by Jon Walter
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXTAoECXuzcDoFNzCQDwmnJgsfggyzLVbTYOEtKVK9tVLOXeJHAYENiYeCmyAwq2XV8G7TcKCOx3LgGIo9qYHQ-9D09xrKlDQ_ZRv-Fhg48EpdRmpstJRX_RP-ylwa3BzjStMJI6GaRK0/s1600/Close+to+the+Wind.jpg)
A wonderful story of escape and adventure, seen through the eyes of an innocent young boy. New friendships and a new life beckon, but will Malik be able to let go of the past?
This is a lovely story told in a very simple way, reminiscent I think of John Boyne and Sarah Moore Fitzgerald. The story is split into 3 parts, my favourites being part 2 which takes place on the boat and part 3 where Malik discovers what his new life is going to entail.
Recommended for 9-12yr olds.