Jamila Gavin Books

My Soul, a Shining Tree is a short, powerful novel that looks at war through the eyes of different characters. By showing multiple perspectives, it helps readers understand the different ‘sides’ of the conflict and the very real impact on people’s lives. I also really enjoyed how the different perspectives interacted with each other. I found Ernst’s story, in particular, incredibly moving: his experiences really brought the experiences of young people who went into battle to the forefront. Because the book is short, teachers could easily use extracts from the different perspectives as writing prompts or as a stimulus to support lessons about World War I.

The shifting narratives also help children think about how perspective can shape a story, while encouraging discussion about courage, loss, and resilience. I also really liked the inclusion of Khudadad, an Indian gunner, highlighting the important role soldiers from across the Commonwealth played in supporting the war. My Soul, a Shining Tree is perfect for helping young readers connect with history and develop empathy.

The Coram Man travels around the country and collects the newborn babies from desperate mothers who are promised that their children will be delivered safely to a foundling hospital. Unbeknownst to them, Otis kills and deposits the infants along the side of the road.

Otis is the Coram Man and has his son Meshak to help him with his business, as well as collecting and selling unwanted children. They find themselves entwined with a wealthy family, the Ashbrooks, after Meshak decides to save one of the babies, Aaron. Aaron grows up with his guardian angel ‘Mish’ watching over him in the foundling hospital. Aaron finds himself being pulled closer to his real family through his talent in music; however, just as things are starting to look up, the Coram man reappears and is back to his evil ways.

This book is a gothic novel split into two parts. It highlights some of the horrors of life during the 18th century – the hardships, the poverty and the importance of wealthy women being seen as proper at all times. The prologue starts the book’s theme off by sharing a story about a wealthy woman abandoning six of her children and keeping only one by asking her midwife to drown the other six.

The story has historic themes and is suitable for mature readers who can handle sensitive topics. This is a dark story with some difficult parts, but also one that will reward readers with its gripping and thought-stirring narrative.