"Norah's Ark" by Victoria Williamson is a heartwarming tale that explores the friendship between Norah and Adam, two individuals facing unique challenges in their lives. Williamson's writing style is both beautiful and accessible, allowing readers to form a strong connection with the characters. The story's ability to balance poignant moments with uplifting elements adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

A heartbreaking story about living through homelessness as a child.

Victoria Williamson has done it again! This is a superb book which gets right to the heart of the issues. Told through a dual narrative, Norah and Adam live close by but worlds apart.

Norah’s dad has had a string of zero hours contracts, interspersed with periods of unemployment. This means that their income is sporadic and unpredictable, which results in them moving around a lot, living in a B&B or a homeless shelter. She is bullied at school and lives in fear of social services taking her into care.

Adam lives in a big, posh house overlooking the park, where he is a virtual prisoner. In remission from cancer, his parents are fearful of him coming into contact with germs so he spends all his time at home and is taught by a private tutor.

Both children are desperate to find a friend, so when their paths cross accidentally, an unlikely bond forms between them.

This was hard to read, especially from Norah’s perspective. It made me realise how desperately hard it is for children in her position and how much of her time is spent worrying about money, food and where she will be living. It is a tragedy that so many children find themselves in a similar position. Hopefully, children reading this will be encouraged to be kinder and more accepting of those in their class who might be in a similar situation.

Many thanks to Victoria Williamson for sending me an advance copy.

The book is about the friendship between Norah, a girl living in the social system, and Adam, a boy recovering from leukemia. The writing is beautiful and simple without resorting to the use of big literary words. This helps readers to connect more easily with the characters.

There are bits that are poignant yet uplifting.

Will definitely use this book in my course in the Spring Semester.

Norah's Ark by Victoria Williamson makes you believe in friendship. It has this undeniable tenderness that enchants your heart with love, empathy, and generosity.
I am impressed with the title character, Norah. She made me cry a few times, and I almost held myself to stand up for her and be her guardian. But proud of how she stands her ground and finds herself in the most uncertain certainties.

Adam's composure is inspiring. He is way more tolerant and sensible for his age. His maturity and kindness are rare. He gave hope to kids suffering from life-threatening diseases and gave voice to emotional challenges and his dilemma of reality and escapism in a nuanced way.
As much as I am empathetic with Norah’s father, my heart is with Adam’s mother. Her trauma is relatable. Healing takes time, and everyone has a different clock. She is just a concerned mother who needs time to heal.

While reading with cried-out eyes, this story will make you question everything you take for granted; home, parents, love, friendship, and identity. It will refresh your impressions of animal cruelty. And how important it is to promote awareness about it.

I recommend everyone to read it.

At first glance, Adam and Norah would seem to have very little in common.

She lives with her single father on benefits - subsisting on meals like instant noodles with tomato ketchup, visiting food banks, and living in temporary accommodation because her father cannot afford to pay the rent regularly. Norah knows nothing about her mother, but she is keen to explore that mystery and get some answers.

Despite the areas in her life that are lacking, Norah is reasonably content with her pets, and with the veritable menagerie of local animals that she is taking care of.

In material terms, Adam is living at the other end of the spectrum. But he is recovering from leukaemia, and it is not only his physical wellbeing that has taken a beating in the process. He is not allowed to go out or to meet friends, and takes solace in the nest of baby birds that he is looking after.

When Adam and Norah's paths cross, can they help each other with the challenges they face? And are they, in fact, so very different after all...?

This is a moving story that teaches young readers about empathy, and the need for kindness to animals - and each other. It's a beautiful book and deserves a wide readership.