Release: 29th August 2023
Format: Ebook
Publisher: Neem Tree Press
Source: The Writereads Tours
Find it at: Goodreads, Amazon,
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Two very different lives. One shared hope for a brighter future. No time to waste. The flood is coming…
Eleven-year-old Norah Day lives in temporary accommodation. She relies on foodbanks for dinner, and doesn’t have a mum. But she’s happy enough, as she has a dad, a pet mouse, a pet spider. Also she has a whole zoo of rescued local wildlife to care for. Eleven-year-old Adam Sinclair lives with his parents in a nice house . It has a big garden, a private tutor, and everything he could ever want. But his life isn’t perfect – far from it. He’s recovering from leukaemia and is questioning his dream of becoming a champion swimmer. When a nest of baby birds brings them together, Norah and Adam discover they’re not so different after all. Can Norah help Adam find his confidence again? Can Adam help Norah solve the mystery of her missing mother? And can their teamwork save their zoo of rescued animals from the rising flood? Offering powerful lessons in empathy, Norah’s Ark is a hopeful and uplifting middle-grade tale for our times about friendship and finding a sense of home in the face of adversity.
About the Author:
Victoria Williamson is an award-winning author who grew up in Scotland surrounded by hills, books, and an historical farm estate which inspired many of her early adventure stories and spooky tales. After studying Physics at the University of Glasgow, she set out on her own real-life adventures, which included teaching maths and science in Cameroon, training teachers in Malawi, teaching English in China and working with children with additional support needs in the UK. Victoria currently works part time writing KS2 books for the education company Twinkl and spends the rest of her time writing novels, and visiting schools, libraries and literary festivals to give author talks and run creative writing workshops.
Victoria’s previous novels include The Fox Girl and the White Gazelle, The Boy with the Butterfly Mind, Hag Storm, and War of the Wind. She has won the Bolton Children’s Fiction Award 2020/2021, The YA-aldi Glasgow Secondary School Libraries Book Award 2023. Also on the shortlist, The Leeds Book Awards 2023, the Red Book Award 2023, the James Reckitt Hull Book Awards 2021, The Trinity School Book Awards 2021, and longlisted for the ABA South Coast Book Awards 2023, the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2020, and the Branford Boase Award 2019.
Her latest novel, The Pawnshop of Stolen Dreams, is a middle grade fantasy inspired by classic folklore. Twenty percent of the author royalties for this book are donated to CharChar Literacy, an organisation working to improve children’s literacy levels in Malawi.
You can find out more about Victoria’s books, school visits and free resources for schools on her website: www.strangelymagical.com
Norah’s Ark Review:
“Norah’s Ark” is a genuinely enchanting middle-grade tale that offers a captivating experience for readers of all ages.
The story’s standout feature is the author’s skillful portrayal of the intricate emotions experienced by both Adam and Norah. Norah’s resilience takes center stage, and the author adeptly paints her as a spirited protagonist. Her unbreakable bond with her father shines through, even amid financial challenges. The narrative also beautifully depicts Norah’s evolving determination to carve her path, bravely facing the hurdles that life presents at home and in her interactions with peers like Chelsea.
Similarly, the author masterfully delves into Adam’s intricate emotional landscape, capturing his struggles with powerlessness in the face of illness and familial dynamics. The character’s authentic journey highlights his internal tug-of-war between pursuing freedom and contending with parental expectations and restrictions.
The serendipitous meeting of Norah and Adam through their shared efforts to rescue the birds adds a layer of excitement to the narrative. Norah’s adventurous spirit ignites a newfound enthusiasm within Adam. Themes of friendship, taking risks, and the delicate balance between conforming to parental guidelines and embracing individual curiosity are skillfully woven throughout the story. The characters’ emotions and motivations are explored with a keen sensitivity that enhances their authenticity and relatability.
Furthermore, the depiction of Norah’s relationship with her father is heartwarming. Despite their occasional reticence stemming from fear of hurting one another, the depth of their affection is evident in their actions. The mystery surrounding the woman in the picture adds an intriguing element to the plot.
The author also thoughtfully addresses the issue of bullying through Chelsea’s character, providing an insightful exploration of the subject.
Overall, “Norah’s Ark” is a beautifully written narrative encompassing a rich tapestry of emotions, relationships, and personal growth.
Book Tour Schedule
I am thrilled to be hosting a spot on the Norah’s Ark by Victoria Wiliamson Blog Tour hosted by The Writereads Tours.
