The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

By Author / Illustrator

Nadine Aisha Jassat

Genre

Personal Growth

Age range(s)

Publisher

Orion Children's Books

ISBN

9781510111608

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

09-05-2024

Synopsis

No one wanted to hear Estie's side of the story. Now she's on a mission to make sure the truth is heard . . . A page-turning mystery novel in verse about identity, friendship and learning to use your voice, with accessible text and beautiful illustrations throughout.

When twelve-year-old Estie is expelled from school, she's sent to stay with her aunt in Scotland over the summer. Even though nobody, not even her mum, asked to hear her side of the story. Estie's determined to keep her barriers up and stick to herself until the holidays are over. But when she comes across an intricately folded paper castle with a secret message written inside - a message from someone desperate to tell their own unbelieved story - a chord is struck, and Estie can't help but follow the clues to the next piece of artwork. Who are these messages from? And what will their secret reveal about the town? In helping to uncover the anonymous artist's truth, Estie just might find the words to tell her own. . .

Reviews

Estie is sent to stay with her aunt in Scotland after being expelled from school. She is furious as no one wants to listen to her side of the story. Her aunt Ru is not what she was expecting; clearly estranged from her sister, she turns out to be lovely. With a newfound friend, Idris, Estie starts exploring the village and helps set up for the annual art fair. At the same time, the friends uncover clues to mysterious 'treasures' and find a story from the past. Estie hopes that finding the whole story will help her to tell her own.

Written in verse, The Hidden Story of Estie Noor is a lyrical tale of new friends and old secrets. I have to confess to disliking stories in verse and whilst it did bother me a bit to start with, soon I was so involved I couldn't put it down. It is a delightful story and it just worked, told in the way it is.

As the parent of a child with Type 1 diabetes, I was also very excited to see a main character with Type 1 and using all the tech I am familiar with. There are very few stories that feature children with Type 1 and it was very well done. The only pity is that my son, who would have loved to have seen himself in stories, is too old for this now!

The Hidden Story of Estie Noor is a beautifully written story of family and friendship and finding your voice to tell your own story. It has even changed my mind about stories in verse.

320 pages / Reviewed by Jacqueline Harris, teacher