When Shadows Fall

About The Book

If ever you get sucked down into Shadowlands remember no matter how bleak, seasons change.

Kai, Orla and Zak grew up together, their days spent on the patch of wilderness in between their homes, a small green space in a sprawling grey city. Music, laughter and friendship bind them together and they have big plans for their future – until Kai’s family suffers a huge loss.

Trying to cope with his own grief, as well as watching it tear his family apart, Kai is drawn into a new and more dangerous crowd, until his dreams for the future are a distant memory. Excluded from school and retreating from his loved ones, it seems as though his path is set, his story foretold. Orla, Zak and new classmate Om are determined to help him find his way back. But are they too late?

Warning: This book contains themes that may be upsetting including suicide and loss of a child. May not be suitable for younger readers.

Themes/Trigger Warnings: Grief, Trauma, Racism, Addiction, Gang Violence, Mental Health, Inequality, Suicide

Check out the Creators

Sita Brahmachari was born in Derby in 1966 to an Indian doctor from Kolkata and an English nurse from the Lake District. She has a BA in English Literature and an MA in Arts Education. She is the author of many books including Artichoke Hearts and Kite Spirit. Her many projects and writing commissions have been produced in theatres, universities, schools and community groups throughout Britain and America. Sita lives and works in North London with her husband, three children and their dog, Billie. She is a former Writer in Residence for BookTrust and Writer in Residence at the Islington Centre for Refugees and Migrants. Find out more on her website, Instagram or on Twitter.

Natalie Sirett is an internationally exhibited, multimedia artist, interested in us, our icons, our stories. Her work has often explored issues of body image culture and the growing pains of adolescence. When Shadows Fall is a project shared with Sita Brahmachari over many years and she is delighted that it has come to fruition. Natalie lives and works in London. Find out more on her website or on Twitter.

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