Don't Stop Thinking About Tomorrow
Fiction for young adults, 2018
Fourteen-year-old Stevie lives in Lewes with her beloved vinyl collection, her mum ... and her mum's depression. When Stevie's mum's disability benefits are cut, Stevie and her mother are plunged into a life of poverty. But irrepressible Stevie is determined not to be beaten and she takes inspiration from the lyrics of her father's 1980s record collection and dreams of a life as a musician. Then she meets Hafiz, a talented footballer and a Syrian refugee. Hafiz's parents gave their life savings to buy Hafiz a safe passage to Europe; his journey has been anything but easy. Then he meets Stevie... As Stevie and Hafiz's friendship grows, they encourage each other to believe in themselves and follow their dreams..
Reviews
" An emotionally sensitive novel that does not shy away from the harsh realities of childhood. The journies of two children who become friends because at the root of it, they share a common pain - they have been forced to become adults too young. This is the fate of many children. ‘Childhood is a luxury’ that is all too often denied children. Curham hits UK poverty, broken families, war and the cruelty of children head on with a depth of psychological awareness. The friendship which grows and ‘saves’ the main characters is delivered clearly, gently and with humour. An ode to friendship. Highly recommended. "
" I love the sometimes painful reality of Stevie's life and how she deals with it. The issues in this book are so topical now and all too real, and Siobham and revealed the harsh realities in a sympathetic and warm book that keeps you routing for the main characters from the first time they meet."
