What the World Doesn't See

Description

Run away from what they see. Discover who you are. Maudie and Jake's family is falling to pieces - their mum's been struggling with her grief since they lost Dad and one night she vanishes. When Jake is put into care, Maudie can't take it any more. She comes up with a wild plan to pull their family back together - by kidnapping Jake. On the run in Cornwall, Jake and Maudie each find something they hadn't expected - freedom and love. But can they find Mum and a way to heal together?A powerful and insightful novel about grief, disability and first love; a story about getting lost and finding yourself.

Mel spent a large part of her childhood inventing stories to keep her autistic brother happy on car journeys. Having worked as a theatre designer and freelance artist, as well as teaching young adults with learning disabilities and running creative workshops for teenage mums, young offenders and toddlers, Mel now writes young adult novels. She is a recent graduate of Bath Spa's MA in Writing For Young People, where she found a channel to give voice to young people who otherwise might not be heard. Rosie Loves Jack is her first book.

Poignant, tender, and utterly absorbing, I defy you not to root for Jake and Maudie. * Lisa Williamson, author of The Art of Being Normal * What The World Doesn't See is a brave and tender book about loss, family bonds and not judging on first appearance. Jake is such a wonderfully unique and fully-rounded character, who happens to have a learning disability; the sort of character that is so rarely seen - yet is so vitally important - in fiction for young adults. * Joseph Elliott, author of The Good Hawk * An important and beautiful story about the tight bond between two siblings, and looking beyond a person's disabilities. * Susin Nielsen, author of We Are All Made of Molecules * An incredibly moving read, this beautifully told story explores grief, family and love in a powerful and impactful way. The dual viewpoint gives voice to Jake who has severe learning difficulties in parallel to his older sister Maudie as they embark on a search for their mother. It is valuable for readers to see Jake's reactions when people show a lack understanding or are openly hostile towards him and also when people act with kindness. Jake and Maudie's relationship is touching and their journey is a transition for them both. This book deserves a wide readership. * Penny Joelson, author of I Have No Secrets * An extraordinary story told by an incredible talent. * Jasbinder Bilan, author of Asha and the Spirit Bird *