Description
Lyla has just started her second year of high school when a magnitude 6.3 earthquake shakes Christchurch to pieces. Devastation is everywhere. While her police officer mother and trauma nurse father respond to the disaster, Lyla puts on a brave face, opening their home to neighbours and leading the community clean-up.
But soon she discovers that it's not only familiar buildings and landscapes that have vanished - it's friends and acquaintances too. As the earth keeps shaking day after day, can Lyla find a way to cope with her new reality?
Review
Lyla and her family live in Christchurch. It’s 2011, and just as school is starting Christchurch is struck by a massive earthquake. Her city is devastated and Lyla is not sure if her mum, dad and brother are ok. Putting on a brave face, she rallies her neighbours and helps where she can. She soon finds out that her family and friends are all ok, but they will need each other more than ever as they start to rebuild their lives.
This book is an uplifting tribute to the amazing strength of the human spirit and the innate goodness people have towards helping each other. If you ever need a book to showcase compassion and resilience, then this is it. Lyla really struggles after the earthquake, but with love and friendship, she learns to cope.
Beautifully written, this story will help you understand the fear and difficulties of life after a natural disaster.
Reviewed by Michelle
