The first book on this year’s shortlist is the brilliant debut from Aisha Bushby, A Pocketful of Stars.

Safiya and her mum rarely see eye to eye.  But when her mum falls ill, something mysterious happens.  Saff finds herself transported back to her mum’s childhood home in Kuwait.  And it becomes clear that this isn’t just a magical place; it’s a game.  As Saff figures out how to play the game, she realises that opening her heart to the past is the key to changing her future…

This place is magic…
but it’s not the sort of magic
that comes from wands and spells…