Scarlet Ibis

By: Gill Lewis

Narrated by: Lisa Moule

Twelve-year-old Scarlet doesn't have an easy life. She's never known her dad, her mum suffers from depression and her younger brother Red has Asperger's and relies heavily on her to make the world a safe place for him. Scarlet does this by indulging Red's passion for birds, telling him stories about the day they'll go to Trinidad and see all the wonderful birds there (especially his beloved Scarlet Ibis), saving her money to take him to the zoo, helping him collect bird feathers and even caring for a baby pigeon who is nesting outside his window.

But things with her mum are getting harder, and after a dangerous accident, Scarlet and Red are taken into foster care and separated. As Scarlet struggles to cope with the sudden changes in her life and her complex feelings towards her mum, the one thing she won't give up on is finding Red. Nothing is going to get in her way – even if it might destroy the new possibilities offered to her by her foster family.

2015, The Carnegie Medal for Writing Outstanding book written in English for children and young people, Long-listed

2015, Little Rebels Award, Winner

2015, UKLA Book Awards, Short-listed

©2014 Gill Lewis (P)2023 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'We all expect Gill Lewis, as an incredible bestselling author, to give us the best – and here, she definitely did. In one word, this book was perfect.' (The Guardian)

'A story that celebrates the often overlooked courage, loyalty and competence of children.' (Books for Keeps)

'I absolutely loved this; a deeply moving account of two siblings sent to live with different foster families.' (The Bookseller)

'A touching and emotional, but never sentimental, realistic read, which grips from start to finish. Superb!' (The School Librarian)

Best book

Sentimental and great book!

My husband recommended this to me and I Loved it!
Happy ending and awesome story telling! (: