Bea and her older sister Riley live in London with their parents and, when Riley tells her family that she likes girls, they head to London Pride and have the most amazing day celebrating; however, soon after life changes dramatically when their dad dies. Things gets tough and, with Mum unable to cover the rent on their home, they are forced to leave and head to their Gran's for the summer in St Regent's Vale, a world away from the bustling streets of London. Riley is increasingly withdrawing into herself and both girls are dreading the long summer in such a sleepy village. But can making friends and an idea help to bring the colour back into their lives or will Rita, the local mayor who rules the village in the most selfish and strict way, thwart their plans?
Me, My Dad and the End of the Rainbow was the most wonderful book, going down very well in school and, since its release, I have been waiting with great anticipation for Benjamin's next book and it most definitely didn't disappoint. Full of life and acceptance, this book is a joy to read, although I have to say that I did shed a tear on more than one occasion (both sad and happy tears!).
I loved the idea of the family checking-in on each other by asking them what colour they are. It's an easy way to explain how you are feeling without having to go into details (and something I'm going to try in school next term!).
The acceptance of who people are and their individuality is wonderfully celebrated throughout this book, from the very beginning when Riley announces that she likes girls and right throughout the book - I don't want to say any more so as not to spoil the book but I adored Norman and loved how supportive Bea and her friends were of Noah. Family is an incredibly important part of this book and that is seen through the death of Bea and Riley's dad as well as Gran's role in the book; but friendship is just as important: from Bea having to leave her best friend, Lucas, in London, to the new friends she meets in St Regent's Vale: Noah, Robin, Harry, Ziggy and Smudge; they are fiends that every child would want in their lives and remind us all of the importance of kindness and acceptance.
I can't not mention Rita, the village's counsellor who rules with an iron fist and insists on having everything run to her precise rules (including changing your birthday celebrations if they happen to fall at the same time as the village fete!). She is wonderfully stern and angry and I rather enjoyed her, but the highlight for me was every time Gran and Rita were together - go Gran!
Overall, The Secret Sunshine Project is a joyous celebration of family, friendship, acceptance and being brave; it reminds us that it's good to be yourself and that you can celebrate Pride wherever you are!
Due for release at the end of March, The Secret Sunshine Project is available to pre-order now.
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