Xanthe & the Ruby Crown
Xanthe loves visiting her gran in her flat with its rooftop garden. But Nani is becoming forgetful - and Xanthe wishes she could help her, if only she knew how.
A mysterious cat shows her a way. It leads Xanthe to clues about Nani's childhood, and how, long ago, she had to escape her old life in Africa for a new one in Britain... The fourth novel by bestselling, Costa Award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan follows archaeology-obsessed Xanthe as she uncovers her family's secrets. A tale of secrets, family, refugees, belonging and love set in a tower block in Nottingham, bringing Jasbinder's trademark magical realism to an urban, everyday setting.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
Xanthe loves visiting her gran in her flat with its rooftop garden. But Nani is becoming forgetful - and Xanthe wishes she could help her, if only she knew how.
A mysterious cat shows her a way. It leads Xanthe to clues about Nani's childhood, and how, long ago, she had to escape her old life in Africa for a new one in Britain... The fourth novel by bestselling, Costa Award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan follows archaeology-obsessed Xanthe as she uncovers her family's secrets. A tale of secrets, family, refugees, belonging and love set in a tower block in Nottingham, bringing Jasbinder's trademark magical realism to an urban, everyday setting.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
Xanthe loves visiting her gran in her flat with its rooftop garden. But Nani is becoming forgetful - and Xanthe wishes she could help her, if only she knew how.
A mysterious cat shows her a way. It leads Xanthe to clues about Nani's childhood, and how, long ago, she had to escape her old life in Africa for a new one in Britain... The fourth novel by bestselling, Costa Award-winning author Jasbinder Bilan follows archaeology-obsessed Xanthe as she uncovers her family's secrets. A tale of secrets, family, refugees, belonging and love set in a tower block in Nottingham, bringing Jasbinder's trademark magical realism to an urban, everyday setting.
If you would like to be invoiced for this product (or would like a different quantity), please email julia@chestnutbooks.co.uk with an order number and we’ll be happy to help.
We love this book because it is:
a beautiful story about family, love & friendship
about refugees fleeing Uganda
set in Nottingham
about the transition from primary to secondary school
includes non-linear flash backs set in Uganda
about dementia and caring for loved ones
Learning opportunities:
Writing ~ write a diary entry after one of Xanthe’s time-sip adventures
History ~ archeology
History ~ create your own museum as a class It could be about your local area or an important person.
Geography ~ find Uganda & Nottingham in an atlas. Compare & contrast the two places.
Writing ~ write a postcard/letter to Romeo from Xanthe during her trip to Uganda.
PSHE ~ How does Xanthe feel when she finds out Romeo has a new friend?
PSHE ~ how does Xanthe feel when she realises her grandmother has dementia?
PSHE ~ refugees
Gardening ~ create a special area in school like Nani’s rooftop garden
Art ~ create a mural of a place you love like Pria does for Nani
Music ~ listen to the Ugandan music played by Romeo
