Books Jack Reads

Set in the South of France during the 1930s, a young boy named Lorenzo spends his days caring for the animals, especially the flamingos that live on his family’s farm.

 

 One day while at the market, he befriends gypsy girl Kezia, who shows him how to ride the carousel her family runs.

 

But when World War 2 arrives in France, both the carousel and Lorenzo’s beloved flamingos are threatened. With the help of a kind German soldier, will the two friends be able to survive the months that follow?

 

What I especially like about this story, and what you will too, is the close bond between Lorenzo and Kezia.

 

Even though they are both treated differently by most people, Lorenzo because he thinks and acts differently from everyone else (he has autism, although Michael doesn’t actually say so), and Kezia because she and her family are labelled as “gyppos” by the public, they still stand by and look out for each other.

 

Also, in between the dark moments that the war brings, such as when the Germans test their weapons near the farm where Lorenzo and Kezia live, there are positive and happy moments as well, such as when Lorenzo teaches an injured flamingo to fly again.

 

Overall, this is a moving story about the power of hope, best suited to kids 11 to 13 years old.