About This Book
Reach for this book if your child is struggling with the isolation of being the 'new kid' or feels like their differences make them an easy target for exclusion. Set against the backdrop of the 1956 Melbourne Olympics, this story follows Sophia, a young Greek immigrant who feels invisible and misunderstood because of her language barriers and cultural heritage. It is a powerful exploration of how personal talent and grit can bridge the gap between being an outsider and finding a place to belong. Parents will appreciate the historical context of the post-war immigrant experience. The book handles themes of xenophobia and bullying with a realistic yet hopeful lens. It is perfectly suited for children aged 9 to 12 who are developing their own sense of identity and learning how to stand tall in spaces where they feel unwelcome. By the end, Sophia's journey proves that while you cannot change where you came from, you can certainly choose where you are running.
