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‘I just devoured this spectacular story in one sitting… a future classic if I’ve ever read one’ – Laura Noakes, author of Cosima Unfortunate Steals a Star
No one wanted to hear Estie’s side of the story. Now she’s on a mission to make sure the truth is heard . . . A page-turning mystery novel in verse about identity, friendship and learning to use your voice, with accessible text and beautiful illustrations throughout, perfect for fans of Matt Goodfellow.
When twelve-year-old Estie is expelled from school, she’s sent to stay with her aunt in Scotland over the summer. Even though nobody, not even her mum, asked to hear her side of the story.
Estie’s determined to keep her barriers up and stick to herself until the holidays are over. But when she comes across an intricately folded paper castle with a secret message written inside – a message from someone desperate to tell their own unbelieved story – a chord is struck, and Estie can’t help but follow the clues to the next piece of artwork. Who are these messages from? And what will their secret reveal about the town?
In helping to uncover the anonymous artist’s truth, Estie just might find the words to tell her own. . .
No one wanted to hear Estie’s side of the story. Now she’s on a mission to make sure the truth is heard . . . A page-turning mystery novel in verse about identity, friendship and learning to use your voice, with accessible text and beautiful illustrations throughout, perfect for fans of Matt Goodfellow.
When twelve-year-old Estie is expelled from school, she’s sent to stay with her aunt in Scotland over the summer. Even though nobody, not even her mum, asked to hear her side of the story.
Estie’s determined to keep her barriers up and stick to herself until the holidays are over. But when she comes across an intricately folded paper castle with a secret message written inside – a message from someone desperate to tell their own unbelieved story – a chord is struck, and Estie can’t help but follow the clues to the next piece of artwork. Who are these messages from? And what will their secret reveal about the town?
In helping to uncover the anonymous artist’s truth, Estie just might find the words to tell her own. . .
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Reviews
[A book] about injustice, a mystery and finding your voice. Yes, please.
I just devoured this spectacular story in one sitting. I adored Nadine's debut, but The Hidden Story of Estie Noor has stolen my heart. This is a love letter to stories and homes and the importance for standing up for yourself. It's a homage to small towns where everyone knows everyone, the importance of empathy, and the courage it takes to see all the myriad versions of you. It's the very best of middle grade literature: lyrical and heartfelt and magic. Nadine Jassat is a special storyteller, this is a future classic if I've ever read one.
it was near on impossible to stop reading...I truly hope for more from Nadine. She writes with a truth about heritage, family and having a voice. I love her style, characters and use of language. If you haven't yet discovered the talents of Nadine, then I urge you to visit your local library or bookstore.
Written in beautiful, first-person verse, this book manages to be an accessible read while still exploring some important themes around truth, representation and identity.
It features complementary illustrations and textual mediums throughout which add vibrancy as well as teaching the reader some Sudanese language. This is a brilliant book to demonstrate narrative poetic techniques to readers.
A gripping verse novel mystery for 9+, rich, evocative and shaped by a passionate sense of justice