‘Stonechild’ by Kevin Albin is a truly different and unique story. It is a Young Adult book but I am certain that advanced readers among the younger children would thoroughly enjoy this story of statues coming to life around London. The book begs the question, what does happen when we all die?
Molly is a pretty intelligent fifteen-year-old who is lucky to have travelled to a lot of places with her parents. She is also well-read and understands a lot about conservation. The statues in and around London begin to come alive saying they are here to save the planet. Molly is not as confident this is wholly the reason for their animation, especially with the ones she encounters first. Molly is a lone voice among many who flock to see the statues. It seems no-one is prepared to believe her. Molly set out to find out the truth behind the happening.
I had fun travelling around London to all the places where the statues are placed. Not only visiting the main, famous sites of statues but discovering the hidden locations of some. I have never been to London personally so for me it added to my experience of the book. I loved the bit of historical detail Kevin gave us. I, as an adult, would love any amount of history added, but keeping in mind this book is written for YA, there is enough not to make it more of a history lesson. Kevin has certainly put a lot of research into why which statue is used, that is clear.
The race against time for Molly creates plenty of adventure and drama to the story and while this is a truly fictional book, conservation is a major topic for everyone, even for the kids. Greta Thunberg immediately springs to mind and also 2020 being the Pandemic year, it seems very apt Stonechild is here now.
Thanks to Rachel’s Random Resources and Kevin Albin for the copy of the book for my review today.
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