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  • Published: 6 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9781849399579
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 240

Abela

The Girl Who Saw Lions



Much-awaited paperback publication of this topical and heart-warming book.

"Be strong, my Abela."
These are the last words of Abela's mother in their HIV/Aids stricken African village, where it seems that to live or to die, to be sick or to be healthy, is just a matter of chance. It takes all Abela's strength to survive her Uncle Thomas's scheming to get to Europe, but what will be her fate as an illegal immigrant?
"I don't want a sister or brother," thinks Rosa in England, when her mother tells her that she wants to adopt a child. Could these two girls ever become sisters? Is there room in Rosa's family for an African orphan haunted by lions? Is there room in their hearts?

Abela is a powerful and moving story influenced by a visit to Africa, from the Carnegie Medal-winning author Berlie Doherty writing at her very best.

  • Published: 6 September 2012
  • ISBN: 9781849399579
  • Imprint: Andersen Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 240

About the author

Berlie Doherty

Berlie Doherty began writing for children in 1983, after teaching and working in radio. She has written more than 35 books for children, as well as for the theatre, radio and television. Berlie has won the Carnegie Medal twice: in 1987 for GRANNY WAS A BUFFER GIRL and in 1992 for DEAR NOBODY. She has also won the Writer's Guild Children's Fiction Award for DAUGHTER OF THE SEA. Her work is published all over the world, and many of her books have been televised.

Also by Berlie Doherty

See all

Praise for Abela

An involving, moving and, above all, relevant novel that ought to be in every school library in the land and put into the hands of as many children as possible.

Adele Geras, Guardian

Excellent . . . what could be an unbearably sad tale is made compulsively readable by a writer of grace and skill.

Nicholas Tucker, Independent

A very moving book and highly recommended.

Birmingham Post

The strength of the story is the author's empathy with all her characters, and her skill in engaging the reader with their feelings

Books for Keeps

Well-written, with very real characters, this latest Doherty title is a heart-breaking yet ultimately hopeful examination of HIV/Aids, child trafficking and adoption. (SEASON HIGHLIGHT)

The Bookseller

Touching and well-told story

Becky Stradwick, Publishing News

Beautifully written . . . Highly recommended for class reading

School Librarian

An extremely enjoyable book, highly recommendable. I loved it.

Josh, age 14, Cheadle Hulme High School

An enticing narrative told in two parallel stories that converge in a satisfying ending.

School Library Journal

A fascinating read for young people with a social conscience.

Northern Echo

A highly readable and ultimately uplifting story.

Good Books for Tough Times, Partnership for Children