My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece

Story

5 years ago, Jamie’s sister Rose was killed in the London bombings. Jas, Rose’s twin sister, still struggles with her death, his Dad has turned to alcohol and his Mum has left. However, Jamie was so young at the time that he hasn’t cried since, and when Jamie makes a friend at his new school he is faced with the dilemma of what to tell his Dad about a friendship he knows he’ll disapprove of.

Why we chose it

A story that explores current issues, told from the point of view of a child trying to make sense of a confusing world.

Where it came from

Annabel Pitcher’s mother taught English and as a result her childhood was full of stories. Pitcher began writing My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece while in Ecuador; after always wanting to write, staying in hostels while travelling the world gave her the time. She describes the ‘randomness’ of the inspiration for the book that came following watching a film about 9/11 on television.

Where it went next

In 2012, My Sister Lives on the Mantelpiece one the Branford Boase Award which is presented to an outstanding children’s or young adult novel by a new author. The film rights have been sold and is currently in development.

Associated stories

Pitcher’s other novels include Ketchup Clouds, Silence is Goldfish, and The Last Days of Archie Maxwell.