The Snow Angel

I actually just read this all in one go... I adored it! I felt it started off a tiny bit slow and I wasn't sure but maybe twenty pages in I was hooked. Such a beautiful story, and so sad as well.

Spoilers



When both of Makena's parents died from Ebola it was just so sudden and unexpected... the foreshadowing led me to believe she was going to lose her beloved father, but I was shocked when she was suddenly orphaned! Her time on the streets of Nairobi was terrifying, but 'Snow' was such an awesome character. I'm so happy they both got their happy endings! And Helen and her father Ray as well :)

The Snow Angel was an absolute delight. The book tells the story of Makena and how her life in Nairobi moves from a happy and comfortable existence to a struggle for survival.

This books covers themes of friendship, family and courage and is a fantastic read for children aged 9 and above, as well as adults! I am a year 6 teacher and could see myself using this as an effective class text.

Lauren St John uses vivid language to bring to life the horrors of the Nairobi slums as well as the beauty of Mt Kenya.

This was such a beautiful and moving story. Although it started off a bit slow Ioved it. It is such a unique story, unlike any I've read before.

When Makena's life gets shattered to pieces, the toughest thing for her is to regain the will to live, muster the courage to go on, and figure out a reason why. For the reader, it's the realization that her story is something far from fantasy, happening right now in different parts of the world, we're usually choosing to close our eyes to.

Her journey that takes her from Kenya to Scotland never ceases to amaze. Wonderful writing, superbly illustrated settings and gripping characters come together in a fascinating plot that blends the themes of family, friendship, survival, healing, courage, strength of mind, body and soul, and hope and positivity that never go out, not even in the darkest of places but rather always shine like the tail of a magical silver fox, miraculously appearing to protect and guide you.

Thought-provoking, beautiful, powerful and deeply moving at the same time, The Snow Angel is mesmerizing and it won't let you put it down. This is the kind of book I would gift to all the children I know.

And yes, this book will also make you cry. But in the end, it will leave you as warm as a cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows on top!

"... climbing is like the journey of life. You start slowly. You try one way and if it doesn't work out or you meet some obstacles, you keep searching until you find another trail. There is always a second chance. If you keep on walking and keep on trying, you'll get there in the end."

As a long-time fan of Lauren St John's books (especially the White Giraffe series) I always look forward to her new material and this is a lovely 9-12 read which should solve plenty of Christmas present problems this year. The moving story of Makena is full of adventure, atmosphere and emotion, set against a backdrop of spectacular African and Scottish mountain scenery. There is an excellent mixture of human and wildlife interest as Makena makes the rocky journey from oppression in Kenya to ultimate sanctuary in a new adopted home. It's a very compelling book...any Morpurgo-loving readers will lap it up in double-quick time (I read it in a couple of days) and it raises important issues and questions. Nice one, Lauren!

Wow! What an amazing and delightful read! Loved being taken to Africa and enjoyed Scotland! Will pass this to my children for sure!

This book is wonderful! I devoured it in one sitting. It's the first book I have read by this author but won't hesitate in seeking out others.
It is ideal for upper key stage 2 and could easily be used and adapted for the classroom. 
The story of an orphaned young girl in Africa who ultimately ends up in the Scottish highlands is thought provoking and ultimately heart warming. I loved every bit of it.

Loved this book! It is a really good book for a kids but also an awesome book for adults also. And I must say that cover is amazing!

This is a story about Makena and her life, first in Africa and then in Scotland.  Her father is a climbing guide and she loves the mountains and hopes one day to be a climber like her father.  However events conspire against her and her life starts to unravel.  This is Makena's story as she journeys through hard times.  

I really liked Makena as a character.  There is a real charm to her and I felt engaged with her as a character.  Much of the description left me with a clear image of places and people too.  I guess parts of the book are a little dark or even depressing however there is also joy and it is life affirming.

The last part of the book should bring a tear to the eye of any human being for my money.  It is wonderfully warm and rich.  I have a slight reservation about the timing in the book; the first two thirds goes at quite a slow pace (though certainly not too slowly) however the last third does feel rushed to me.

It is a story for young adults however I certainly enjoyed it and would happily recommend it to my grandchildren when they are a little older.  I'm not sure the message has great depth but it does have charm, affection and resilience.   I enjoyed it.

A Christmas story with a difference, and another winner from Lauren St John. 

Lauren St John has clearly done her research. Whether we were in Kenya or Scotland, all the detail made me feel as if I was right there. I loved the comparison between the two countries, and how precious snow is to Makena. As well as being a lovely metaphor for her precious friendship, the idea of snow being almost mythological made it possible to imagine life in a warm climate. 

Makena and Snow are great characters. Makena is quite rational, but wants to believe in miracles and fairytales. She’s a perfect friend for Snow, who searches every day for the beautiful things in live. Living in the slums only makes Snow more determined to appreciate small wonders. Snow wants to be a professional ballet dancer, and she refuses to give up on her dreams. There are some powerful messages in here, and it will make you reevaluate your own life. 

There are some difficult themes, and you will reach for the tissues. I am glad Ebola has been recorded in a story – it is important for children to know these things happen in the world. What’s lovely is how none of the characters are drawn as victims: although the horrors of the slums aren’t shied away from, you don’t realise how much Makena has suffered until an aid worker comes in, and we see Makena through her eyes. None of the horrors Makena faces – from gang warfare, to famine, to the ‘reaper’ who snatches children from the slums – are shown gratuitously, or in a way which would upset young readers, but the fact these things happen is not shied away from or sugar-coated. Lauren St John has handled difficult themes in her writing before, and she always shows just enough to help her readers understand the situation. 

	The parts of the story which take place in Scotland are beautiful, and I love how the fox links the two sections together. Lauren St John’s novels are brilliant for animal lovers, and this is no exception. When Makena loses all other hope, she turns to animals, and to her beloved mountains. 

Short but sweet. Look no further if you want a book with a real heart this Christmas.

This was a beautiful book, which was full of hope even in the midst of poverty, illness, death and tragedy. The attention to detail in the settings of Africa and of Scotland created a vivid picture in my mind, and I genuinely felt able to imagine I was there, which is one of the many reasons I would love to use this in class with my students. In addition, the book deals with some serious and thought-provoking issues such as difference, equality, albinism, corruption, poverty in a thoughtful, balanced way which is age appropriate yet 'real', and I found this to be incredibly appealing. Threaded through all this was a recurring feeling of joy and anticipation, and just a really good story. I would highly recommend this book.

An absolutely lovely book, which made me feel so festive, and ready for winter to come.