Super-Readable Rollercoaster: Phoenix Brothers

After a treacherous journey for survival, 13 year-old Amir must build a new life in England. At his new school, he decides to enter a public speaking competition to help deal with the horrors of his past. Along with Mo, another young unaccompanied refugee, can Amir learn to find his voice and reclaim his story?

Phoenix Brothers is a vital story, powerfully and movingly told. We see the world through Amir's eyes as he finds the courage to tell the truth he knows not everyone will want to hear of his journey with his 'Phoenix Brother' Mo, as unaccompanied refugees from Iraq to a new life in England. It is a story of loss, cruelty, suffering and fear but also of kindness, beauty, love, and hope. A beautiful, compelling, and important book.

A beautifully written, moving book showcasing the rarely explored lone child refugee experience with heart. It stirred me.

An incredibly moving story which allows the reader to see the world through the eyes of young people affected by global conflicts. Sita Brahmachari has skilfully woven together Amir and Mo's story to show the power of friendship and community to heal the wounds of war.Phoenix Brothers glows with empathy giving voice to Amir and Mo's story and allowing them to soar free from their fire of ice and ashes.

Sita Brahmachari is an internationally award-winning Children's and YA author whose novels are widely translated and endorsed by Amnesty International. Since her Waterstones Award Winning Debut Artichoke Hearts (2011), Sita has written numerous celebrated novels and novellas including: When Secrets Set Sail, Where The River Runs Gold and When Shadows Fall (Yoto Carnegie Shortlisted, 2023). Sita has an MA in Arts Education and her work is steeped in projects with globally diverse communities. Sita was shortlisted for the Ruth Rendell Literacy Award, was Book Trust Writer in Residence and is Writer in Residence at Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants.