Figgy and the President by Tamsin Janu
Published by Scholastic Australia
Written by award-winning author Tasmin Janu, “Figgy and the President” is an inspiring story with a unique storyline. The book kept me reading chapter after chapter, with my eyes glued to the pages. Although this is the second book of Figgy’s adventures, it is still very understandable and extremely intriguing.
A young ten year-old girl named Figgy lives with her eleven year old friend Nana, her grandmother and her three cousins in Ghana. Nana talks endlessly about becoming the president of Ghana when he grows up, which just leaves Figgy concerned because she has not decided on her career.
One day, she gets the opportunity to be in a film production, but she doubts if that is the most important thing to focus on.
For a start, her mama who she has never seen, returns, and she is not too sure she wants to see her after all. When Figgy finally meets her mama, she realises that her mama is sick and expecting a baby.
When Nana’s father (who Nana had previously escaped from) comes to take him away, Figgy is determined to get Nana back. But is it possible? What secrets will she discover? And what really matters now?
This book would most likely suit children aged 8-12 as they would understand the plot and find the story fascinating. I like the way Tasmin Janu arranged the story to make the readers imagine how they would feel if they were Figgy.
The humour, surprising plot and the detailed explanations made the story incredibly exciting.
CKT Book Reviewer
Author: Tamsin Janu
Title: Figgy and the President
Publisher: Scholastic Australia
ISBN: 9781742991559
Published: May 2016
Age: 9+
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