. I can't lie the cover really drew me in. But when I found out it was about mental health, I knew I had to give it a read.
This book does a fantastic job at covering mental illness in children but also what it's like having a parent with a mental illness.
Specifically this book focuses on anxiety and depression, and I think it was done really well. The rep is easy enough for children to understand. It was very clever, particularly how anxiety was demonstrated.
I think this book was really well written. It covered issues which occur in the family and school really well.
The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars, is at times it felt a little long and dragged a bit. But obviously I'm not the intended audience for this book.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful book about mental health that could be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
TW: depression and anxiety
I haven't heard many people talk about this book. I can't lie the cover really drew me in. But when I found out it was about mental health, I knew I had to give it a read.
This book does a fantastic job at covering mental illness in children but also what it's like having a parent with a mental illness.
Specifically this book focuses on anxiety and depression, and I think it was done really well. The rep is easy enough for children to understand. It was very clever, particularly how anxiety was demonstrated.
I think this book was really well written. It covered issues which occur in the family and school really well.
The only reason I wouldn't give it a full 5 stars, is at times it felt a little long and dragged a bit. But obviously I'm not the intended audience for this book.
Overall, I think this is a wonderful book about mental health that could be enjoyed by adults and children alike.
TW: depression and anxiety
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August 6, 2020
Look I understand that Topaz is just a twelve-year-old kid but I really could not stand her. Also, I'm wondering how old Mabel was cuz like I know she's younger than Topaz (who's twelve), but she felt like the older one?! I didn't like the main plot of this book, I was more interested in the spacey stuff and I do appreciate the whole mental health aspect of this book.
April 25, 2020
Mabel has a heavy suitcase of worries that she carries around in her head, as well as a huge space in her heart since her father left. When her sister enlists her help in exposing their mother's boyfriend as a cheater, she's sure it can't be true and turns to a magical artefact to help mend their hearts.
I love the way Mabel takes everything so literally and how she keeps on trying with people, even if they act like they don't want her help. The book was quite funny in places, truly touching, and had some lovely poems. I particularly liked the one called I Need Space.
I love the way Mabel takes everything so literally and how she keeps on trying with people, even if they act like they don't want her help. The book was quite funny in places, truly touching, and had some lovely poems. I particularly liked the one called I Need Space.
February 23, 2021
This book was very interesting, but weirdly addictive.
July 23, 2025
Such a good book for talking and explaining and showing mental health for kids. As a grown up with anxiety I found it really accessible and I think it’s super recognizable for kids and gives them words to their worries.
I really recommend this for middle graders and older readers to explore anxiety. Even I found more words to my own, this book will help readers to find (more) for theirs.
I really recommend this for middle graders and older readers to explore anxiety. Even I found more words to my own, this book will help readers to find (more) for theirs.
February 5, 2025
Loved it, one of my favorites such a good book! ⭐⭐⭐⭐
November 18, 2024
Another beautiful recommendation from my daughter. Deals with depression anxiety and worrying thoughts from a child's perspective and the importance of sharing problems and talking things through
September 28, 2019
Mabel Mynt always has room in her suitcase of worries for one more worry. Since her dad went away the suitcase feels like it may crush her, however close she gets, she is unable to tell anyone about it or make it any lighter.
Her mum is seeing Gavin now, Mabel likes Gavin -he loves space as much as she does. Sometimes, just for a few fleeting moments, when she spends time with him or they spend time as a family, Mabel feels as if the worries are lifted - but it never lasts long. Especially as Terrible Topaz, her older sister believes that Gavin is involved in a love triangle with their mum and Ponytail Woman. She tells Mabel that they must work together to make sure Gavin doesn’t break mums heart.
So even though Mabel is busy with the class project of writing a poem and being kind to the prickly Dolly Rose, she gets dragged into Topaz’s plans to expose Gavin for the love cheat that she believes he is.
This story has a lovely style, it brings you up short in some places but is written so beautifully that it most certainly doesn’t jar.
The space analogies, the poetry, the everyday problems of loneliness, kindness, belonging, secrets, all blend together to make a great story.
Easy to read, enough characters to keep you interested but not too many to make you confused. The plot moves slowly at first, which is nice as it gives you time to get to know and love the characters, then at pace that keeps you completely hooked.
Can’t wait to share this one!
Her mum is seeing Gavin now, Mabel likes Gavin -he loves space as much as she does. Sometimes, just for a few fleeting moments, when she spends time with him or they spend time as a family, Mabel feels as if the worries are lifted - but it never lasts long. Especially as Terrible Topaz, her older sister believes that Gavin is involved in a love triangle with their mum and Ponytail Woman. She tells Mabel that they must work together to make sure Gavin doesn’t break mums heart.
So even though Mabel is busy with the class project of writing a poem and being kind to the prickly Dolly Rose, she gets dragged into Topaz’s plans to expose Gavin for the love cheat that she believes he is.
This story has a lovely style, it brings you up short in some places but is written so beautifully that it most certainly doesn’t jar.
The space analogies, the poetry, the everyday problems of loneliness, kindness, belonging, secrets, all blend together to make a great story.
Easy to read, enough characters to keep you interested but not too many to make you confused. The plot moves slowly at first, which is nice as it gives you time to get to know and love the characters, then at pace that keeps you completely hooked.
Can’t wait to share this one!
September 9, 2019
I really loved this delightful and sensitive book. Mabel is a child with a lot of worries. She imagines a suitcase in her mind where she stuffs them, more and more of them. Her father left home suddenly, her mum doesn’t want to speak about him and now Mum has a boyfriend. He shares Mabel’s obsession with space, stars, astronomy. Add into the mix an obnoxious older sister, now at secondary school but always cross and angry, and Mabel’s not having a very good time of it.
The story touches on many of a child’s worries. If things go wrong, is it my fault? Mabel is a child you can’t help but warm to and the book is a sensitive but non-preachy exploration of the difficulties of absent parents, school friendships, secrecy and the problems of trying to interpret the actions of others without all the facts. It’s a really enjoyable read for upper primary school children – and onwards.
The story touches on many of a child’s worries. If things go wrong, is it my fault? Mabel is a child you can’t help but warm to and the book is a sensitive but non-preachy exploration of the difficulties of absent parents, school friendships, secrecy and the problems of trying to interpret the actions of others without all the facts. It’s a really enjoyable read for upper primary school children – and onwards.
April 29, 2020
Lara Williamson’s contemporary novel for children aged 9+ deals sensitively with the subjects of anxiety and depression and children will empathise with Mabel’s ever-growing worries. However, the plot is very busy so the pacing sags and for me it’s overwritten and too reliant on similes. I also wanted to know how old Mabel was because at times she seems quite young (notably her belief in the magic goblet) but otherwise seems older than Topaz.
April 18, 2020
Oh Lara Williamson, what an uplifting and heart-warming book you have written. Williamson has previously written three books that have all been short-listed for awards and this one will no doubt be on the shortlists again. She is a young author whose writing style demands the attention of any young reader. Her writing is modern and she writes with a great awareness of the interests of today’s children.
There are so many valuable lessons for children in this book that I honestly do not know where to start. This is an essential read for anyone that has ever worried or has anxieties. It helps the reader to understand that worrying is normal and offers support in dealing with worries. How often do we say to children, “Don’t worry about it.” What do we really mean by this and what kind of message does it give? Does it suggest that the worry isn’t important enough? That they should keep the worry to themselves? Do we actually expect the child to not worry about it? Does this lead to little worries becoming bigger worries? I find it really difficult not to worry about a worry. The book shows the reader that is OK to worry, that it is normal, and that worries can be big or small. The most valuable lesson the reader can take away from the book is that we have to find the courage to share our worries. It is only through sharing our worries that we can get the support we need. The book is a beautiful and poignant lesson in the importance of talking. “A problem shared is a problem halved.”
The book teaches the reader many lessons about not judging someone from what you can see on the outside. In recent times the issues surrounding mental health have become much more publicised and schools are playing their part in informing children’s understanding of mental health and wellbeing. The book jumps on the idea that what we see is often only part of the story and this is played out brilliantly in the narrative through the eyes and actions of an obnoxious and secretive twelve year old (Topaz) who thinks she knows best. Williamson uses the analogy of an iceberg - I love it and it is so symbolic of how we make judgements. Just think about an iceberg (the ones in the ocean, not the lettuce). We judge it by what we can see yet most of it is below the surface of the water. We must teach children to look deeper than just the surface and The Girl With Space In Her Heart does this. Whilst Topaz has her mum’s best interests at heart, we see through her actions how judging people from what we see on the surface can have terrible consequences.
The book also deals with the delicate subject of depression. Whilst depression is something that we would not ordinarily associate with children, Williamson explores how a child can be affected by a family member suffering from depression. This is carefully and sensitively done through references to the black dog and extreme sadness, the word depression does not actually appear in the text until the last-but-one chapter.
It is also a lesson in kindness, Williamson writes on more than one occasion, “Kindness costs nothing.” This is such a valuable reminder to children in a world that is dominated by social media and where it is easy to hide behind our words and be mean via a screen.
Whilst there are hard-hitting issues at play, I found the book to be a really positive read and it fills you with hope and optimism. There are times when it might make you cry but there are plenty of times where it will make you laugh, smile and fill with joy. Mabel shows the reader how hope, friendship and love can see you through the darkest of times.
Mabel Mynt has a lot of worries, so many in fact she keeps them all in a suitcase that she carries around with her wherever she goes. Although her worry suitcase is very full there always seems to be space to squeeze in one more. Mabel also has a very big space in her heart, or to be more exact, a big dad-shaped space in her heart that has been around ever since he walked out. Mabel is not looking for a replacement dad but when her mum meets “Galactic” Gavin, she begins to feel a little bit happier. However, Mabel’s older sister, Terrible Topaz, has read one too many romance novels and is convinced she has proof that Gavin isn’t being completely honest with their mum and has secrets that would break mum’s heart all over again. Conflicted with the thought of losing Gavin and the fear of seeing mum’s heart broken again, Mabel seeks to find out who Gavin really is.
Williamson has come up with the some of the most original and brilliant character names I have read in a while; Mabel Mynt (with a y), Terrible Topaz, Galactic Gavin and Jupiter (the cat). Her writing is full of humour, particularly puns - which I loved. There is nothing as satisfying as a good pun and Williamson is an expert in this art. I’d definitely be getting my shirts pressed at ‘Iron Maiden.’ I really enjoyed the poems that the narrative is interspersed with. They are beautiful and thoughtful and they could be a stand-alone read themselves such is the emotion and feelings they provoke.
The Girl With Space In Her Heart is the perfect read for children of 9+, particularly relevant for children in years 5 and 6 and for those starting high school. As challenging as it maybe to talk about our worries, we must. We must let them go, just as, “Dandelion seeds fly up on the breeze.”
There are so many valuable lessons for children in this book that I honestly do not know where to start. This is an essential read for anyone that has ever worried or has anxieties. It helps the reader to understand that worrying is normal and offers support in dealing with worries. How often do we say to children, “Don’t worry about it.” What do we really mean by this and what kind of message does it give? Does it suggest that the worry isn’t important enough? That they should keep the worry to themselves? Do we actually expect the child to not worry about it? Does this lead to little worries becoming bigger worries? I find it really difficult not to worry about a worry. The book shows the reader that is OK to worry, that it is normal, and that worries can be big or small. The most valuable lesson the reader can take away from the book is that we have to find the courage to share our worries. It is only through sharing our worries that we can get the support we need. The book is a beautiful and poignant lesson in the importance of talking. “A problem shared is a problem halved.”
The book teaches the reader many lessons about not judging someone from what you can see on the outside. In recent times the issues surrounding mental health have become much more publicised and schools are playing their part in informing children’s understanding of mental health and wellbeing. The book jumps on the idea that what we see is often only part of the story and this is played out brilliantly in the narrative through the eyes and actions of an obnoxious and secretive twelve year old (Topaz) who thinks she knows best. Williamson uses the analogy of an iceberg - I love it and it is so symbolic of how we make judgements. Just think about an iceberg (the ones in the ocean, not the lettuce). We judge it by what we can see yet most of it is below the surface of the water. We must teach children to look deeper than just the surface and The Girl With Space In Her Heart does this. Whilst Topaz has her mum’s best interests at heart, we see through her actions how judging people from what we see on the surface can have terrible consequences.
The book also deals with the delicate subject of depression. Whilst depression is something that we would not ordinarily associate with children, Williamson explores how a child can be affected by a family member suffering from depression. This is carefully and sensitively done through references to the black dog and extreme sadness, the word depression does not actually appear in the text until the last-but-one chapter.
It is also a lesson in kindness, Williamson writes on more than one occasion, “Kindness costs nothing.” This is such a valuable reminder to children in a world that is dominated by social media and where it is easy to hide behind our words and be mean via a screen.
Whilst there are hard-hitting issues at play, I found the book to be a really positive read and it fills you with hope and optimism. There are times when it might make you cry but there are plenty of times where it will make you laugh, smile and fill with joy. Mabel shows the reader how hope, friendship and love can see you through the darkest of times.
Mabel Mynt has a lot of worries, so many in fact she keeps them all in a suitcase that she carries around with her wherever she goes. Although her worry suitcase is very full there always seems to be space to squeeze in one more. Mabel also has a very big space in her heart, or to be more exact, a big dad-shaped space in her heart that has been around ever since he walked out. Mabel is not looking for a replacement dad but when her mum meets “Galactic” Gavin, she begins to feel a little bit happier. However, Mabel’s older sister, Terrible Topaz, has read one too many romance novels and is convinced she has proof that Gavin isn’t being completely honest with their mum and has secrets that would break mum’s heart all over again. Conflicted with the thought of losing Gavin and the fear of seeing mum’s heart broken again, Mabel seeks to find out who Gavin really is.
Williamson has come up with the some of the most original and brilliant character names I have read in a while; Mabel Mynt (with a y), Terrible Topaz, Galactic Gavin and Jupiter (the cat). Her writing is full of humour, particularly puns - which I loved. There is nothing as satisfying as a good pun and Williamson is an expert in this art. I’d definitely be getting my shirts pressed at ‘Iron Maiden.’ I really enjoyed the poems that the narrative is interspersed with. They are beautiful and thoughtful and they could be a stand-alone read themselves such is the emotion and feelings they provoke.
The Girl With Space In Her Heart is the perfect read for children of 9+, particularly relevant for children in years 5 and 6 and for those starting high school. As challenging as it maybe to talk about our worries, we must. We must let them go, just as, “Dandelion seeds fly up on the breeze.”
August 28, 2019
Easy read, alittle bit slow in the beginning but had a great ending. If you are looking for something light hearted and easy to read it's worth it!
November 17, 2019
This is a cute little read with a sensitive take on mental health issues, it would be good to share with a smallish person if you have one, or just read yourself on a dull winter day.
November 26, 2020
4,5/5 ⭐
Full review coming later!
Full review coming later!
February 13, 2020
To be fair, this wasn’t a book that was written for my age range and I could tell that instantly while reading it. This was a little disappointing as I was really excited about this book, as it sounded interesting and enticed me enough to want to read it. However, for me, the writing kind of let this down, as I’m not a fan of the simple miscommunications that we’re happening throughout this book. You saw the differences clearly in the age range, from what an adult would see and do, to what the main characters did. Showing how something as simple as a hug can be DRASTICALLY taken out of context, and that’s basically what a massive part of this book was about. These little things came across and read as childish, which was just off putting. It was these things that would have made me DNF this book and I would have if I hadn’t been sent this book in order to review.
However, what I did like was how they illustrated anxiety and worries in children and teenagers and how it affects different ages differently. How it can build and build, until the suitcase can’t take anymore. It was this section of the book that did keep me interested, as I got some investment with our main character Marley. I wanted to see how she was and how everything was going to go with her. The book was told through Marley’s perspective, so you did get that closer bond with her and you got to see and feel everything she’s going through, whether in school, personal life or anywhere else.
There were little poems every now and again, which did link in with the book and the story, but again they weren’t intended specifically for my age. Except for one by an additional character Dolly-Rose, which I rather liked and got me thinking and shows so much about that particular character.
(I was sent this book for free from Amazon Vine for a free honest review)
However, what I did like was how they illustrated anxiety and worries in children and teenagers and how it affects different ages differently. How it can build and build, until the suitcase can’t take anymore. It was this section of the book that did keep me interested, as I got some investment with our main character Marley. I wanted to see how she was and how everything was going to go with her. The book was told through Marley’s perspective, so you did get that closer bond with her and you got to see and feel everything she’s going through, whether in school, personal life or anywhere else.
There were little poems every now and again, which did link in with the book and the story, but again they weren’t intended specifically for my age. Except for one by an additional character Dolly-Rose, which I rather liked and got me thinking and shows so much about that particular character.
(I was sent this book for free from Amazon Vine for a free honest review)
June 2, 2020
This book was particularly heart-warming following a young girl, Mabel, who struggles with changes in family relationships and locking up her worries in her worry suitcase. This story is excellent in talking about children’s mental health issues and that which parents may also encounter.
Mabel is obsessed with stars just like her Mum’s new boyfriend Gavin, but should she trust him or are there other hidden truths?
This book follows the emotional rollercoaster that Mabel experiences and also highlights the difficulties her sister, Topaz, also experiences.
The closing chapters of this book beautifully discuss the importance of openly talking and sharing about worries and being truthful, accepting we all make mistakes, and everyone worries, but sharing worries makes them a much lighter load.
The themes in this book are incredibly relevant to many children in the modern society, those that may have separated parents may find this book a great way to know it’s okay to accept new people into the family.
This book is definitely more suitable for year 5+ and explores many lovely examples of simple poetry within, looking at a deeper understanding of people below the iceberg.
I look forward to reading other books by Lara Williamson.
Mabel is obsessed with stars just like her Mum’s new boyfriend Gavin, but should she trust him or are there other hidden truths?
This book follows the emotional rollercoaster that Mabel experiences and also highlights the difficulties her sister, Topaz, also experiences.
The closing chapters of this book beautifully discuss the importance of openly talking and sharing about worries and being truthful, accepting we all make mistakes, and everyone worries, but sharing worries makes them a much lighter load.
The themes in this book are incredibly relevant to many children in the modern society, those that may have separated parents may find this book a great way to know it’s okay to accept new people into the family.
This book is definitely more suitable for year 5+ and explores many lovely examples of simple poetry within, looking at a deeper understanding of people below the iceberg.
I look forward to reading other books by Lara Williamson.
September 23, 2022
I reaaalllly just couldn’t get into this one. I don’t know if I have any other reasoning outside of simply saying: I didn’t like the narrator Maybel. I didn’t like her, and I *really* didn’t like Topaz. So yeah, it’s a middle grade and that’s always a hard pitch for me anyway, but I struggled. The narrator was just so annoying and I feel bad saying that but…she and her sister both were annoying. I didn’t care about her or her magic goblets or her school poems or her cat. There were tons of details and it was soooo slow to get to the “conflict”, and then the true conflicts were really just insignificant small problems (my usual problem with Middle Grades; I have a hard time sympathizing with many of the characters at this level if I don’t *LOVE* them). A+ adorable cover, though. And I maybe would’ve loved it if I were 8-9, OR, I think it would’ve been more tolerable on audio. But, not one for me.
July 2, 2024
“Nici o inima nu ar trebui sa fie frântă sau sa aibă spații goale în forma de tata”
Cartea asta îți face sufletul mic indiferent de vârsta nu contează ca e destinată in primul rând copiilor. Are puterea să îți provoace zâmbete dar și lacrimi💕
Marbel știe totul despre spațiu dar cu toate astea nu știe cum să umple spațiul din inima lăsat după plecarea tatălui ei, îi era întregul univers iar acum tot ce mai conta era micuța carte veche care îi destănuia universul pagina cu pagina, o carte despre familie care uneori îți provoca mici griji care te fac sa uiți de tine oricât de mic ai fi, mereu vei avea o lista cu griji
Dar cu toate astea pagina cu pagina Marbel descopăr un alt univers, universul din fiecare persoana draga ei, și într-un final își găsește spațiul lipsă💓
O poveste înduioșătoare și amuzantă despre faptul că dragostea nu dispare niciodată și că schimbarea nu trebuie să ne sperie.
Cartea asta îți face sufletul mic indiferent de vârsta nu contează ca e destinată in primul rând copiilor. Are puterea să îți provoace zâmbete dar și lacrimi💕
Marbel știe totul despre spațiu dar cu toate astea nu știe cum să umple spațiul din inima lăsat după plecarea tatălui ei, îi era întregul univers iar acum tot ce mai conta era micuța carte veche care îi destănuia universul pagina cu pagina, o carte despre familie care uneori îți provoca mici griji care te fac sa uiți de tine oricât de mic ai fi, mereu vei avea o lista cu griji
Dar cu toate astea pagina cu pagina Marbel descopăr un alt univers, universul din fiecare persoana draga ei, și într-un final își găsește spațiul lipsă💓
O poveste înduioșătoare și amuzantă despre faptul că dragostea nu dispare niciodată și că schimbarea nu trebuie să ne sperie.
March 14, 2023
Mi-a plăcut mult mai mult decât mă așteptam această carte. Scrisă într-un mod jucăuș, este foarte interesant să descoperi cum gândește un copil de până la 11 ani și câte griji poate căra în valiza sa de griji în urma divorțului dintre părinți. În plus, m-am atașat foarte mult de personajul principal, de Mabel Mynt, întrucât și eu sunt pasionată de spațiu în aceeași măsura precum ea. De asemenea, prin aventura ei în căutarea adevărului, ea arată și cât de importantă este comunicarea în relațiile cu ceilalți și că bunătatea nu costă nimic, poate doar o lovitură în tibie. O recomand oricui, indiferent de vârstă, datorită mesajului puternic pe care îl transmite și pentru că m-a făcut să-mi pun întrebări despre propria viață când am ajuns pe neașteptate la ultima pagină. 🌌💫☄🪐🌙
October 2, 2021
I am really crossed with myself.
This has been on my tbr / to be listened to pile for ages and I just never get that it was the right time to read it.
I have missed an absolute treasure!
A story of family secrets, trying to keep each other safe, trying to trust someone new and above all how mental health affects not just the adults but the children too.
The Girl with Space in her Heart is a superb story which twists and turns until all kinds of truth is revealed and how once there is real trust then a truly strong relationship can begin to build.
Happiness, new starts, old wounds.
A glorious book for Y5/6+
I’m so annoyed I didn’t read it a long time ago!
This has been on my tbr / to be listened to pile for ages and I just never get that it was the right time to read it.
I have missed an absolute treasure!
A story of family secrets, trying to keep each other safe, trying to trust someone new and above all how mental health affects not just the adults but the children too.
The Girl with Space in her Heart is a superb story which twists and turns until all kinds of truth is revealed and how once there is real trust then a truly strong relationship can begin to build.
Happiness, new starts, old wounds.
A glorious book for Y5/6+
I’m so annoyed I didn’t read it a long time ago!
September 12, 2022
Captivating way of writing, along with an interesting Main character, Mabel, I just think that Topaz (her elder sister,) really brought a four star book to a three. Topaz' dialogue felt quite young-like, where her younger sister had more of an air of maturity.
Interested to know how old each of them are. Otherwise, great book; 7/10.
Interested to know how old each of them are. Otherwise, great book; 7/10.
April 15, 2025
Mabel’s story is such a heartwarming one—it made me cry a lot. I felt like I was reading my own story: a 7-year-old me, carrying a heavy suitcase full of worries, not knowing how to make it lighter—not even knowing how to fill that big empty space in her heart.
This book is a powerful representation of why mental health matters. Each of us carries our own worry suitcase, and we all have our own black dog. But I hope each of us also has someone we can rely on to help make those worries and anxious thoughts a little lighter.
This book is a powerful representation of why mental health matters. Each of us carries our own worry suitcase, and we all have our own black dog. But I hope each of us also has someone we can rely on to help make those worries and anxious thoughts a little lighter.
June 18, 2020
The concept of a 'Worry Suitcase' is a great way to explain anxiety to a younger audience. However, the rest of the plot was wholly reliant on miscommunications and situations being horribly misconstrued.
From an adult perspective, it stressed me out to read it, because I could see the truth from the beginning, but it took all of the characters (including the adults) the rest of the book to discuss the situations clearly.
From an adult perspective, it stressed me out to read it, because I could see the truth from the beginning, but it took all of the characters (including the adults) the rest of the book to discuss the situations clearly.
June 1, 2020
Lots to like about this book but the most powerful part was the way it addresses difficult subjects in a way that is relatable to young people. From family separation, depression and bullying it's all there - written without being frightening, but still acknowledging these big feelings. Would recommend to a KS2 reader who needs a little emotional support.
May 18, 2025
A mix of humour and a story to help children cope with family upheaval, loss and bullying. I had to suspend my disbelief a fair amount but the plot about suspecting Gav if cheating is really just a vehicle for the message about not carrying a suitcase of worries around with you. I enjoyed the word play humour and it helped me continue with this book which is written for a young audience.
October 8, 2020
Family drama. Father has gone with no forwarding address. Mum has new boyfriend. Older sister is trying to break them up. School teacher is doing poetry. Lots of poems in the book. Great rhyming. Lots of references to the stars.
April 10, 2021
This book is such a nice book, I would definitely recommend it. It's a story about the tangled life of Mabel Mynt (with a 'y') who has a space in her heart, left by her father. Until Gavin comes in.
I loved the story line and it's such an inspiring story✨
I loved the story line and it's such an inspiring story✨
August 14, 2021
I really enjoyed this middle grade novel and it was well worth the wait. From family relationships, friendship problems, science and space, mental health and a touch of magic this book will keep you engaged from beginning to end
August 14, 2022
Read this with my Year 5 class. The loved the poetry and all the twists and turns. Initially I couldn’t decide if it was too grown up for them but they loved it. Reading this was the highlight of our day!
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