Publisher's Synopsis
Ellie, 12, is in her first year at secondary school when her mum's mental illness suddenly takes a turn for the worse. Older sister, Lucy, who has a learning disability, goes missing the night of the house fire. Ellie wonders if anything else can go wrong. But then new neighbour, Ruth, who works for an African charity, becomes a helpful and inspiring friend. Ellie becomes intrigued with Ruth's true story about the life of a girl called Jamala who lives on the other side of the world. Ellie realises that Jamala's family's difficulties and solutions are really just the same as her own. Ellie decides it's time to do something positive. Through her 'big message' of understanding and kindness, she makes life better for her family and others.
