When Bana Alabed was born in Syria in 2009, she lived a very settled and happy life with her family. But when she was only three years old, the first bomb hit.

It was the loudest noise she had ever heard. Bombs then fell every day, and the family hid in fear in the basement. For the next four years all Bana knew was bombing, destruction and terror. When Bana was eight years old she took to Twitter, messaging people about the horrors that she and her family were experiencing. Can you imagine the thrill when she started getting messages from grown-ups and children all over the world? Bana says, ‘I dedicate my book to every child suffering in a war. You are not alone.’ Every child and adult should read it.

Reviewed by Merle Morcom
Age guide 10+