About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is noticing the quiet sadness of a family member, or when your family is navigating the transition between different cultures and languages. It is particularly helpful for children who feel a strong sense of responsibility for the happiness of the adults in their lives. The story follows Mareka, a young Greek-Australian girl living in a vibrant, multi-cultural Sydney neighborhood. Seeing her grandmother struggling with homesickness and the loss of her traditional lifestyle, Mareka hatches a creative and humorous plan to bring a piece of the old country to the city by getting a pet goat. Through this journey, the book explores themes of empathy, intergenerational bonds, and the ways we create a sense of home in new places. It is perfectly pitched for independent readers aged 8 to 12 who enjoy realistic stories with a touch of neighborhood mystery.
