This is a very unusual and arresting image – how did it come about? The story begins with Sante recalling how she was found in a treasure chest surrounded by jewels and mysterious objects. Buy the book here! Suggested reading age 12+ The girls must rally to perfect their skills and prove the strength of sister magic.īoth novels focus on the experience of young women and use current issues such as migration, people trafficking and the climate crisis to tell stories that appeal to a YA audience. From the bleak steppes of Mongolia to the tropical forests of Ghana and the stormy moors of Cornwall, the lands they love are plundered and poisoned. They have wind-song and fire-fury at their fingertips, but their enemies are everywhere. Three girls born on the same day in wolf light are bound together to protect the world. It has three narrators: Zula, Adoma and Linet. How would you say A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars is different to your other novel for teenagers, Wolf Light? How is it similar?Ī Jigsaw of Fire and Stars has one narrator, Sante, and apart from a journey to West Africa in a dream, most of the story unfolds in a single location – the sea-faring city of Cadiz, in Spain. You can buy the book here! Suggested reading age 12+ A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars was shortlisted for the Branford Boase Award 2018.

But from their watery grave, the unquiet dead are calling Sante to avenge them. Fourteen years on, Sante’s a member of Mama Rose’s unique and dazzling circus. A baby when she was washed ashore in a sea chest, it seems she is the sole survivor of the tragic sinking of a ship carrying migrants and refugees. Without giving too much away, can you tell us a bit about your wonderfully haunting and exciting story A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars?Ī Jigsaw of Fire and Stars tells the story of Sante. We are delighted to have Yaba Badoe, an award-winning writer, journalist and documentary filmmaker join us in The Reading Realm today to talk about her magical, thrilling, spooky and moving debut A Jigsaw of Fire and Stars, which is published by Head of Zeus… Find out more about Yaba Badoe here!

Of fire and stars