The Cuckoo Sister Book

Vivien Alcock's brilliant psychological thriller for children is a tale told through the eyes of Kate Seton, a sensitive eleven-year-old from a wealthy Hampstead family. Kate is an ordinary, happy-go-lucky girl until she overhears her parents discussing their other baby daughter who was snatched from her pram as a baby. Kate's feelings are confused, cleft between jealousy at her parents' sadness and a genuine sense of loss on her own part. Then, one day, a letter arrives at the Seton's house announcing that the baby is Rosie, now a thirteen-year-old girl--and nothing can ever be the same again in the Seton household. Rosie is from a very different background. Confused and angry about being led to this "posh" family, she denies she is the missing sister. Little by little, Vivien Alcock skilfully weaves the hidden strands of the plot together, allowing her characters to grow in understanding of themselves and others until the thrilling conclusion. This book is an absorbing, stylish read for more advanced readers, and a deserved runner-up in the Young Observer Award. (Ages 10 to 12)Read More